orange sauce in a ramekin, fries in the background

DIPPING SAUCE FOR FRIES (FAMOUS UTAH FRY SAUCE)

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Your french fries are already thanking you! This Dipping Sauce for Fries is Utah’s Famous Fry Sauce for a reason! It’s creamy, tangy, so full of flavour and is perfect for dipping fries and other fried foods.

I don’t have to be told twice to dip my french fries in a dipping sauce. From regular ol’ mayonnaise or its spicy or chipotle counterparts, to ranch dressing and garlic aioli and ANYTHING and everything in between. I’m a saucy gal through and through and you bet your potatoes that I’ll be dipping every last one. Sometimes, I even have an array of all different kinds of dipping sauces going on all at the same time. And other times, if nothing else is available, good ol’ ketchup will get its chance.

The fact of the matter is that to me, french fries (or anything else for that dang matter) are just not the same without a little sauce! And if you know me and my sauces (which you very well should by now if you’ve even read just one of my posts…) is that they’re usually creamy, dreamy and downright delicious!

fries and orange dipping sauce on a parchment lined baking sheet

So, for a gal as saucy as me who just so happens to also be a food blogger, making homemade dipping sauces from scratch has become one of my love languages in the kitchen. From homemade salad dressings and marinades to dipping sauces made entirely from scratch, I’m a firm believer that there is a dipping sauce for everything! This french fry sauce proves exactly that as it truly is a match made in Heaven for crispy potatoes. Once you have this magical fry sauce, you’ll start wanting to use it on more than just fries!

So, if you’re anything like me and my creamy sauces, I already know that you’re all about adding a little extra flavour to your fries. And let me tell you, Utah’s famous fry sauce is seriously where it’s at! It’s creamy, tangy and packed with flavour making it the ultimate dip for your crispy spuds. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be slathering it on everything from fries to burgers and beyond. I know I can’t be the only one!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE UTAH’S FAMOUS FRY SAUCE

ingredients for dipping sauce fries - ketchup, mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

It’s crazy how such few and simple ingredients (you might even already have on hand!) come together to form a magical dipping sauce that is not only the perfect balance of creamy and tangy but also makes an incredible dipping sauce for more than just french fries. Let’s discuss exactly what you’ll need to make it in a little bit more detail down below:

  • Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of Utah fry sauce. It adds richness and texture, helping to coat the fries evenly. Made primarily from oil, egg yolks and vinegar or lemon juice, mayonnaise contributes a smooth and velvety consistency to the sauce. Either store bought or homemade mayonnaise will work well in this recipe.
  • Ketchup: Provides the signature tangy sweetness to the fry sauce. Made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar and various spices, ketchup brings a vibrant red color and a hint of acidity that balances the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
  • Vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the fry sauce. It helps to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and ketchup, providing a pleasant tanginess that enhances the overall flavour profile. White vinegar works best in this recipe. However, feel free to use a different kind (such as red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar) if that’s all you have on hand, or if you prefer.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: A fermented condiment made from a blend of vinegar, molasses, anchovies, tamarind, onions, garlic and other savoury ingredients. It contributes depth of flavour and umami notes to the fry sauce, enhancing its overall complexity.
  • Garlic Powder: Infuses the fry sauce with a subtle yet distinct garlic flavour. It adds depth and warmth to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and satisfying taste. If you’re looking for a more pronounced garlic flavour and aroma use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. You’ll need 2 fresh cloves instead of the 1/2 a teaspoon of garlic powder for this recipe.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the fry sauce to taste. They help to balance the flavours and bring out the natural sweetness of the ketchup while adding a touch of heat and seasoning.
fry about to be dipped in an orange sauce, more fries in the background

HOW TO MAKE DIPPING SAUCE FOR FRIES (KEY TIPS)

orange sauce on two fries over a tray with more

You can find full instructions for how to make this famous Utah french fry sauce in the recipe card down below. But here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:

