Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayo Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Popeyes-style spicy mayo with this easy recipe. This creamy, spicy condiment perfectly replicates the famous fast-food chain's signature sauce, balancing heat with richness. Elevate your sandwiches, burgers, and fried chicken with this quick and flavorful DIY version.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

250ml (about 1 cup)

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g Cajun seasoning</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">10ml hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot or Tabasco)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5g smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g cayenne pepper (adjust according to heat preference)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">5ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2g garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1g black pepper, freshly ground</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 135 calories

🥑 Fat: 14 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 1 g

🍭 Sugar: 1 g

🍗 Protein: 0 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 10 mg

🧂 Sodium: 160 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Airtight container for storage</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise works best here as it provides a richer, creamier base that holds up well to the strong spices we'll be adding. Make sure your mayonnaise is at room temperature for easier mixing.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to the mayonnaise. The combination of these spices is what gives this sauce its distinctive Popeyes-like character. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference – start with less if you're sensitive to spice, as you can always add more later.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and add the garlic powder and black pepper. The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise, while the garlic powder provides depth without overwhelming the other flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until completely smooth and uniform in color. You're looking for a vibrant orange-tinted sauce with no streaks of spices. The mixture should have a consistency that's thick enough to cling to food but still easily spreadable.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Taste the spicy mayo and adjust seasoning if needed. If it needs more heat, add additional cayenne pepper or hot sauce in small increments. If it seems too spicy, you can tone it down by adding a bit more plain mayonnaise. Add a pinch of salt only if necessary – many commercial mayonnaises and Cajun seasonings already contain adequate salt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For best flavor development, transfer your spicy mayo to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and develop more complexity. The sauce will keep well refrigerated for up to one week, though the heat level may intensify slightly over time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Serve your copycat Popeyes spicy mayo with fried chicken sandwiches, as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders, or spread it on burgers and wraps for an instant flavor boost. Its versatility makes it perfect for elevating almost any savory dish that could benefit from a creamy, spicy kick!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayo Recipe?

This spicy mayo uses full-fat mayonnaise as a base, enhanced with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Optional salt can be added to taste, depending on your preference.

How to cook Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayo Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Popeyes Spicy Mayo Recipe by simply whisking together mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and spices until smooth. No actual cooking is required, though allowing the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps the flavours develop and meld beautifully.

Can I make spicy mayo without Cajun seasoning?

Yes! If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can create a similar flavour profile by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, use a combination of hot sauce, paprika, and garlic powder for a simplified version.

How long does homemade spicy mayo last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade spicy mayo will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Note that the flavours may intensify slightly over time, with the spice level potentially increasing after a day or two of resting.

What's the best way to serve spicy mayo with fried chicken?

Serve spicy mayo either spread directly onto toasted brioche buns for a chicken sandwich, alongside fried chicken as a dipping sauce, or lightly drizzled over chicken tenders. For signature Popeyes-style service, spread it generously on both the top and bottom bun of a chicken sandwich.

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