Copycat Sauces

Copycat In-N-Out Spread Recipe

Name: Copycat In-N-Out Spread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon finely minced yellow onion; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Prep: 10 minCook: 15 minEasy8 servings

Recreate the iconic In-N-Out Burger spread at home with this easy copycat recipe. Perfect for burgers, fries, or as a tangy dipping sauce, this creamy, sweet, and savory condiment brings California's favorite fast food taste straight to your kitchen.

If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a classic In-N-Out burger, you know the magic lies in their signature spread: creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and utterly craveable. This Copycat In-N-Out Spread Recipe lets you recreate that iconic West Coast burger experience right at home. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that’s perfect for burgers, fries, sandwiches, and more. What makes this sauce so special? It’s all about balance. The sweetness of ketchup and relish, the creamy base of mayo, a pop of vinegar, and just the right hint of onion all come together in a blend that’s more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re a sauce enthusiast looking to expand your repertoire or on a mission to master copycat sauces, this spread is a must-have. Don’t forget to check out our Copycat Shake Shack ShackSauce and Copycat Big Mac Sauce for more homemade fast food flavor. For a deeper dive into burger toppings, see our guide to the Best Sauces for Burgers.

Tested & Approved by FoodieManiac

Every recipe on this site is tested at least 3 times in my home kitchen before publishing. I've been developing sauce recipes for over 8 years, focusing on restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients. Learn more about me →

Ingredients

•1/2 cup mayonnaise
•3 tablespoons ketchup
•2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
•1 tablespoon finely minced yellow onion
•1 teaspoon white vinegar
•1 teaspoon granulated sugar
•1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
•1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
2
Add the finely minced yellow onion, white vinegar, and granulated sugar to the bowl.
3
Sprinkle in the salt and black pepper.
4
Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired (add a pinch more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang).
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spread for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
7
Stir the sauce before serving. Use as a burger topping, fry dip, or sandwich spread.
8
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tips

• For the most authentic flavor, use a classic full-fat mayonnaise (not light or olive oil varieties).
• Finely mince the onion for the best texture—large pieces can overpower the sauce.
• Letting the sauce rest in the fridge is crucial for the flavors to come together—don’t skip this step!
• Taste and adjust the sugar and vinegar to match your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.
• This spread is perfect for burgers, but also amazing as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Up to 1-2 weeks in airtight container
• Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge)
• Best Practice: Store in glass jars for longer freshness

Recipe Variations

• Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Substitute dill relish for sweet pickle relish for a more tart, less sweet flavor.
• Stir in a teaspoon of yellow mustard for extra tang and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade In-N-Out spread last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last up to 1 week.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting it rest in the fridge overnight improves the flavor.

Is there a substitute for sweet pickle relish?

You can use dill relish or finely chopped pickles with a pinch of sugar as a substitute.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your mayonnaise, ketchup, and relish are gluten-free (check labels to be sure).

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