The first time I tasted something close to fry sauce was in Amsterdam. I was at a farmers market and ordered thick-cut potato fries, called “Patat Frites."
They were served in a paper cone and topped with a dollop of mayonnaise and ketchup. And it was love at first bite! From that day on, I’ve always had my fries with that combination. So when a few years ago, on a trip to the gorgeous Yellowstone National Park, I came across ‘Fry Sauce’ in a bottle, you can imagine my joy! In my book, Fry Sauce is one of the most delicious and versatile condiments!
The Best French Fry Dipping Sauce
What if I were to tell you that the only reason to eat french fries is for the sauce? That’s a bold statement, but I stand with it. This is the BEST french fry dipping sauce that practically makes itself and requires five simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. A mash-up of mayo and ketchup, along with a touch of vinegar and spices to amp up the flavor, my hubby can never get enough of this sauce. Sometimes I have to hide it in the back of the fridge just to prevent him from eating the whole jar! It hits all the right marks - sweet, tangy, creamy, and somewhat spicy - it’s seriously addicting. My family and I love to enjoy it with fries and burgers, but it’s so versatile, you can pair it with quesadillas, tacos, chicken, even veggies. And it’s totally OK to lick it right off the spoon! 🙂
What is Fry Sauce? Where was it made?
Fry sauce is just as the name suggests - a sauce that goes hand-in-hand with french fries. In its most basic form, it is a simple combination of two parts mayo to one part ketchup, along with a few variations on vinegar and spices. According to this article on the history of fry sauce, it was credited in the 1940s by Chef Don Carlos Edwards in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, history also shows that it was first created in the mid-1920s in eastern Argentina under the name salsa golf (the golf resort’s restaurant where Luis Federico Leloir created the sauce). You can find many store-ready brands for Fry Sauce online or in stores, but it really just takes less than 5 minutes to make your own.
Ingredients - Notes & Substitutions
The shortlist of ingredients for homemade fry sauce includes mayonnaise and ketchup, along with apple cider vinegar, paprika, cayenne and salt.
Mayo: Go with a high-quality, full-fat, store-bought mayo. My preferred brand is Best Foods, but Hellmann’s is another great option. Ketchup: I love the flavor of Organic Heinz, but the Organic 365 brand at Whole Foods works well, too. Use the ketchup that’s already tucked in the back of your fridge or pantry. Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar works so well as it is naturally sweet and acidic. It adds yet another level of pop and tang. Lime juice is the next best substitute but use half the quantity.Spices: Paprika and cayenne offer a balance of chile pepper flavor that’s both sweet and spicy. For a unique, smoky flavor, smoked sweet paprika is another great option.
How to Make Fry Sauce - Easy 5-minute Recipe
This sauce practically makes itself. Here is how you can enjoy it in just 5 minutes:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, paprika, cayenne and salt in a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Using a whisk or spatula, mix everything well, until well combined.
Use right away or store in the refrigerator to use with burgers and french fries.
Serving Suggestions - Burgers, Fries & More
The mix of white sauce with ketchup is a pretty versatile condiment. It goes great with burgers, fries, quesadillas, tacos and more. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
Veggie BurgerMasala Chicken BurgerTandoori Chicken SlidersFrench FriesChicken Wings
Recipe Tips & Notes:
Use your favorite mayo and ketchup. These two condiments are the main ingredients, so it’s best to use whatever brand you prefer.Lime juice is a great alternative to apple cider vinegar. Just make sure to use half the quantity called for in the recipe.Serve cold. The dipping sauce is best served cold, which makes it a wonderful make-ahead recipe. Prepare it at least 30 minutes beforehand and keep it covered in the fridge until ready for dipping.Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s is best enjoyed within 3 days.
Commonly Asked Questions for Fry Sauce
More Sauce Recipes From My Kitchen
Easy Tzatziki Sauce: A wonderful chilled cucumber and yogurt sauce, spread, dip or dressing for grilled meats, gyros, vegetables, salads and warm pita.Creamy Avocado Dressing: A five-minute avocado sauce that gets its bright flavor from cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice.Cilantro Coconut Chutney: A combo of peppery cilantro, sweet coconut, spicy serrano chili and a unique finishing touch of tempered spices for a vibrant side dish recipe.Cilantro Chutney: A mildly spicy sauce made with fresh cilantro, green chilies, ginger, lime juice and a touch of honey.Cucumber Raita: A creamy and cooling cucumber-yogurt dip best served with pita, chips and Indian main dishes.Avocado Raita: A beautifully green avocado and yogurt dip for fresh cut veggies, flatbread, paratha, crispy snacks, curries and biryani.
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