DIY PDQ Sauce: The Perfect Copycat Recipe

PDQ Sauce is a beloved condiment known for its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, making it a perfect accompaniment for chicken tenders, fries, burgers, and more. Originating from the Southern United States, this versatile sauce combines the richness of mayonnaise with the tang of mustard and ketchup, balanced by a hint of smoky paprika and the sweetness of honey. Whether you’re looking to recreate the signature taste of PDQ at home or simply want a delicious dipping sauce for your favorite dishes, this easy-to-make recipe will surely hit the spot.

Why will you love this recipe?

This Sauce recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its rich, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes, making it a must-have for any meal. Here’s why you’ll love making and enjoying this sauce:

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up this sauce in minutes, perfect for last-minute meal prep or adding a special touch to your dishes. 
• Versatile: This sauce is incredibly versatile—use it as a dip for fries and chicken tenders, spread it on burgers and sandwiches, or drizzle it over salads for an extra burst of flavor. 
• Customizable: The recipe can easily be tweaked to suit your taste preferences. Whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or tangier, you can adjust the ingredients to create your perfect version. 
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and balanced flavor, this sauce is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great addition to family meals, barbecues, and gatherings.

Key Notes

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Rubber Spatula
• Storage Container with Lid

PDQ Sauce Ingredients

Making PDQ Sauce Recipe

Combine the Base Ingredients: 

In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined. 

Add the Flavorings: 

Pour in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well until everything is smooth and evenly distributed. 

Incorporate the Spices: 

Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until the spices are fully integrated into the sauce. 

Season to Taste: 

Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed. 

Chill the Sauce: 

For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. 

Serve and Enjoy: 

Use the PDQ Sauce as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, or veggies, or spread it on sandwiches and burgers.

Secret Tips for Better Results

To take your PDQ Dip Sauce to the next level, there are a few tricks that can help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and texture. By making small adjustments and incorporating some expert tips, you can customize the sauce to suit your personal taste and ensure it turns out just right every time. Here are some secret tips for better results:

• Use High-Quality Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise is the base of the sauce, so using a high-quality brand will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture. 
• Fresh Spices: Use fresh spices for the best flavor. If your paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder has been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them for a more vibrant taste. 
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a bit more honey. Conversely, if you like it less sweet, reduce the honey or replace it with a touch of brown sugar for a deeper flavor. 
• Mix in Pickle Juice: A splash of pickle juice can add an extra tangy kick, enhancing the overall flavor profile and giving it a unique twist. 
• Blend for Smoothness: If you prefer a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to mix the ingredients. This helps to emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky, smooth texture. 
• Let it Marinate: Allow the sauce to sit in the refrigerator overnight. This gives the flavors more time to meld together, resulting in a richer, more cohesive taste. 
• Balance the Acidity: If the sauce tastes too tangy, balance it out with a small amount of sugar or honey. If it’s too sweet, a little more vinegar or lemon juice can add the right amount of acidity.

Flavor Variations

To make your sauce even more versatile and tailored to your taste, you can experiment with different flavor variations. Whether you prefer a bit of heat, a smoky undertone, or something completely unique, these variations will help you customize the sauce to match your culinary cravings:

• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version that brings heat without overpowering the other flavors. 
• Smoky BBQ: Substitute half of the ketchup with BBQ sauce and add extra smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly sweet twist. 
• Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to create a fresh, earthy flavor. 
• Tangy Lemon: Add a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and a bit of zest for a zesty, tangy variation. 
• Sriracha Twist: Replace the ketchup with Sriracha sauce for a spicy-sweet combination with a distinct Sriracha flavor. 
• Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic powder or add freshly minced garlic for a bolder, more intense garlic flavor. 
• Chipotle Style: Mix in chipotle in adobo sauce or chipotle powder for a smoky and slightly spicy variation with a hint of chipotle.

Storage Guidelines

To ensure your dip sauce stays fresh and maintains its quality, it’s important to store it properly. Following these storage guidelines will help you keep the sauce tasting its best and prevent any spoilage. Here’s how to store your homemade sauce effectively:

• Refrigerate: After preparing the sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will help preserve the freshness and prevent any bacteria from developing. 
• Use Within 1 Week: For the best flavor and quality, consume the sauce within one week of preparation. Over time, the taste may change, and the sauce could lose its freshness. 
• Stir Before Use: Before using the sauce, give it a quick stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined, especially if it’s been sitting for a few days. 
• Avoid Contamination: Use a clean spoon every time you scoop out the sauce to prevent introducing any contaminants that could cause it to spoil faster. 
• Check for Freshness: If the sauce develops an off smell, unusual texture, or any signs of mold, discard it immediately.

Serving Suggestion

This sauce is incredibly versatile and can complement a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance your meals or find new ways to enjoy this flavorful condiment, there are plenty of delicious options. Here are some great serving suggestions that will help to give the complete look to the dining table:

• Moo Shu Beef
• Ika Salad
• Panes con Pollo
• Garlic Bread Tortilla
• Aurelio’s Pizza

Conclusion

In conclusion, PDQ Sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes with its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. Whether you’re using it as a dip, a spread, or a dressing, this sauce is easy to make and customized to suit your taste preferences. With its simplicity and adaptability, this sauce is a great addition to any kitchen, making everyday meals and special occasions even more enjoyable.

PDQ Sauce Recipe

PDQ Sauce is a popular sauce known for its unique flavor, often used as a dipping sauce for chicken. The recipe for PDQ Sauce is somewhat of a closely guarded secret, but it's generally known to be a creamy, tangy sauce with a blend of flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Sauce

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 136 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring Cups And Spoons
• Rubber Spatula
• Storage Container with Lid

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are well combined.
• Pour in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well until everything is smooth and evenly distributed.
• Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until the spices are fully integrated into the sauce.
• Taste the sauce and add salt and black pepper according to your preference. Start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Use the PDQ Sauce as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, or veggies, or spread it on sandwiches and burgers.

Notes

The mayonnaise is the base of the sauce, so using a high-quality brand will make a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture. 

Keyword PDQ Sauce