Copycat Animal Sauce
This copycat Animal Sauce tastes just like the In-N-Out original, and it comes together in about two minutes with five simple ingredients. After making it on repeat for burger nights at home, I can tell you the secret is real mayo and sweet pickle relish - that combination is what nails the signature tangy, slightly sweet flavor. It's the sauce I reach for on everything from burgers to fries to chicken strips.
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What You Need to Make Copycat Animal Sauce
This easy sauce is made with a handful of pantry staples - you probably have everything already. Here's what goes in:
- Mayonnaise - use real, full-fat mayo, not Miracle Whip.
- Ketchup - the tomato base that gives it color and body.
- Sweet pickle relish - the key to that signature Animal Sauce flavor.
- White vinegar - just a little, for tang.
- Granulated sugar - a touch of sweetness to round it out.
How to Make Copycat Animal Sauce
This sauce comes together in two quick steps - no cooking required.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar to a small bowl.
Step 2: Stir and serve. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Use it right away, or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for later.
Variations and Substitutions
Making it at home means you can adjust it to taste. A few tested directions:
- Swap the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar works in place of white vinegar - it gives a very slight flavor change.
- Use dill relish. If you only have dill relish instead of sweet, add a little extra sugar to make up for it. Add it a bit at a time and taste as you go until it's right.
- Make a bigger batch. This recipe doubles easily for a crowd or a cookout.
What to Serve with Copycat Animal Sauce
This one is endlessly useful - here's where it shines:
- Burgers. The classic use. Spread it on for that fast-food-style burger at home.
- Fries. Perfect for dipping, especially crispy air fryer fries.
- Chicken strips. A tangy, sweet dip for tenders and nuggets.
- Wraps and sandwiches. Use it as a spread anywhere you'd use a special sauce.
Building a copycat sauce collection? Pair it with my copycat Big Mac sauce for burger night and my copycat Chick-fil-A sauce for dipping chicken.
👩🍳 Tips from My Kitchen
I've made this sauce more times than I can count, and a few small things make the difference between "close" and "tastes just like the drive-thru."
- Use real mayonnaise. Full-fat real mayo is the foundation here - Miracle Whip is sweeter and tangier in the wrong way and throws off the balance.
- Sweet relish is the signature. Sweet pickle relish is what makes it taste like Animal Sauce. If you only have dill, add sugar a little at a time and taste between additions until it comes together.
- Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch. You can swap it for the white vinegar - just know it shifts the flavor slightly.
- It keeps about two weeks. Stored airtight in the fridge, it stays good for up to two weeks. I don't recommend freezing it - it would likely turn watery and lose flavor.
- Family verdict: this one disappears fast on burger night at our house.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In-N-Out Animal Sauce made of?
It's a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and a little sugar. The combination lands somewhere between a Thousand Island dressing and a burger spread - creamy, tangy, and just slightly sweet.
How long does copycat Animal Sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays good for up to two weeks. This recipe makes about ¾ cup, so a batch covers plenty of burgers, fries, and dipping.
Can you freeze Animal Sauce?
I don't recommend it. Like most mayonnaise-based sauces, the texture would likely break down and turn watery after thawing. It's best made fresh and kept in the fridge.
What's the difference between Animal Sauce and Big Mac sauce?
They're close cousins, but not identical. Animal Sauce leans on sweet pickle relish and a touch of vinegar for its tang, while my copycat Big Mac sauce uses more mustard and yellow color for its signature flavor. If you love one, it's worth making both to compare.
Can you use dill relish instead of sweet?
Yes, but you'll want to add a little extra sugar to make up for the missing sweetness. Add it gradually and taste as you go until the flavor is balanced.
Copycat Animal Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- ½ tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the ingredients. Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, and sugar to a small bowl.
- Step 2: Stir and serve. Stir until fully combined. Use right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