  • Use good quality and fresh ingredients for the best results. Start with high quality mayonnaise, ketchup and other ingredients to achieve the best flavour. Fresh ingredients can make a significant difference in the taste of the final sauce.
  • Ensure that you thoroughly mix all of the ingredients together to create a smooth and homogenous sauce. Use a whisk or spoon to blend everything evenly.
  • Allow the fry sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavours to meld together and develop, resulting in a tastier sauce.
  • Taste the fry sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, vinegar or other flavourings to suit your preferences. EXTRA TIP: Pay attention to the proportions of each ingredient. While you can adjust to your taste, maintaining a balance between the creamy mayo, tangy ketchup and other flavourings is crucial for a well-rounded fry sauce. EXTRA EXTRA TIP: Feel free to experiment with the recipe! You can add additional ingredients such as fresh herbs, hot sauce or spices to customize the flavour to your liking.
hand dipping a fry in orange sauce over a tray with more
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS FRENCH FRY DIPPING SAUCE MADE OF?

French fry dipping sauce, also known as fry sauce, typically consists of a combination of mayonnaise and ketchup as its base ingredients. Additional flavorings such as vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, hot sauce or other spices may be added to enhance the taste according to personal preference. The exact recipe can vary depending on regional preferences and individual tastes.

In this simple recipe for dipping sauce for fries, we use a simple combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and salt and pepper, to taste.

IS FRY SAUCE THE SAME AS THOUSAND ISLAND?

While fry sauce and Thousand Island dressing share some similarities, they are not exactly the same.

Fry sauce typically consists of a simple mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup, often with additional flavorings such as vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder or spices. It tends to have a tangy and creamy taste, perfect for dipping fries and other fried foods.

Thousand Island dressing, on the other hand, is a more complex condiment that typically includes mayonnaise, ketchup and sweet pickle relish as its base ingredients. Additional ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, hard-boiled eggs, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce and spices are often added to enhance the flavour. Thousand Island dressing is commonly used as a salad dressing or sandwich spread. It has a sweeter and chunkier texture compared to fry sauce.

While both fry sauce and Thousand Island dressing feature mayonnaise and ketchup as key components, their flavour profiles and uses are distinct.

IS FRY SAUCE JUST A UTAH THING?

Fry sauce is often associated with Utah, where it’s widely popular and considered a regional specialty. However, variations of fry sauce can be found in other parts of the United States and around the world. In some regions, similar condiments may go by different names or have slightly different ingredient combinations, but the concept of a dipping sauce made primarily from a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup is not exclusive to Utah. It’s enjoyed by many people in different places, albeit with regional twists and preferences.

HOW SHOULD I STORE HOMEMADE FRY SAUCE?

Transfer the fry sauce to an airtight container, such as a jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the container securely to prevent air from entering, which can cause the sauce to spoil more quickly. Place the container in the refrigerator to keep the fry sauce chilled. It’ll be good for up to 1 week. Give it a good stir to recombine the flavours before using again.

fries on a tray with parsley and parmesan, bowl of orange dipping sauce, 2 fries in the bowl
orange sauce in a ramekin, fries in the background

DIPPING SAUCE FOR FRIES (UTAH'S FAMOUS FRY SAUCE)

Yield: ~3/4 Cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Your french fries are already thanking you! This Dipping Sauce for Fries is Utah's Famous Fry Sauce for a reason! It's creamy, tangy, so full of flavour and is perfect for dipping fries and other fried foods.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise, homemade or store bought*
  • 1/4 cup Ketchup
  • 1 tbsp White Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions

    In a bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the fry sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavours to meld together. Serve with your favourite fries or other fried foods for dipping!
    ketchup, mayo and garlic powder unmixed in a bowl
    creamy orange sauce in a bowl with salt and pepper on top
    creamy orange sauce in a bowl

Notes

To make your own homemade mayonnaise from scratch at home, follow THIS EASY RECIPE.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your preference, adding more ketchup for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 822Total Fat: 82gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 68gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 1595mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 2g

Nutrition is only an estimate and calculated using Nutritionix.

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