Homemade Thousand Island Dressing (Better Than Store-Bought)

Name: Homemade Thousand Island Dressing (Better Than Store-Bought)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 tablespoon finely diced dill pickle; ½ teaspoon horseradish; 1 tablespoon worchestershire

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Why buy a bottle that will sit in your fridge for a year when you can whisk up a fresh batch in 5 minutes? This Homemade Thousand Island Dressing is creamy, tangy, and infinitely better than anything from the grocery store. It’s the ultimate "Secret Sauce" for burgers and the key to a perfect Reuben.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Version

The "Zest" Factor: Unlike flat store-bought versions, we use a pinch of horseradish and real diced dill pickles for a texture and kick that cuts through rich meats.
Double Duty: It's not just salad dressing; it's a dip for fries, a spread for patty melts, and the classic "Big Mac" style burger sauce.
Pantry Staples: You likely have every single ingredient in your fridge right now.

What You Will Need:

¾ cup of mayonnaise
¼ cup of ketchup
1 tablespoon of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of onion powder
2 tablespoons of finely diced dill pickle
½ teaspoon of horseradish sauce
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

Ingredient Notes & Easy Variations

For the Relish: I use finely diced dill pickles for a tangy, zesty sauce. If you prefer a sweeter, more "Big Mac" style sauce, you can use a sweet pickle relish instead.
Onion Powder vs. Fresh Onion: Onion powder (as listed) dissolves perfectly for a smooth sauce. For a chunkier, "deli-style" dressing, you can substitute 1-2 tablespoons of very finely minced white onion.
Make it Spicy: Add a ½ teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Thousand Island vs. Russian Dressing: People often mix them up! A traditional Russian dressing is very similar but is typically spicier (with more horseradish) and doesn't include sweet relish.
Classic Deli-Style: For a truly old-school version, add one finely chopped hard-boiled egg to the finished dressing.

Combining the Ingredients

The recipe is simple. Just mix all the ingredients together. There are some options. The brown sugar is optional. We made this recipe without it and it tasted fine. A tablespoon of finely diced onion is substituted for onion powder.

Storing the Thousand Island Dressing

Homemade dressings generally store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days, depending on the freshness of ingredients. Always check for signs of spoilage.

Use the thousand island dressing recipe with the reuben ravioli or reuben egg rolls!

For more easy recipes, explore all of the great sauces and dressings on my site!

FAQ's:

What are the main ingredients in this Thousand Island Dressing recipe?

The core ingredients for this version are typically ketchup, mayonnaise, and relish, forming a simple yet delicious base that many also know as "special sauce" or "secret sauce."

Can this dressing be used for more than just Reuben sandwiches?

Absolutely! While it's fantastic for Reuben sandwiches and burgers, it's also a great dressing for salads, a flavorful dip for vegetables, and can even be used with dishes like Reuben Ravioli or Reuben Egg Rolls.

Are there any customizable options in this recipe?

Yes, you can tailor it to your taste! The recipe notes that brown sugar is optional for sweetness, and you can substitute a tablespoon of finely diced fresh onion for onion powder to enhance the flavor.

What's the best way to get the desired consistency for the dressing?

The consistency will largely depend on your mayonnaise and the amount of relish. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a tiny bit of water, pickle juice, or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency. If you want it thicker, ensure your relish is well-drained.

How long can I store homemade Thousand Island Dressing?

Homemade dressings generally store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 5-7 days, depending on the freshness of ingredients. Always check for signs of spoilage.

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