House Sauce: What It Is, Ingredients, and How to Make It

House sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment used in burgers, kebabs, and more. Learn its ingredients, variations, and how to make it at home!

Understanding House Sauce: A Culinary Staple

What Is It?

Definition and Origins

House sauce is a versatile, restaurant-made condiment that enhances the flavor of burgers, sandwiches, kebabs, and even fries. Unlike mass-produced sauces like ketchup or mustard, it is often a proprietary blend created by chefs to give their food a unique taste.

Its origins aren’t tied to one specific cuisine. Instead, different restaurants and cultures have developed their own versions. Some trace their roots to classic French aioli, while others resemble Thousand Island dressing or remoulade. In Middle Eastern kebab shops, it often combines yogurt, garlic, and herbs, while American diners lean toward a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and spices.

Why It’s a Popular Choice in Restaurants

Many restaurants rely on house sauce because it:

Adds a unique identity – A special sauce sets a restaurant apart from competitors.
Enhances flavor balance – The mix of creamy, tangy, and sometimes spicy elements creates a perfect complement to meats, fried foods, and bread.
Encourages customer loyalty – Ever craved a fast-food burger just because of the sauce? That’s no accident—restaurants use house sauces to keep customers coming back.
Works with multiple dishes – Whether drizzled over a burger, dipped with fries, or spread on a wrap, it’s an all-in-one condiment.

Common Ingredients in House Sauce

Base Components: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, and More

Most house sauces start with a few staple ingredients:

Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives house sauce its rich texture.
Ketchup – Adds a slight sweetness and tang.
Mustard – Brings a bit of sharpness and depth.
Pickle relish – For a touch of acidity and crunch.
Garlic and onion powder – Essential for a savory kick.
Vinegar or lemon juice – Enhances brightness and tang.
Paprika or cayenne pepper – Provides warmth and subtle heat.

Some variations may include Worcestershire sauce for umami depth or honey for a bit of sweetness.

Variations Across Different Cuisines

This versatile sauce differs based on region and cuisine:

American-style – Usually a mix of mayo, ketchup, and mustard, similar to secret sauce on burgers.
Middle Eastern kebab sauce – Often yogurt-based with garlic, lemon, and herbs.
Asian-inspired – May include soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili paste for a punchier taste.
Latin American – Sometimes features avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for a fresh, zesty profile.

No matter the style, house sauce remains a must-have condiment that elevates any dish.

House Sauce in Fast Food and Restaurants

This sauce isn’t just a homemade favorite—it plays a huge role in fast food and restaurant menus worldwide. Whether you’re grabbing a sub from Subway, enjoying a late-night kebab, or biting into a loaded burger, chances are a signature sauce is what ties everything together. But what exactly makes it so popular in these settings? Let’s break it down.

House Sauce at Subway: What’s Inside?

House sauce on a burger — A juicy burger topped with delicious house sauce.

If you’ve ever ordered a sandwich at Subway, you’ve probably noticed their extensive sauce selection. However, many locations offer a special house sauce that isn’t clearly listed. While the exact recipe varies by location, it typically includes:

Mayonnaise and mustard – These create a creamy, slightly tangy base.
Vinegar or lemon juice – Adds a bit of acidity to balance the flavors.
Garlic and onion powder – Essential for that savory kick.
Paprika or black pepper – Brings subtle warmth.
Sweeteners like honey or sugar – To create a mild sweetness.

Some locations mix their house sauce with chipotle or ranch flavors, making it a little smoky or herby. No matter the blend, it adds a signature touch to Subway’s subs, making them more flavorful and unique.

House Sauce in Kebab Shops

Kebab shops, especially in Europe and the Middle East, have their own version of house sauce, often referred to as white sauce or garlic sauce. Unlike American-style versions that are mayo- and ketchup-based, kebab sauce leans on yogurt, garlic, and herbs.

How It Complements Grilled Meats

Kebab-style house sauce is designed to balance out the richness of grilled lamb, chicken, or beef. Its creamy yet tangy texture cools down the spices in the meat while enhancing its natural flavors. Some variations also include a little chili sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.

