Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce Recipe

Craving that sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor of Zaxby’s famous Wimpy Sauce? You’re not alone! This Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe is a true fan favorite—perfectly balanced with smoky paprika, a touch of heat, and a creamy base that clings beautifully to chicken tenders, wings, and even fries. 

The best part? You can make it at home in under 10 minutes using pantry staples.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just upgrading your usual dinner, this sauce will quickly become your go-to condiment.

Made from scratch, this Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe gives you the freedom to tweak the heat level to suit your taste. It’s also ideal for dipping or slathering on burgers and sandwiches. 

By following this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy that iconic flavor any time you want—without needing to hit the drive-thru!

When I First Tried Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce

When I first tasted Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce, I was hooked. It was the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and just enough heat—not overwhelming but undeniably bold. 

I immediately knew I had to replicate it at home. After several attempts and a lot of taste testing, I finally nailed it. 

This recipe delivers the same crave-worthy experience you get at Zaxby’s, every single time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring spoons
• Airtight jar or container (for storage)
• Rubber spatula (optional, for scraping the bowl)

Ingredients List

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked for best results)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt to taste

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1:

Combine the base: In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise and ketchup. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2:

Add seasonings: Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Step 3:

Flavor boost: Add brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 4:

Add heat: Stir in hot sauce and cayenne pepper (if using). Adjust based on your spice preference.

Step 5:

Taste and tweak: Add salt to taste. You can also balance the sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 6:

Chill for flavor: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 7:

Serve: Enjoy your homemade Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce with chicken, fries, or as a burger spread!

Tips For Success

• Use quality mayo: A good mayo forms the creamy base. Avoid low-fat versions for best texture.
• Let it chill: Refrigerating the sauce for at least an hour enhances the flavor.
  Balance the heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper to control spiciness.
• Taste as you go: Always taste after mixing to ensure the flavor suits your palate.
• Make it ahead: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week—perfect for meal prep.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick: Add chipotle powder or a splash of sriracha for an extra layer of heat.
2. Honey Twist: Swap brown sugar for honey to give it a subtle floral sweetness.
3. Smoky Version: Use smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke for a BBQ-like taste.
4. Garlic Lover’s: Double the garlic powder or add a dash of roasted garlic puree.
5. Vegan Option: Use vegan mayo and Worcestershire substitute to make it plant-based.

Conclusion

This Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe is a must-try if you love bold flavors that aren’t overwhelmingly spicy. 

Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, it brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Make it once, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sauces again!

FAQs

Is this Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients—especially the Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce—are certified gluten-free. Always double-check product labels to avoid cross-contamination.

Why refrigerate the sauce before serving?

Letting the sauce chill allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a deeper and more balanced flavor.

For the best taste, this Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe should rest in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.

Is this Zaxby’s Wimpy Sauce recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! It’s designed to have a mild kick without overwhelming spice.

You can even leave out the cayenne pepper entirely to make it perfect for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

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