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If you’ve ever dipped a hot, crispy fry into something creamy and slightly tangy and thought, why is this so good? — you already understand the magic of a great French fry dipping sauce. This easy fry sauce recipe is rich, savory, and just a little sweet, making it the best dipping sauce, whether you’re serving burgers, chicken nuggets, or a big basket of homemade fries.
Pair this sauce with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries or Easy Air Fryer French Fries and watch your family flock to the table!
Why this is the best dipping sauce for French fries!
Why make French fry dipping sauce when ketchup exists?!
If that’s your first thought when seeing this recipe, well, let me tell you: this fry sauce is super easy to make and you might even have most of the ingredients on hand in your pantry already. So really, the question is: why wouldn’t you want to make French fry dipping sauce?!
Some people call this a “secret sauce,” but I’m about to let the secret out of the bag! There’s nothing complicated or fussy here—all you have to do is stir together the ingredients and you’re good to go. The main ingredients are mayo and ketchup, but it’s the other ingredients that really deliver the flavor here. Worcestershire sauce brings umami to the table, pickle brine livens things up with a little tang, and hot sauce gives it a kick.
- Made with pantry staples: You probably already have everything you need.
- Creamy, tangy, and a little sweet: The perfect balance for salty fries.
- Ready in 5 minutes: Stir it together while your fries cook.
- So versatile: Use it on burgers, sandwiches, and chicken.
- Totally customizable: Make it spicy, smoky, or extra garlicky.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for French Fry Dip
The full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Mayonnaise – You can make a vegan fry sauce by using a plant-based mayo and Worcestershire sauce. Miracle Whip will work in this recipe, too!
- Ketchup – Adds sweetness and a hint of tomato tang.
- Worcestershire sauce – Gives that deep, savory flavor that makes people ask, “What’s in this?”
- Pickle brine – You can use relish instead, but I prefer pickle brine because it doesn’t change the color or texture of the sauce.
- Paprika – Use regular paprika or add some smoky flavor with smoked paprika.
- Hot sauce – You can use a pinch of cayenne instead if you don’t have hot sauce on hand.
Variations
- Spicy fry sauce: Add hot sauce or sriracha.
- Smoky: Mix in a little smoked paprika or BBQ sauce.
- Ranch fry sauce: Swap the mayo for ranch dressing.
How to Make French Fry Dipping Sauce
- Make the sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pickle brine, paprika, and hot sauce in a small bowl. Stir well.
- Enjoy: Serve it with your favorite fries!
Ways to Use French Fry Dipping Sauce
While the obvious way to use French fry dipping sauce is for French fries, I have some other ideas for you here:
- Tater tots
- Burgers
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Sweet potato fries
- Air Fryer Parmesan Fries
- Crispy Chicken Strips
- Corn on the Cob (kind of like Mexican street corn!)
How to Store Leftovers
You can refrigerate French fry dipping sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. It may separate a bit, which is okay! Just stir it before serving. Fry sauce doesn’t freeze well, so I don’t recommend it.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are different versions of fry sauce with slightly different ingredients, but the basic recipe is usually mayo and ketchup, plus other ingredients for flavor like pickle brine, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, hot sauce, etc.
This French fry dipping sauce originated in Utah, but now it’s becoming popular everywhere!
Fry sauce is creamy, sweet, savory, and a little bit tangy. It’s perfect for amping up the flavor of French fries!
They’re similar, but fry sauce is usually simpler and creamier, without relish or mustard.
More Sauce and Dip Recipes You’ll Love
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French Fry Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon pickle brine
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, pickle brine, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne. Serve with your favorite fries or use on a top of a burger!
Notes
- Let it rest: Even 10–15 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors meld.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more ketchup if you like it sweeter.
- Thin if needed: A teaspoon of milk or pickle juice smooths it out.
- Make it fresh: This sauce tastes best when made within a few days.
The potential variations are endless. If mayonnaise isn’t your thing then ranch dressing works wonderfully. I sometimes add barbecue sauce and or ground horseradish.
Absolutely great sauce.
I loved it made fresh,served with homemade blooming onions. The sauce is only as spicy as the hot sauce you add, or non at all,
Added chilli powder to taste, so great with fries and.my blooming onions.
Everyone loved it.