Regional Differences in Kebab Sauces

Just like burgers have different sauces in various countries, kebab sauces also change depending on where you are:

Turkey & Middle East – A mix of yogurt, garlic, lemon, and herbs, sometimes with tahini.
Germany & the UK – A thicker, mayo-based sauce with garlic, lemon, and sometimes chili.
Greece – Tzatziki-style sauce with cucumber and dill for freshness.

Each of these variations complements kebabs in a unique way, making them a key part of street food culture.

House Sauce vs. Other Popular Sauces

When it comes to restaurant condiments, this signature sauce often gets compared to other fast-food favorites. But how does it stack up against the heavyweights?

Comparing It to Special Sauce, Big Mac Sauce, and Others

Let’s break it down with a quick comparison:

Sauce	Main Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Best Uses
House Sauce	Mayo, ketchup, mustard, garlic, spices	Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet	Burgers, sandwiches, kebabs
Big Mac Sauce	Mayo, mustard, relish, vinegar, paprika	Sweet, tangy, slightly smoky	McDonald’s Big Mac
Special Sauce	Mayo, ketchup, relish, garlic, onion powder	Zesty, slightly spicy	Burgers, fries, dipping sauce
Kebab Sauce	Yogurt, garlic, lemon, herbs	Creamy, herby, cooling	Kebab wraps, grilled meats

As you can see, house sauce blends elements of several famous sauces, making it a versatile choice for all kinds of meals.

House sauce is often compared to other iconic condiments like Big Mac Sauce and kebab shop white sauce. While each has its unique blend, this signature sauce stands out for its versatility and balanced flavor. If you enjoy experimenting with different sauces, you might also like Deli Meat Guide, which explores the best meats and toppings to pair with your favorite condiments.

How to Make House Sauce at Home

Making your own house sauce at home is easier than you might think. The best part? You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste—whether you like it spicier, creamier, or a little more tangy. Let’s go over a classic recipe first, then explore ways to customize it.

Classic Recipe and Preparation Steps

Here’s a simple, restaurant-style house sauce recipe that works well with burgers, sandwiches, fries, and even as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon pickle relish (optional, for added tang)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 teaspoon vinegar (apple cider or white vinegar)
½ teaspoon sugar (or honey for a natural sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—add more vinegar for tanginess, more sugar for sweetness, or more paprika for depth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Use it as a spread, dip, or dressing!

This sauce stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.

Customizing for Different Tastes

Now, let’s talk about how you can tweak house sauce to make it your own.

Spicy Variations

Love a little heat? Here are some ways to kick it up a notch:

Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a slow-building heat.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce for a tangy-spicy twist.
Dice up a jalapeño or chili pepper and mix it in for fresh heat.
Use chipotle powder for a smoky-spicy flavor.

Healthier Alternatives

Want a lighter version? Try these swaps:

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a protein-packed, tangier sauce.
Replace sugar with honey or skip the sweetener altogether.
Use low-fat or avocado mayo for a healthier fat profile.
Swap in Dijon mustard for extra flavor without extra calories.

Best Ways to Use House Sauce

Once you’ve made your house sauce, the fun part is figuring out what to pair it with.

Isn’t just great for burgers and sandwiches; it also works as a flavorful dip for sides like fries or even as a base for a rich, creamy soup. For a cozy, home-cooked meal, try it alongside a warm bowl of Grandma’s Chicken Soup Recipe—the combination of savory flavors makes for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Pairing with Burgers, Sandwiches, and Wraps

This sauce is perfect for juicy burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or deli wraps. Some tasty combos include:

Classic cheeseburgers – Swap out regular mayo for house sauce to add richness.
Chicken sandwiches – Pairs well with crispy or grilled chicken.
Turkey wraps – Adds moisture and flavor to lean turkey.

Unexpected Uses Like Dips and Marinades

House sauce isn’t just for burgers—it works great in other ways too!

