7 Sauce Recipes for Fries That’ll Make You Forget Ketchup
Fries are perfect on their own—but let’s be honest, they’re really just an excuse to dip into something delicious. If you’ve been stuck on ketchup or ranch, it’s time to level up your fry game. Whether you’re dipping crispy shoestrings, thick-cut steak fries, sweet potato wedges, or crinkle cuts, these 7 sauce recipes for fries will take your snack or side to the next level.
These sauces are easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable. No need for store-bought bottles—your new favorite fry sauce is probably in your fridge already!
1. Classic Fry Sauce (The Utah Favorite)
This legendary combo of ketchup and mayo is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s beloved in Utah and beyond—and takes only seconds to whip up.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayo and ketchup.
- Stir in vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until smooth. Chill for 10–15 minutes if you like it cold.
Pro Tip: Add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a kick.
2. Garlic Parmesan Aioli
This rich, savory sauce is the ultimate match for crispy fries. It’s creamy, garlicky, and has a cheesy bite that makes it completely irresistible.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the garlic infuses the sauce.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Pairs best with: Steak fries or truffle fries.
3. Spicy Chipotle Mayo
This smoky, spicy mayo brings serious flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who loves bold, smoky heat—and it’s especially good with sweet potato fries.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chipotles.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Bonus Use: Great on burgers, too!
4. Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Sweet, tangy, and just a bit spicy, this honey mustard is a crowd-pleaser. It’s especially tasty with crinkle fries or chicken and fries combos.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk everything together in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Leave out the cayenne for a milder version.
5. Curry Ketchup
A European favorite, especially in Germany and the Netherlands, curry ketchup is a spiced-up twist on your usual tomato dip. It’s great with crispy fries, bratwurst, or even onion rings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Let it sit for 15–20 minutes so the spices can blend.
- Serve with hot, crispy fries.
Make it vegan: Choose vegan Worcestershire sauce or skip it.
6. Sriracha Ranch
Love spicy and creamy? This simple combo will become your go-to dipping sauce. It’s got that familiar ranch flavor with a punch of heat from the sriracha.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha (depending on spice tolerance)
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Stir the sriracha into the ranch dressing.
- Add lime juice for a zesty finish.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to use.
Goes great with: Waffle fries, curly fries, or chicken fries.
7. Cheddar Cheese Sauce (Melty & Dippable)
Who can resist dipping fries into warm, gooey cheese? This homemade cheddar sauce is perfect for cheese fries, nachos, or just eating straight with a spoon (no judgment).
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden (this is your roux).
- Slowly whisk in milk and continue stirring until it thickens (3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Storage Tip: Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk.
Bonus Ideas to Customize Your Sauces
Once you’ve mastered these 7 sauce recipes for fries, you can easily tweak them to suit your taste. Here are a few fun mix-ins and substitutions:
- Add herbs: Try dill, parsley, or chives in mayo-based sauces.
- Sweeten it up: Add a touch of maple syrup to mustard sauces.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne, a few drops of hot sauce, or crushed red pepper can add heat to any sauce.
- Make it vegan: Use vegan mayo or plant-based cheese where needed.
- Swap bases: Try Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative to mayo.
Serving Tips for Maximum Dipping Enjoyment
- Serve sauces in ramekins or small bowls—this keeps things neat and lets everyone choose their dip.
- Warm sauces like cheese sauce or curry ketchup taste better when served hot. Keep them warm in a small crockpot or on the stove.
- Make a fry board: Like a charcuterie board, but for fries! Serve a variety of fry types and a few sauces in the center. It’s perfect for parties or game night.
Final Thoughts: Why Settle for Ketchup?
With these 7 sauce recipes for fries, you’ll never reach for a plain bottle of ketchup again (unless it’s part of curry ketchup or fry sauce, of course!). Each dip brings out something different in your fries—whether it’s spicy heat, creamy richness, or sweet tang.
Try one, try them all, and don’t be afraid to mix and match. Fries are fun, and your dipping sauces should be too.
