Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce

Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce is a fan-favorite known for its bold heat and flavor. If you’ve never tried it, it pairs perfectly with fries, onion rings, and more.

This creamy, zesty dip brings new life to plain onion rings with an irresistible flavor combination. Best of all, you can whip it up in just minutes.

What Is Burger King’s Zesty Sauce?

Burger King’s Zesty Sauce is well-known for its thick, creamy texture, bold peppery flavor, and mild heat. Mayonnaise, horseradish, mustard, and lemon juice create its rich creaminess.

A small amount of vinegar and smoked paprika add mild sourness and smoky depth, keeping the sauce thick but flavorful. The rest of the flavor comes from a flavorful blend of spices.

Ingredients

To make this at home, you’ll need:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat for authentic texture)
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish (not cream-style)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon ketchup
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: A pinch of sugar for extra balance

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy just:

• A small bowl or mason jar with a lid
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A spoon or small whisk

How To Make Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce

Step 1:

1. In a bowl or jar, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, ketchup, and vinegar.
2. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.

Step 2:

1. Sprinkle in horseradish, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sugar, if using.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix vigorously until fully combined. No streaks of mayo or ketchup should remain.

Step 3:

1. Add ½ teaspoon more horseradish or a pinch of extra cayenne for heat.
2. A dash of sugar or mayo can soften the edge.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Why Make This Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce?

Unlike mass-produced sauces, this homemade version uses fresh, simple ingredients that let the bold flavors shine.

The horseradish delivers a stronger kick, while smoked paprika deepens the flavor. The balance of tangy acid and rich creaminess makes this sauce incredibly satisfying—you’ll want it on everything.

What to serve with Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce

Zesty Sauce goes with more than just onion rings.

Try it with:

• Crispy chicken tenders
• Jerk Chicken Quesadilla
• Sweet potato fries
• Fried pickles
• Sandwich wraps
• Roast beef sliders

Its tangy heat and creamy texture balance richness and elevate any savory dish.

Tips from Em

• Use full-fat mayo for the closest taste and texture
• Don’t skip the horseradish—it’s the key to that signature zing
• Smoked paprika adds more depth than regular paprika
• Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
• Adjust spice levels based on your heat preference

How to Store Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge
• Use within 7 days
• Do not freeze, as the texture will break and separate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Dijon mustard instead of yellow mustard?

Yes, but use a small amount. Dijon adds more tang and can change the flavor. For the classic Burger King taste, stick with yellow mustard.

What can I use instead of horseradish?

You can try a tiny bit of wasabi or use hot mustard. However, neither offers the same smooth heat that horseradish provides.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure all ingredients, especially ketchup and mustard, are labeled gluten-free.

Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely. Use plant-based mayo and check that all other ingredients are vegan-friendly.

Zesty Sauce Variations

Want to change things up? Try these ideas:

• Smokier version: Add ½ tsp of liquid smoke
• Sweeter version: Mix in 1 tsp of honey or brown sugar
• Spicier version: Add a dash of hot sauce or more cayenne
• Chunkier version: Stir in finely chopped pickles or jalapeños

Nutrition Facts (Per Tablespoon)

• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Sodium: 120mg

(Note: These are estimates and may vary by ingredient brand.)

Final Thoughts

This copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce recipe is everything a great sauce should be: creamy, spicy, tangy, and easy to make.

Whether you’re prepping snacks for game day or want a sauce upgrade for dinner, this homemade version leaves store-bought condiments in the dust.

Copycat Burger King Zesty Sauce

Recipe by Emma

5.0 from 1 vote

A creamy, spicy, and tangy copycat of Burger King’s iconic Zesty Sauce. Made with simple pantry ingredients in minutes—perfect for fries, onion rings, and sandwiches.

Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

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Servings

6

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

0

minutes

Calories

90

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon ketchup

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon white vinegar

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

• In a bowl or jar, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, ketchup, and vinegar.
• Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
• Sprinkle in horseradish, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of sugar if using.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Mix vigorously until fully combined no streaks of mayo or ketchup should remain.
• Add ½ teaspoon of horseradish or a pinch more cayenne.
• A dash of sugar or mayo will soften the edge.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

• Use full-fat mayo for the closest taste and texture
• Don’t skip the horseradish—it’s the key to that signature zing
• Smoked paprika adds more depth than regular paprika
• Let it rest for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
• Adjust spice levels based on your heat preference