PDQ Sauce Recipe

If you’re someone who loves flavorful sauces that bring your meals to life, PDQ Sauce Recipe is one recipe you’ll want to have up your sleeve.

Whether you’re looking to spice up chicken tenders, sandwiches, or fries, this sauce offers the perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.

Inspired by the famous sauce served at PDQ restaurants, it’s an easy-to-make condiment that you can whip up in no time.

I first came across PDQ Sauce during one of my casual meals at the PDQ restaurant, where it was served as a dipping sauce with their crispy chicken tenders.

From the first dip, I knew this sauce was something special! The combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors had me hooked.

It was the perfect partner to the crunchy chicken tenders. Ever since then, I’ve been recreating this delicious sauce at home.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make PDQ Sauce from scratch. I’ll also share some tips and ideas on what to serve it with to enhance your meals even more!

What is a PDQ Sauce Recipe?

PDQ Sauce is a creamy, flavorful sauce often served at the PDQ restaurant chain. It’s known for its perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a great match for various foods.

The sauce has a mayonnaise base, but it’s the combination of ingredients like honey, Dijon mustard, and smoky paprika that makes it truly unique.

While there are many sauces out there, PDQ Sauce stands out for its versatility and simplicity.

Whether you’re using it as a dip for fries, spreading it on sandwiches, or serving it alongside chicken tenders, it adds a burst of flavor to just about anything!

How PDQ Sauce Tastes

PDQ Sauce has a balanced flavor profile that’s hard to resist. The smooth creaminess from the mayonnaise is blended with the tanginess of Dijon mustard, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a slight smokiness from paprika.

It’s not too spicy or too sweet—just the right mix of flavors that enhance whatever you’re eating without overpowering it.

Every bite offers a delightful experience, with the tanginess hitting your taste buds first, followed by the subtle sweetness and a mild kick of spice in the aftertaste.

This flavor balance is what makes PDQ Sauce so crave-worthy and versatile.

When I Was First Introduced to PDQ Sauce

I remember the first time I tried PDQ Sauce vividly. It was during a casual lunch with friends at PDQ, a popular spot known for its fresh and delicious chicken tenders.

Along with our meal came a variety of dipping sauces, and among them was the PDQ Sauce. One dip into the sauce, and I was hooked! Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste was unlike any other sauce I had tried before.

After that, I found myself constantly craving it, and instead of heading to the restaurant every time, I decided to try making it at home.

After experimenting with a few ingredients, I came up with a simple yet delicious version that closely mimics the original PDQ Sauce.

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Spoon
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients to Make PDQ Sauce Recipe

• Mayonnaise = ½ cup
• Honey = 02 tablespoons
• Mustard =01 tablespoon (dijon)
• Smoked Paprika = ½ teaspoon (for a smoky kick)
• Lemon Juice = 01 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper to taste

How to Make PDQ Sauce

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

• Add mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice.

Step 2: Stir Until Smooth

• Whisk or stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Step 3: Add Seasoning

• Taste the sauce. 
• Add salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Chill the Sauce

• Let the sauce chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Use the PDQ Sauce as a dip or sandwich spread.

Servings and Preparation Times

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes (Optional) but recommended for best flavor
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: Makes about ¾ cup of sauce, enough for 4-6 people.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount Per Servings)
Calories	100 kcal
Total Fat	8 g
Saturated Fat	1.5 g
Cholesterol	10 mg
Sodium	150 mg
Carbohydrates	5 g
Sugars	4 g
Protein	0 g

Recipe Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make your PDQ Sauce turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The base of this sauce is mayonnaise, so using a high-quality brand will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Balance the Sweetness and Tang: If you prefer a more tangy sauce, you can increase the Dijon mustard slightly. For a sweeter flavor, add a bit more honey.
• Add Smoked Paprika for Extra Depth: If you want a hint of smokiness in your sauce, smoked paprika is the key. You can adjust the amount based on how smoky you like it.
• Chill the Sauce Before Serving: Letting the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and develop, making the sauce even tastier.
• Store Leftovers: PDQ Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make it ahead of time and use it whenever you need.

FAQs

How long does it take to make PDQ Sauce?

PDQ Sauce only takes about 5 minutes to prepare. Simply mix all the ingredients together, and you’re done!

Can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?

Yes, if you prefer a less sweet sauce, you can reduce the amount of honey. On the other hand, if you like it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more honey.

Can I make this sauce spicy?

Absolutely! If you want to add some heat, you can mix in a little hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the sauce a kick.

How should I store PDQ Sauce?

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for up to a week.

What to Serve with PDQ Sauce

PDQ Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: This sauce is perfect for dipping crispy chicken tenders or nuggets, adding a creamy, tangy flavor that compliments the crunchiness.
• Fries: Whether you’re enjoying classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even waffle fries, PDQ Sauce makes an excellent dip.
• Burgers or Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of PDQ Sauce on your burgers or sandwiches for an added burst of flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Drizzle or dip grilled vegetables in the sauce for a deliciously creamy and smoky twist.
• Fish Tacos: Use PDQ Sauce as a drizzle for fish tacos, adding a zesty kick to your seafood dish.
• Wraps: It works perfectly as a dressing for wraps, making your lunch extra flavorful.
• Sliders: Top mini sliders with this sauce for an added creamy punch.
• Veggie Sticks: If you’re looking for a healthier option, try serving the sauce with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber.
• Chicken Wings: Dip your crispy chicken wings into the PDQ Sauce for a creamy contrast to the spicy wing flavors.

Storage Tips

Here are some storage tips to keep your PDQ Sauce fresh and flavorful:

• Airtight Container: Store the sauce in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge and to keep it from drying out.
• Refrigeration: Always keep PDQ Sauce refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to a week when stored properly.
• Labeling: If you make a large batch, label the container with the date you made the sauce. This will help you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
• Avoid Contamination: Use clean utensils when serving the sauce to avoid introducing bacteria that could shorten its shelf life.
• Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the sauce for a longer period, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using, and be aware that the texture might change slightly after freezing.
• Stir Before Use: Before using stored sauce, give it a good stir. Ingredients can sometimes separate while sitting.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your PDQ Sauce remains delicious and ready to enhance your meals!

Concluding Remarks

PDQ Sauce is the perfect condiment to keep in your fridge for adding a punch of flavor to all kinds of meals.

Its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile makes it an excellent pairing for chicken, fries, sandwiches, and much more.

Plus, it’s so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or a quick snack, this PDQ Sauce recipe will elevate your meal to the next level.

Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

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