Ever crave that tangy, creamy, and slightly fiery kick from McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce? You’re not alone.
Whether it was on the Crispy Chicken Sandwich or a limited-time favorite, this sauce brought the heat in the best way. And now—you can make your own version at home with just a few pantry staples and a blender.
I’ve tested this recipe over and over to get the right balance of creaminess, vinegar zing, and lingering pepper warmth. The best part? You can easily dial the heat up or down to suit your family.
This sauce is so good on burgers, fries, wraps, grilled chicken, or even as a dip for veggies. Once you try it, you’ll never want to go without a jar in the fridge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce copycat is fast, flexible, and full of flavor. You’ll love how quickly it comes together—no cooking required! Just toss the ingredients into a blender, and in 5 minutes, you’ve got a bold, creamy sauce ready for burgers, wraps, or dipping.
Even better, you control the heat and ingredients. No preservatives, no mystery oils—just real flavor. It’s a fun way to elevate weeknight dinners or spice up lunchboxes for adventurous kiddos (or spice-loving teens!).
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce (for extra heat)
Pro Tips
- Use Full-Fat Mayo – For the richest flavor, stick to full-fat mayonnaise. Lighter versions will change the texture and taste.
- Blend It Smooth – Use a high-speed blender or immersion blender for a silky, emulsified sauce.
- Chill Before Serving – Letting the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and deepen.
- Adjust the Heat – Reduce cayenne and red pepper flakes for a milder sauce. Add hot sauce to kick it up!
- Store it Right – Use a clean jar or squeeze bottle for easy storage and longer shelf life.
Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or immersion blender
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowls for prep
- Rubber spatula
- Clean jar or squeeze bottle for storage
Substitutions & Variations
- No Dijon? Use yellow mustard for a slightly tangier twist.
- Add Fresh Garlic – Substitute 1 small clove of garlic for the granulated version for stronger flavor.
- Make it Vegan – Use vegan mayo to keep it dairy- and egg-free.
- Extra Tangy? Add a splash of pickle juice or lemon juice in place of vinegar.
Make Ahead Tips
This sauce tastes even better the next day. Make it 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor infusion. Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. Shake or stir before each use.
Instructions
1. Measure Out Ingredients
Gather all your spices, vinegar, water, mustard, and mayonnaise into small prep bowls for easy blending.
2. Blend Until Smooth
Add everything to a blender. Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
3. Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning or spice. Add a bit more hot sauce if you want more heat.
4. Chill Before Serving
Transfer to a glass jar or squeeze bottle. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Use on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, or as a dip. It’s especially delicious with crispy chicken or fries!
Leftovers & Storage
Store the sauce in a clean airtight jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Stir or shake before each use, as some separation may occur naturally. Avoid freezing—this sauce is best enjoyed fresh and creamy!
Recipe FAQs
How spicy is this sauce?
It has a mild-medium kick. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the cayenne, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
Technically yes, but it will taste much sweeter and slightly tangy. Stick with real mayo for the classic flavor.
Can kids eat this sauce?
Yes, if they like a little heat. You can reduce the spice for younger kids and use it as a fun dip or sandwich spread.
Is this sauce like McChicken sauce?
No, McChicken uses a mayo-style sauce. This copycat is specific to the Spicy Pepper Sauce used on their premium sandwiches.
How can I use this sauce besides sandwiches?
Try it on wraps, tacos, fries, grilled chicken, or even mixed into pasta salads for a spicy twist!
Time to Spice It Up—McDonald’s Style!
Craving that fast-food heat at home? This McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce copycat brings the bold, creamy, zesty flavor you’ve been missing—and it’s so easy to whip up!
Give it a try this week, then come back and leave a comment to let me know how you used it or ask any questions. Let’s keep the flavor going!