PDQ Sauce Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the PDQ Sauce Recipe. PDQ Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky dipping sauce that perfectly complements chicken tenders, fries, or sandwiches.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at PDQ, you already know how that signature sauce makes everything taste ten times better.

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

PDQ Sauce originated from the popular American fast-casual restaurant PDQ, known for its fresh chicken tenders and homemade sauces.

The sauce quickly became a customer favorite for its unique blend of creamy, tangy, and smoky flavors.

What Does PDQ Sauce Taste Like?

PDQ Sauce has a creamy texture with a tangy base and a hint of smokiness. It tastes slightly sweet, a little spicy, and deeply flavorful, making it the ultimate companion for crispy fried foods.

By the way, you can also try the Jeff Ruby Butter Pie Recipe.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best PDQ Sauce Recipe:

Ingredients	Quantity
Mayonnaise	½ cup
Ketchup	3 tablespoons
Honey	1 tablespoon
Yellow mustard	1 tablespoon
Garlic powder	½ teaspoon
Smoked paprika	½ teaspoon
Lemon juice	1 teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Black pepper	To taste

Ingredients in List

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Equipment Needed

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Easy PDQ Sauce Recipe:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Airtight container
• Rubber spatula

How to Make PDQ Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, honey, and yellow mustard. These ingredients form the creamy and tangy base of the sauce.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices give the sauce its signature flavor and slight smokiness.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully blended. Make sure there are no lumps, and the texture becomes creamy.

Step 4: Adjust and Taste

Add lemon juice to balance the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the PDQ Sauce Recipe:

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	120 kcal
Carbohydrates	5 g
Protein	0.5 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	7 mg
Sodium	190 mg
Sugar	3 g

Serving Suggestions

You can serve PDQ Sauce with crispy chicken tenders, French fries, onion rings, or even as a burger spread. It’s versatile enough to enhance grilled meats and roasted vegetables, too.

Storage Tips

Store your homemade PDQ Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Always stir before using to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect PDQ Sauce

If you want your PDQ Sauce to taste just like the restaurant version, always use full-fat mayonnaise for a creamy base.

Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, so avoid bottled ones if possible. Letting the sauce chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend better. Don’t skip that step!

Variations You Can Try

If you like experimenting, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a bit of BBQ sauce for extra smokiness.

For a healthier twist, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can even add a splash of pickle juice or Worcestershire sauce for a bolder flavor.

What to Serve with PDQ Sauce

PDQ Sauce goes with almost everything. I love dipping crispy chicken tenders or fries in it. It also makes a great spread for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers.

Try it as a dressing for grilled chicken salad or drizzle it over roasted vegetables for an extra kick.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce

You’ll love this sauce because it’s quick, simple, and incredibly versatile. It takes only 10 minutes to make, but it transforms any dish into something special.

It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky, which makes it a hit with both kids and adults.

How to Customize PDQ Sauce for Your Taste

You can easily adjust the flavor of this PDQ Sauce Recipe to match your liking. Want it tangier? Add more lemon juice or mustard. Prefer it sweeter?

A touch more honey does the trick. If you love smoky flavors, double the smoked paprika. Make it your own signature sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making PDQ Sauce Recipe, avoid using low-fat mayo, as it can make the texture thin and watery. Also, don’t skip chilling the sauce because that’s when the flavors really come together.

Adding too much lemon juice or salt can overpower the balance, so always taste and adjust slowly.

Conclusion

This easy PDQ Sauce Recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your table. It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on your favorite foods.

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)

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