As a dip: Perfect for fries, onion rings, or even raw veggies.
As a marinade: Mix it with extra vinegar or lemon juice and use it to marinate chicken or shrimp.
With eggs: Drizzle a little on scrambled eggs or an omelet for a unique twist.
On tacos: A smoky-spicy house sauce can be a great replacement for sour cream.

No matter how you use it, homemade house sauce is a game-changer in the kitchen.

While house sauce is all about creamy, tangy goodness, Worcestershire sauce is a whole different beast. This dark, fermented sauce packs a punch of umami, adding depth to everything from burgers to Bloody Marys. But how do the two compare, and how can you use Worcestershire sauce in cooking? Let’s dive in.

What Is Worcestershire Sauce Made Of?

Key Ingredients and Fermentation Process

Worcestershire sauce has a complex flavor profile thanks to its unique combination of ingredients and fermentation process. The key ingredients typically include:

Vinegar – The base ingredient, providing acidity.
Molasses – Adds sweetness and richness.
Anchovies – The secret to Worcestershire’s deep umami flavor.
Tamarind extract – Gives it a slightly tangy and fruity note.
Garlic and onions – Essential for a savory backbone.
Spices like cloves and chili pepper – For warmth and complexity.

Unlike house sauce, which you can whip up in minutes, Worcestershire sauce undergoes a fermentation process that can take months. This process helps develop its signature bold taste, making it an essential pantry staple for boosting flavor.

How It Differs from House Sauce

Worcestershire sauce ingredients — Worcestershire sauce alongside its key ingredients.

So, how do Worcestershire sauce and house sauce compare? Let’s break it down:

Feature	House Sauce	Worcestershire Sauce
Texture	Creamy, thick	Thin, liquid
Base Ingredients	Mayo, ketchup, mustard	Vinegar, molasses, anchovies
Flavor Profile	Tangy, slightly sweet, rich	Savory, umami, slightly tangy
Common Uses	Burgers, sandwiches, dipping	Marinades, stews, cocktails
Shelf Life	About a week (homemade)	Years (bottled, unopened)

While house sauce is more of a spreadable, creamy condiment, Worcestershire sauce is used as a flavor enhancer in cooking. That being said, it is sometimes added to give the sauce an umami kick!

Common Uses in Cooking

Worcestershire sauce might not be a dipping sauce, but it’s an MVP in the kitchen. Here’s how you can use it:

In burgers and meat dishes – Adds depth to ground beef mixtures.
As a marinade – Works wonders for steak, chicken, and even tofu.
In dressings and sauces – Gives Caesar dressing its signature taste.
In Bloody Mary cocktails – A must-have ingredient for that savory bite.
For seasoning roasted veggies – A splash on roasted Brussels sprouts or mushrooms makes a difference.

If you’re ever looking for a way to deepen the flavors of a dish, Worcestershire sauce is a great go-to.

FAQs

What Is the House Sauce?

House sauce is a signature condiment found in many restaurants. It usually consists of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic, and spices. Its exact ingredients vary depending on the restaurant or cuisine.

What Is House Sauce in a Kebab?

In kebab shops, house sauce is often a garlic-yogurt-based sauce. It may also include lemon juice, herbs, and sometimes a bit of chili for heat. Some versions are mayo-based, especially in European kebab shops.

What Is in the House Sauce at Subway?

Subway’s house sauce varies by location, but it generally contains mayo, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Some locations mix it with chipotle or ranch for a unique twist.

How Does Worcestershire Sauce Compare to House Sauce?

Worcestershire sauce is a thin, umami-packed liquid made from vinegar, molasses, anchovies, and spices. House sauce, on the other hand, is creamy and tangy, made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. They serve different purposes but can be used together in recipes.

Can You Make House Sauce Without Mayonnaise?

Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayo. You can also try mashed avocado or a cashew-based sauce for a dairy-free option.

What Are the Best Store-Bought Alternatives to House Sauce?

If you don’t want to make house sauce from scratch, try:

Thousand Island dressing – Similar creamy, tangy taste.
Burger sauce – Found in most grocery stores.
Remoulade – A bit spicier but works well as a substitute.