This copycat sonic crave sauce recipe is super easy to make, is a perfect topping for burgers, and a great dipping sauce for French fries or tater tots that will leave your taste buds happy!
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This copycat Sonic Crave Sauce recipe is a long time coming. The first time I ate at a Sonic Drive-In was when I was a teenager. I was in Arkansas for my uncle's wedding, and I had never been to any Sonic restaurants. They didn't exist in the north at that time. But I tried a Sonic Crave Cheeseburger on that trip, and my life was forever changed for the better. I easily declared Sonic to be my new favorite fast food restaurant.
When I moved down south, I was so happy that I could have my favorites whenever I wanted them, and what I wanted was that crave sauce! Picture it: a pure beef patty on a toasted bakery bun, cheddar cheese, fresh pickles, ripe tomatoes, and that sonic signature sauce! A superior burger experience all around!
I like to make things in my own kitchen, and this sauce is no exception. This way, I control the ingredients and I know exactly what I'm eating. And while I do still go to Sonic regularly, I think this homemade version is just as good as any you can get at the restaurant.
Recipe Notes
If you're looking for ways to use this sauce, look no further than Air Fryer Crispy Crowns. Or you could use it to dip Seasoned Diced Potatoes in. If you're sauce crazy like I am, check out Chipotle Southwest Sauce or this Cilantro Chimichurri.
Ingredient List
You only need a few simple ingredients and about 5 minutes to make Crave Sauce at home. It couldn't be easier!

- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Pickle Relish
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Worcestershire Sauce (optional)
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities
How to Make Crave Sauce




- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup and pickle relish.
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Taste for seasonings and adjust if necessary.
PRO TIP: Always start with less seasoning than you think you'll need and taste and adjust as you go. You can always add more salt, but you can't take it out once it's in there.
Substitutions and Variations:
- You could use miracle whip instead of mayonnaise. I prefer creamy mayo, but there are people out there who prefer miracle whip.
- Cayenne is optional - if you want spicier sauce, add more. If you're a wimp like me, add less or leave it out entirely.
- Worcestershire sauce is totally optional but adds lovely savory flavors to the sauce.
- You could add a bit of dijon mustard to give the sauce another added dimension.
Some other ways to enjoy crave sauce:
- Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken strips.
- Use it in place of bbq sauce or honey mustard sauce.
- Drizzle it on hot dogs.
- Drizzle it over Sonic Chili Cheese Tots (a particular favorite of mine)
- Smear the sauce on the inside of the bread for a special grilled cheese sandwich.

The next time you get an urge for a cheeseburger, make yourself one with all the fixings of the sonic cheeseburger, then add my homemade sonic sauce to take things to the next level! Then come back here and tell me what you think!
Store any leftover sauce in the fridge for 3 days.
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Sonic Crave Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- a few cracks of fresh black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
- cayenne pepper (to taste) optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and use it to top your burgers or to dip fries, chicken tenders, or tater tots in. Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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