Zaxbys Nuclear Sauce Recipe | Spicy & Bold
Sauce Preparation
Mixing the Ingredients
To start, add the mayonnaise and ketchup to your mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Next, pour in the Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. Continue whisking until the sauce has a uniform color and texture.
Adjusting Flavor to Taste
The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. If you like extra heat, don’t hesitate to add more black pepper or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for that extra fiery touch. Taste the sauce as you mix, and adjust the seasoning until it matches your preferred level of spice.
Serving Suggestions
One of the things I love most about this Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce is how versatile it is. It’s not just a dipping sauce; it can elevate almost any dish. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- With Chicken Wings & Tenders – Toss crispy fried or baked chicken in this sauce for a fiery, tangy finish.
- As a Burger or Sandwich Spread – Swap out plain mayo for this bold, zesty sauce to kick up the flavor.
- For Fries & Onion Rings – A perfect dipping companion that’s creamy and spicy all at once.
- On Grilled Meats – Works beautifully drizzled over grilled chicken, steak, or even shrimp.
No matter how you use it, this sauce guarantees a punch of flavor with every bite.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
Once prepared, transfer the sauce into an airtight container or mason jar. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always give it a quick stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly over time.
Freezing
While mayonnaise-based sauces don’t freeze particularly well due to texture changes, you can make smaller batches more frequently so the sauce is always fresh.

Zaxbys Nuclear Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce at home, you don’t need anything fancy, just a few basic kitchen tools to mix everything smoothly:- Mixing Bowl – A medium-sized bowl works best for combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon – To blend the mayonnaise, ketchup, and seasonings together until smooth.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups – Essential for keeping the balance of flavors just right.
- Airtight Container or Mason Jar – For storing the sauce in the refrigerator once prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce made of?
Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce is a creamy, peppery, and tangy blend made from mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and lots of black pepper. It’s designed to be spicy but still balanced with a rich, creamy base.
How spicy is Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce?
It’s definitely on the spicy side, but it’s not unbearable. The black pepper brings a sharp heat, while the creamy mayo and tangy ketchup help mellow it out. If you like extra heat, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Can I make Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better if you let it sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
How long does homemade Nuclear Sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Just be sure to stir it before using.
What can I serve with Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce?
This sauce is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect for dipping chicken wings, tenders, fries, or onion rings. You can also use it as a sandwich spread, burger topping, or drizzle it over grilled meats.
Can I make this sauce healthier?
Absolutely. You can substitute light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter version. It won’t be as rich, but it still delivers that tangy, peppery flavor.
Conclusion
Making Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce at home is quick, simple, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce that tastes just like the one from the restaurant. I love how versatile it is, whether I’m dipping crispy chicken tenders, slathering it on a burger, or pairing it with fries, this sauce never disappoints.
The key is balance: the creaminess from the mayo, the tang from the ketchup, the depth from Worcestershire sauce, and of course, that bold kick from black pepper. Once you taste this homemade version, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
So grab your whisk, gather your ingredients, and bring the heat of Zaxby’s Nuclear Sauce right into your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll never want store-bought dipping sauces again!

Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
