Sauces & Condiments
This 5 Guys sauce recipe delivers the iconic copycat Cream Cheese Velocity with that signature celery crown texture and tangy-sweet balance. The secret lies in blending creamy mayo, velvety cream cheese, and just the right amount of relish for that signature chunky consistency.
I've perfected this recipe over countless batches to ensure it mimics the restaurant version down to the last tangy bite.
The magic happens when you mix the ingredients in the right order—starting with the cream cheese and mayo to create a smooth base before adding the relish and spices. This ensures the celery crown stays intact and evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
The recipe is simple but requires precise measurements to achieve that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly salty flavors.
What you'll end up with is a smooth yet slightly chunky sauce that's perfect for dipping fries, topping burgers, or serving as a condiment for any meal. The texture is creamy yet has that signature bite from the celery, making it instantly recognizable.
This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long.
For those who love a little extra kick, a spicy version is just a pinch of cayenne away. Or, if you're watching your sugar intake, you can reduce the ketchup slightly and add a dash of hot sauce for depth.
Let's get started on making this copycat sauce that's sure to impress!
Ingredients for 5 guys sauce
Seven creamy staples plus a few pantry essentials for that iconic 5 Guys sauce.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | ¾ cup | Duck or regular, room temperature |
| Cream Cheese 🧀 | 8 oz | Full-fat, Philadelphia brand preferred |
| Ketchup 🍅 | ½ cup | Heinz or similar, not sugar-free |
| Celery Crown Relish 🥬 | ⅓ cup | Bulk relish section, not jarred relish |
| Yellow Mustard 🍯 | ½ tbsp | Dijon or American style, not spicy |
| White Vinegar 💧 | 1 tbsp | White or apple cider vinegar |
| Sugar 🍚 | 1 tbsp | Granulated, not powdered |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Kosher or sea salt |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | ¼ tsp | For subtle depth |
The celery crown relish is non-negotiable—grab the bulk section at Walmart or Kroger (not the tiny jars). The mayo matters too: Duck brand adds richness, but regular works fine. Cream cheese? Philadelphia is your best bet—it blends smoother than store brands. For the ketchup, Heinz is the gold standard—the sugar content matches the restaurant version perfectly. If you're short on relish, you can chop 1/4 cup fresh celery and mix it in, but it won't have the same texture.
No celery relish? Pickle relish at half the amount gets you close, but it's not identical. Want to cut sugar? Reduce ketchup to 1/4 cup and add 1 tsp honey. The mustard can be swapped for 1 tbsp prepared horseradish if you love that kick. For a spicy version, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper—trust me, it's delicious. The sugar is crucial for that tangy-sweet balance, so don't skip it unless you're cutting sugar intentionally. And yes, you can make this with Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version (use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1/4 cup mayo).
This sauce keeps beautifully for 1 week in the fridge, sealed tight. I like to portion it into small jars so it's ready for quick dipping. If it thickens, just stir in 1 tsp water or milk to loosen it up. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight—make a double batch so you have leftovers. Freezes for 3 months if you need to store it longer, though texture might separate slightly. Always stir well before using.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear, this sauce comes together faster than I can say "pickle juice." Just mix mayo, cream cheese, ketchup, relish, and mustard—no cooking, no chopping, just stir and taste.
- Tangy Creamy Bliss: That creamy mayo and velvety cream cheese balance the sharp mustard and sweet ketchup so perfectly. Honestly, the celery relish adds a crunchy little surprise that makes it irresistible.
- Party Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this to a BBQ or potluck—everyone will ask for the recipe. It’s the kind of sauce that disappears fast, whether it’s on burgers, hot dogs, or even fries.
- Zero-Waste Wonder: The leftovers? They last for weeks in the fridge. I’ve had this sauce sitting for months, and it’s still just as good—no spoilage, no waste, just pure convenience.
Step-by-step instructions for cream cheese velocity sauce
This classic 5 Guys sauce is easier to make than you think—just blend these simple ingredients together.
Combine Cream Cheese and Mayonnaise
In a medium bowl, take the 8 oz cream cheese and cut it into small cubes using a sharp knife. This makes it easier to mix smoothly. Then, add the 0.75 cup mayonnaise and use a hand mixer or whisk to blend until completely smooth and creamy. You want the mixture to look uniform with no lumps—this is the base of your sauce.
I like to use a hand mixer for this step because it incorporates air and gives the sauce that signature light, velvety texture. If you're using a whisk, it'll take a bit more elbow grease, but you'll still get great results. The cream cheese should melt completely into the mayonnaise, creating a thick, pale yellow base.
Add Ketchup and Celery Crown Relish
To the cream cheese mixture, pour in the 0.5 cup ketchup and the 0.33 cup celery crown relish. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. The relish adds that signature tangy crunch you love in the original sauce. At this point, the mixture might look a bit chunky, but that's okay—we'll blend it smooth in the next step.
