Have those random sauce packets or tubs lying around your pantry? Make the most out of them by adding them to your home-cooked meals. Fast food sauces aren’t just sidekicks; they’re an extra flavor that is a part of your order. Whether it’s a cult-favorite dipping sauce or a signature burger spread, there are clever ways to make the most of those leftover packets. Here’s how people are turning fast food sauces into secret weapons in their home kitchens.
15. Taco Bell Sauces for Mexican Dishes
Your Taco Bell order might consist of a lot of flavorful sauces you probably wouldn’t need for two tacos. Why not reuse them when you cook up a homemade Mexican dish? You can use them as taco filling or add them as an extra flavoring for rice inside your burrito. What’s great about these sauces is that their spiciness levels are Mild, Hot, Fire, and Diablo to fit your flavor preference.
14. Subway’s Chipotle Southwest Sauce for Pasta Salad
Who knew that Subway’s sandwich sauces could be added to a different type of salad, a Pasta Salad? You can toss it in with rotini, black beans, corn, and cherry tomatoes, then add the Chipotle Southwest Sauce as you mix it into your pasta.
13. Raising Cane’s Sauce as Veggie Dip
Raising Cane’s secret sauce is more than a fry dip, you can use it to dip your veggies. Use it as a dip for carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas. Here’s a little secret: Your kids will especially love it, which means more vegetables eaten!
12. In-N-Out Spread for Tuna Dip
Tired of plain mayo? Upgrade them with your extra In-N-Out Signature Sauce packet. Simply mix In-N-Out’s iconic Spread into tuna salad for a burger-inspired remix. The result? A creamy, tangy blend that’s perfect on crackers, in sandwiches, or even stuffed into avocados.
11. Culver’s Wisconsin Cheddar Sauce for Nachos
Hailed by many as a favorite, Culver’s Wisconsin Cheddar Sauce would do wonders as a nacho sauce. Next time that you have friends over, you can grab a pack of it and smother it over tortilla chips. Add jalapeños, ground beef, and sour cream for an easy overload of tacos. The rich and creamy cheddar would melt well with the tortilla chips.
10. Panda Express’ Teriyaki Sauce as Marinade
Panda Express is known for its flavorful sauces, whether it be in Orange Chicken or their Pork Broccoli. One popular sauce from the brand is their teriyaki sauce, which is served in many of their dishes. You can combine it with any available meat that you have and leave it in a bowl or sealed plastic bag to marinate for 30 minutes or overnight inside your fridge.
9. In-N-Out Spread for Homemade Animal-Style Fries
Who doesn’t love In-N-Out’s Animal Fries? If you have some stashed away In-N-Out packets at home, then you can recreate their popular Animal Style Fries. Simply bake some fries in the oven, and once they’re hot and crispy, smother them in the sauce packets along with shredded cheese, green onions, or any toppings that you can think of.
8. Chick-fil-A’s Polynesian Sauce in Stir-Fried Rice
Looking for a light lunch idea? A drizzle of your extra Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce over stir-fried rice might do you wonders. The best thing about it is that you can add in some veggies and leftover meat or come up with a rice topper of your choice. You can even add other sauces to combine the flavors. There are endless possibilities with stir-fry fried rice!
7. Burger King’s Zesty Sauce in Deviled Eggs
If you’re looking for a snack idea, then you might want something different, like Deviled Eggs with your extra pack of Zesty Sauce from Burger King. Just mix the yolks with a dash of mayo and Burger King’s Zesty Sauce for a smoky, horseradish-infused filling.
6. Popeyes’ Buttermilk Ranch in Pasta
While Popeyes’ Buttermilk Ranch is a good add-on for a salad bowl, you can also use it to upgrade your white sauce pasta dishes. Just cook your pasta and add it to a large bowl. Add in some diced veggies, such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can also add in some chicken or bacon for the meaty flavor.
5. Shake Shack’s Signature Sauce in Burger Bowl
Shake Shack’s signature Shack Sauce isn’t just for burgers, as you can create your own version of it in a bowl. Start with a grain base like quinoa or brown rice, add seasoned lean ground beef, then pile on toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and avocado. Finish with a generous drizzle of Shack Sauce.
4. Arby’s Horsey Sauce for Mashed Potatoes
If you’ve got extra packets of Arby’s iconic Horsey Sauce, try mixing it into your mashed potatoes for a bold twist. The creamy horseradish flavor adds a spicy kick to add flavor to your mashed potatoes. Just stir a dollop into your hot, buttery mash and serve with roast chicken or steak.
3. Wendy’s Honey Mustard Sauce in Salmon Fillet
Looking for dinner ideas? We’ve got something for you! Turn leftover Wendy’s Honey Mustard packets into a quick salmon glaze. Just brush the sauce over seasoned salmon fillets and roast at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. The result? A sweet and tangy caramelized glaze that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or a crisp salad.
2. Burger King’s Buffalo Sauce for Cheese Dip
Burger King’s buffalo sauce adds the perfect spicy kick to your cheese dip. Just melt cream cheese with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack. After, stir in a few spoonfuls of the sauce to taste, and bake until bubbly. Serve with chips or veggies, and for extra flair, toss in bacon bits or shredded chicken.’
1. McDonald’s BBQ Sauce in Pulled Pork
Speaking of one of the most iconic fast food sauces, you can use McDonald’s BBQ Sauce as an alternative to the BBQ sauce that you use. One dish you can create is Pulled Pork by coating the pork shoulder and cooking it on low for 6 to 8 hours until the pork falls apart with a fork. If you have more leftovers, you can do the same with beef brisket or pork ribs.