
Hey, Welcome to the Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe. Bad Daddy’s Sauce is a creamy, smoky, tangy, slightly spicy sauce served at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, known for elevating every burger, fry, and sandwich.
If you’ve ever dipped fries into that irresistible sauce at Bad Daddy’s, you already know how bold and addictive that flavor is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this flavorful recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: American
Category: Sauce
History and Origin
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar started as a small gourmet burger restaurant focused on bold flavors. Their signature sauce became popular for its creamy texture and smoky taste.
People loved using it on burgers, fries, and sandwiches. Eventually, it became their most recognizable sauce on the menu.
What does Bad Daddy’s Sauce taste like?
Bad Daddy’s Sauce tastes creamy, smoky, slightly spicy, and tangy. It has the richness of mayonnaise, the sharp kick of mustard, and the smoky heat of paprika and hot sauce.
Everything blends into a bold flavor that pairs perfectly with burgers, fries, chicken, and sandwiches.
By the way, you can also try the McDonald’s Spicy Pepper Sauce Recipe.
Bad Daddy’s Sauce Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Ketchup | 2 tablespoons |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Smoked paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Hot sauce | ½ teaspoon or to taste |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Salt | Pinch |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe:
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight container or jar
How to Make Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base
Add mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to a medium mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add Heat and Tang
Pour in apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and evenly blended.
Step 4: Rest and Chill
Cover and chill the sauce in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Step 5: Serve
Serve as a dipping sauce or spread on burgers, fries, sandwiches, or chicken.
Recipe Card

Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard to a medium mixing bowl. Mix until smooth.

- Add salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until everything is well combined.

- Pour in apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Mix until the sauce becomes creamy and evenly blended.

- Cover and chill the sauce in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.

- Serve as a dipping sauce or spread on burgers, fries, sandwiches, or chicken.

Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe:
| Nutritional Element | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Use this sauce on burgers, chicken sandwiches, wraps, and sliders. It is also perfect as a dipping sauce for fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, and grilled chicken tenders.
You can even drizzle it on salads to give them a bold, smoky flavor.
Storage Tips
Store the sauce in an airtight jar and keep it refrigerated. For up to seven days, it remains fresh. Be sure to stir before each use, as natural separation may occur.
Avoid freezing the sauce because the mayonnaise base may separate and ruin the texture.
Variations Of Bad Daddy’s Sauce
You can easily customize this Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe. Add honey for sweetness, chipotle for smoky heat, or relish for a tangy twist.
Try different versions until you find the one that fits your taste. I love experimenting with it when meal-prepping for the week.
How To Make It Healthier
If you want a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. You will still get the creamy texture, just with fewer calories.
I sometimes make the low-calorie version for weekday meals when I want something guilt-free.
Why This Sauce Works With Everything
Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe hits every flavor note: creamy, smoky, tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy. That perfect balance makes it work on fries, burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
Whenever I need a quick flavor boost, I reach for this sauce.
Best Pairings With Bad Daddy’s Sauce
Burgers and fries are the obvious choices, but don’t stop there. Try it on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or breakfast sandwiches.
I even spread it inside tacos and wraps to add a bold flavor kick.
How To Use It For Meal Prep
Make a small batch at the start of the week and store it in the fridge. Use it as a dressing, dip, or spread.
It saves time and makes everyday meals more exciting and flavorful.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid adding too much vinegar or hot sauce at once. It is easier to add more than to balance out. Taste as you mix.
Another common mistake is skipping the resting time. Chilling enhances the flavor dramatically.
Can You Freeze The Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise separates after thawing. The texture becomes grainy instead of smooth.
It is always best to make a fresh batch and enjoy it within a week for the best taste and consistency.
Conclusion
This Bad Daddy’s Sauce Recipe is creamy, smoky, bold, and incredibly easy to make. You can enjoy restaurant-style flavor at home with just simple ingredients from your pantry. Make it once, and you will want to use it on everything.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Yes. Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked paprika?
Yes, but smoked paprika gives the authentic smoky flavor.
How long does this sauce last?
It lasts up to 7 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
You can, but the texture and taste will be tangier and less creamy.
Does this sauce work well on chicken?
Yes, it is delicious on grilled chicken, fried chicken, or chicken sandwiches.
You will also like the Cici’s Pizza Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.