Here's the thing—don't skip the celery crown relish. It's what gives this sauce its authentic 5 Guys flavor. If you're using jarred relish, it won't have the same texture or taste, so stick with the bulk relish from the store. Mix until everything is evenly distributed and there are no visible streaks of ketchup or relish.
Incorporate Wet and Dry Seasonings
Now it's time to add the remaining ingredients. First, stir in the 0.5 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp white vinegar, and 1 tbsp sugar. Then, sprinkle in the 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and 0.25 tsp onion powder. Mix well to combine all the ingredients completely—this is where the sauce really comes together.
This is the moment that matters: the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The vinegar brightens everything up, the sugar rounds out the acidity, and the spices add depth. Taste as you go—you want the flavors to be well-rounded, not too sweet or too tangy. If it needs a little more salt or sugar, adjust now before moving forward.
Blend Until Smooth and Serve
Transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. You want to break down any remaining chunks of relish or cream cheese to achieve that signature creamy texture. If you don't have a food processor, a hand mixer will work too—just blend vigorously for a minute or two.
Once smooth, taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce should be tangy, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. Real talk: this sauce is best served fresh, so don't make it too far ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it's even better when it's fresh from the fridge and just blended.
Pro Tips For Making 5 Guys Sauce
- MIX BY HAND: Mixing this sauce with a spoon or spatula is faster and more precise than a blender—you’ll avoid overworking the cream cheese, which turns it greasy. I used to force a blender, and the texture always came out too thin and runny.
- CHILL THE CREAM CHEESE: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 10 minutes before mixing—it blends smoother but won’t melt into a soupy mess. I learned this the hard way after making a sauce that looked like a sad, lumpy puddle.
- DRIZZLE THE RELISH: Add the celery crown relish slowly, one teaspoon at a time, while tasting—too much makes it taste like a pickle jar exploded. Start with half the recipe’s amount and adjust; you can always add more, but fixing over-salty or over-relishy sauce is a hassle.
- SALT THE MAYO: Taste the mayo before mixing in anything else—it’s usually already salty, and you’ll end up overdoing it if you don’t check. A pinch now saves you from a sauce that tastes like a salt lick later. (Yes, even if the jar says "low-sodium.")
Flavor customization for 5 guys sauce
Spicy Kick Version
For those who love heat, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the base mixture before blending. This adds a subtle but noticeable spicy depth that pairs perfectly with fries or burgers.
If you prefer a milder kick, reduce cayenne to ⅛ teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for warmth without the burn. I like to taste as I go—start small, then adjust. 🌶️
Low-Sugar Adaptation
Cut the ½ cup ketchup in half and replace it with ¼ cup unsweetened tomato paste plus 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup. This keeps the tangy-sweet balance while reducing sugar. For extra depth, add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
The texture stays creamy, but the sauce becomes slightly lighter. Trust me, it still delivers that signature 5 Guys taste!
Dairy-Free Option
Swap the 8 oz cream cheese for ½ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture) plus ¼ cup mayonnaise. Use 1 tablespoon lemon juice instead of vinegar to maintain tanginess. The sauce will have a slightly lighter body but still holds that creamy, chunky consistency.
For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon vegan mayo to the blend. It’s a game-changer for those avoiding dairy! 🥛
Extra Creamy Boost
For a thicker, more luxurious sauce, add 2 tablespoons sour cream or 1 tablespoon extra cream cheese to the blend. This works especially well if you’re serving it with loaded fries or burgers.
I’ve found that blending in 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or plant-based) also helps achieve that ultra-smooth texture without altering the flavor. Perfect for dipping! 🧀
Herb-Infused Twist
Add 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill or ½ teaspoon dried dill weed to the base mixture for a bright, herby note. The dill complements the celery relish beautifully and adds a fresh dimension.
For a smoky touch, add ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or a pinch of onion powder to deepen the flavor profile. It’s a subtle but delicious upgrade! 🌿
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this sauce without celery crown relish?
You can substitute with pickle relish at half the amount (1.5 tbsp instead of 1/3 cup), but it won't taste identical. For the closest match, chop 1/4 cup fresh celery finely and mix it in - though the texture won't be exactly the same. The relish is key for that signature tangy crunch!
How do I fix if my sauce turns out too thick?
Stir in 1 teaspoon water or milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend again briefly in a food processor. The sauce should be thick but still spreadable - think "creamy dip" rather than "glue." If it's too thin, add 1 tablespoon cream cheese and blend.
What's the best way to store homemade 5 Guys sauce?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in 2-tablespoon portions - perfect for single servings. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Pro tip: Portion into small jars so it's ready for quick dipping. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight!
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Make it 1-2 days ahead for best results - the flavors meld beautifully. Store in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving. For parties or gatherings, make it the day before so you're not busy mixing while guests arrive. The texture stays perfect when stored properly.
Why does my sauce look different from the restaurant version?
The restaurant version uses commercial-grade ingredients and precise measurements. Your homemade sauce might look slightly different in color (more vibrant) and texture (slightly chunkier). The key is taste - if it's tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy, you're on the right track! The celery relish distribution can vary, but that's part of its charm.