In N Out Sauce (Easy Recipe)

This copycat In-N-Out sauce will make your burgers and fries taste just like they came out of the OG burger joint.

It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.

In-N-Out may be famous for their burgers and animal-style loaded fries, but I think it’s the sauce that makes everything extra special.

The combination of rich, creamy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors is just to die for. It’s everything you can ask for in a sauce and then some!

I love this sauce so much that I experimented with recipes online to create the perfect copycat. It took me a while, but I think I’ve nailed it!

In N Out Secret Sauce

If you’re craving an In-N-Out burger but don’t live on the West Coast, first of all, I feel your pain!

But today’s our lucky day.

I may not have the recipe for their signature burger, but I know how to make their secret sauce.

Just smear this creamy delight on any burger, and it’ll taste like an In-N-Out classic.

And don’t worry, there’s no special equipment or rare ingredients needed to make this happen.

In fact, the ingredients are so basic and budget-friendly that it’s almost funny.

Curious yet? Let’s get started.

Why is it called In N Out?

It all started in 1948 when Harry and Esther Snyder opened up a burger joint with a car-hop ordering system.

This approach was very popular at the time in California, so the couple decided to try it out. And it’s what led to their now-iconic name.

In-N-Out got its name from the way staff would take orders. Instead of clients coming into the restaurant, they would stay in their cars, and the staff would come out to them. Then, once they took the order, they would go inside to order and retrieve the food for a simple “in-n-out” transaction.

In-N-Out soon became one of the most beloved burger joints in the country, and it now has over 300 locations.

Unfortunately, they’re pretty much all on the West Coast.

Luckily, you can bring a little California sunshine right into your own kitchen with this recipe for their signature sauce.

What is In N Out Sauce Made Of?

While many people mistake the iconic In-N-Out sauce for Thousand Island dressing, the two aren’t the same.

They have similar flavor profiles – creamy and savory with a little bit of tang – but Thousand Island dressing has a little bit of kick, thanks to the addition of either tabasco sauce or paprika.

In contrast, In-N-Out sauce is a tad sweeter and not spicy at all.

In-N-Out sauce is made using five common pantry staples that you likely already have on hand:

• Mayonnaise 
• Ketchup 
• White Vinegar 
• Granulated Sugar 
• Sweet Pickle Relish

Together, these simple condiments create a sweet, creamy, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for burgers, fries, chips, and more.

How to Make Homemade In N Out Sauce

It seriously couldn’t be easier.

Just whisk all the ingredients together – mayo, ketchup, vinegar, sugar, and pickles – and voila!

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. 

How to Use In N Out Sauce

Aside from spreading it on burgers and sandwiches, here are a few other delicious ways you can make use of this fantastic sauce:

• On top of fries – this is actually the same sauce In-N-Out uses for their animal fries!
• On meatloaf – instead of ketchup, use this sauce to coat that block of meatloaf.
• On baked potato – it’s a great alternative to sour cream. 
• On fish and chips – ditch the tartar sauce and use this instead.
• On grilled cheese – cheese and bread + In-N-Out sauce = heaven.
• As a dip – to chips, crackers, deep-fried goodies, chicken fingers, you name it.

How to Store In N Out Sauce

In-N-Out sauce has a pretty long shelf-life, so I highly recommend you double or triple the recipe.

Store it in a bowl or a squeeze bottle and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

If you want to store it for longer, pop it in the freezer! 

Place it in an airtight container, leaving about half an inch of space at the top (sauces expand when frozen).

Label the container accordingly and freeze. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Set it out on the counter to thaw a few hours before using.

More Copycat Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

Arby’s Sauce
Wingstop Ranch Recipe
Qdoba Queso
Hormel Chili Dip
Taco Bell Diablo Sauce