'This Copycat McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce Is Just As Good As the Real Thing'

With the school year starting back up, how many evenings have you found yourself sitting in the drive-thru come dinner time because it has been "one of those days"?

Then, just when you think the kids are going to rejoice from the backseat, the person on the other end of the speaker informs you they're out of your kiddo's favorite dipping sauce to go with that six-piece chicken nugget. Oh. The. Horror.

That's the great thing about finding copycat recipes to make at home for your restaurant favs. No need to waste time, gas or money when you can satisfy the craving in your own kitchen.

McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour sauce is one of their most popular dipping sauces, and now thanks to this super-easy copycat recipe, you can make it at home whenever you want!

Related: 35 Quick Dinner Ideas Kids Will Love

What Are the Names of McDonald's Sauces?

If you have lost track over the years of which dipping sauces McD's still serves, here's the current list:

• Tangy Barbecue

• Spicy Buffalo

• Creamy Ranch

• Honey Mustard

• Sweet 'n Sour

• Hot Mustard

Related: 27 DIY Dressings, Dips and Seasonings to Keep Your Pantry and Fridge Stocked for Success

What Is the Most Popular Sauce at McDonald's?

Like most things in life, when you give people choices, the answer to which one is most popular is going to vary according to who you talk to. I read many different opinions online, and it seems that hot mustard holds the top spot in most rankings. I can't argue since not only is it my favorite, but my seven-year-old could drink the stuff with a straw.

Related: 40 Fun Chicken Breast Recipes To Make Dinner Less Boring

What Flavor Is McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce?

If you've never tasted the McD's sweet 'n sour sauce, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. This sauce hits all the right notes thanks to the sweetness of apricot and peach combined with savory from mustard, vinegar and spices. For those of us who love sweet and savory at the same time, it's the perfect blend.

Related: 35 Perfect Peach Recipes From Cobbler To Crisp

How To Make Copycat McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

• peach preserves

• apricot preserves

• corn syrup

• white vinegar

• apple cider vinegar

• soy sauce

• Dijon mustard

• cornstarch

• garlic powder

• salt

• water

Tools

• measuring cups/spoons

• mixing bowl

• spatula

• whisk

• immersion blender

• saucepan

• serving bowl

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Using an immersion blender, mix until smooth.

2. Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan. Cook on medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, whisking often, until slightly thickened.

3. Transfer to a serving bowl and allow to cool, if desired. Serve with chicken nuggets, tenders, fries, etc.

Tips For Making Copycat McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce

• Don't just dip. This sauce doesn't stop at being great for dipping. You can drizzle it over chicken, slather it on a chicken sandwich and I think it would make a great salad dressing, too.

• Consider buying an immersion blender. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a food processor or standard blender to make this recipe. But you can find "stick" blenders for much less than back in the day, and I promise you will find lots of ways to use it!

• Use the mustard you've got. Don't have Dijon on hand? Yellow mustard will work just fine.

• Don't let it scorch. Be sure to whisk the mixture often while it cooks. There is so much sugar in the preserves that the sauce can scorch very easily.

• Cornstarch is the key. Sometimes flour can be used as a swap for cornstarch as a thickener. That is NOT the case here. For the thick, smooth texture you want, cornstarch is the only way to go.

• Make extra. If you make a lot of nuggets at your house, you might want to consider making a double batch. The sauce will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

What To Serve With Copycat McDonald's Sweet 'N Sour Sauce

• Baked Chicken Fingers

• Easy Baked Fries

• Biloxi Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich

• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

• Crispy Baked Chicken Dippers

• Air Fryer Steak Fries

More Copycat Recipes To Try

• Copycat KFC Coleslaw

• Copycat Chili's Salsa

• Copycat Texas Roadhouse Green Beans

• Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits

• Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheese Soup

• Copycat Olive Garden Salad

• Copycat Bob Evans Chicken and Noodles

• Copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

• Copycat Wendy's Chili

• Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp peach preserves

• 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp apricot preserves

• 2 tbsp light corn syrup

• 2 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp corn starch

• 1/2 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 cup water

1. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl.

2. Using an immersion blender, mix until combined until smooth.

3. Transfer the sauce to a medium saucepan.

4. Cook on medium-high until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking often, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

6. Transfer to serving dish and allow to cool.

7. Serve with chicken nuggets, tenders and/or fries.