
Hey, Welcome to the PDQ Sauce Recipe. It is a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dipping sauce inspired by the popular PDQ restaurant’s signature flavor.
If you’ve ever had this at a Caribbean family gathering or a festive dinner, you already know how irresistibly smooth and sweet it is.
Guess what happened when I tried to replicate that at home? I did it perfectly! I’m going to share the simplest method for preparing this delicious food in your own kitchen today.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
PDQ sauce comes from the American fast-casual chain PDQ, known for fresh, made-to-order chicken.
Their signature sauce blends creaminess with tang and mild sweetness, inspiring many home cooks to recreate it.
What does PDQ Sauce Recipe taste like?
This sauce tastes creamy, tangy, slightly smoky, and mildly sweet with a hint of spice. It has a smooth texture that coats chicken, fries, and sandwiches perfectly without overpowering other flavors.
By the way, you can also try the Zinger Mountain Melt Recipe.
PDQ Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best PDQ Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Ketchup | 3 tablespoons |
| Honey | 1 tablespoon |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy PDQ Sauce Recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container
How to Make PDQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Base
Add mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, and Dijon mustard to a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Step 3: Mix Until Smooth
Whisk everything until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly.
Recipe Card

PDQ Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, and Dijon mustard to a mixing bowl.

- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

- Whisk everything until the sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy.

- Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the PDQ Sauce Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Sugar | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy PDQ sauce pairs perfectly with chicken tenders, crispy fries, burgers, wraps, and sandwiches.
You can drizzle it over grilled vegetables, use it as a dipping sauce for snacks, or spread it inside sliders to add rich flavor and delicious tanginess.
Storage Tips
Store your homemade PDQ sauce in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to five days. Stir before using to maintain smoothness.
Avoid freezing, as the mayonnaise base may separate and alter the sauce’s texture, reducing its creamy consistency.
Variations You Can Try
If you want to change the flavor, you can easily adjust this sauce to match your taste.
You can make it spicier, sweeter, smokier, or even lighter by swapping a few ingredients so it fits whatever dish you’re serving.
Why This Sauce Works So Well
This sauce blends creamy, tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet notes in a way that enhances almost any savory dish.
Its smooth consistency adds richness without overpowering flavors, making it a perfect match for chicken, fries, sandwiches, and everyday meals.
Tips for the Best Flavor
For the most balanced flavor, let the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the ingredients time to blend properly.
Using fresh mayonnaise, quality mustard, and smoked paprika also makes a noticeable difference in taste.
How to Adjust Ingredients
If you prefer more tang, increase the Dijon mustard. For extra sweetness, add a little more honey.
A pinch of cayenne gives spice, while extra paprika boosts smokiness. These easy adjustments let you customize the sauce exactly the way you like.
How to Use It in Meals
Beyond dipping, you can add this sauce to weekday meals by spreading it in wraps, drizzling it over bowls, or mixing it into salads.
It works great for barbecue nights, lunchboxes, and quick snacks when you want instant flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the sauce, adding too much salt, or skipping the chilling time. Using low-quality mayonnaise can change the texture, and adding too many spices at once may make it unbalanced. Small steps ensure the perfect creamy consistency.
Perfect Pairings for This Sauce
You can pair this PDQ Sauce Recipe with crispy appetizers, grilled meats, or even simple weeknight dinners.
It adds a smooth, tangy richness that works beautifully with fried foods, roasted veggies, sliders, and game-day snacks. It instantly upgrades any basic dish with comforting flavor.
How to Make It Healthier
If you want a lighter version, you can swap regular mayonnaise with light mayo or Greek yogurt.
Reducing the honey or using low-sodium Worcestershire sauce also helps. These adjustments keep the flavor intact while making the sauce more diet-friendly.
Conclusion
This PDQ Sauce Recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right into your kitchen with simple ingredients and a quick mixing process. It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, and elevating your favorite snacks effortlessly.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the conclusion of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does homemade PDQ sauce last?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a pinch of chili flakes to increase the heat level.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. PDQ sauce is naturally dairy-free since it uses mayonnaise as the creamy base.
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, but Dijon adds more depth. Regular mustard will make the sauce slightly sharper and brighter.
What can I serve PDQ sauce with?
Serve it with chicken tenders, fries, burgers, wraps, roasted veggies, or sandwiches.
You will also like the Freebirds Queso Recipe.
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