Pub Sauce a creamy, tangy sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, this pub sauce is my go-to for elevating simple snacks like fries and onion rings. It also shines as a burger topping or sandwich spread, bringing a flavorful punch without overpowering the main dish.
Ingredients
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir the mixture until everything is fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
Taste the sauce and add more pepper or paprika if you'd like an extra kick.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve as a dip for fries, onion rings, chicken wings, or as a spread on burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare, with no cooking required. Including chilling time, the total time is around 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes like to add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If I want a smokier flavor, I swap regular paprika for smoked paprika. For a tangier twist, a splash of lemon juice or pickle juice can brighten it up. To make it lighter, I sometimes replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Storage/Reheating
I keep leftover pub sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week. Since it’s a no-cook sauce, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. I actually recommend making it at least 30 minutes ahead so the flavors can blend. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use a different type of mayo?
Yes, any mayonnaise works fine—regular, light, or even vegan mayo if you prefer.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from the black pepper and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy. I sometimes add extra spices if I want more heat.
Can I freeze pub sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change once thawed.
What else can I use this sauce for?
I use it as a dip for chicken wings, a spread on sandwiches or burgers, and even as a sauce for grilled meats or roasted veggies.
Conclusion
This pub sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to so many dishes. I appreciate how versatile it is, coming together quickly with ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m dipping fries or dressing up a burger, this sauce never disappoints. It’s become one of my favorite easy homemade condiments to keep in the fridge.
Recipe:

Pub Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy pub sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, ideal for dipping fries, onion rings, or as a burger and sandwich spread.
Ingredients
¾ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
- Stir the mixture until everything is fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Taste the sauce and add more pepper or paprika if you'd like an extra kick.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve as a dip for fries, onion rings, chicken wings, or as a spread on burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Notes
Optional: Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
Add a splash of lemon juice or pickle juice for a tangier twist.
Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to make it lighter.
Store leftover sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week.
Best served chilled or at room temperature; no reheating needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce/Dip
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American Pub
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg