Your Whopper Gets 3X Tangier When You Order It Utah-Style

You know when you head to Burger King, you can have it your way, even if your way leans a little... Utah? Yes, there's a particular way to order a Whopper Utah-style, and that's swapping out the usual condiment for a regional favorite called fry sauce. The creamy, tangy-sweet combination of ketchup and mayonnaise is practically synonymous with the Beehive State. It's traditionally served alongside french fries, but it also makes an excellent burger topping. There's a staggering amount of ways you can customize your Whopper, but this is one of the easiest.

The simple condiment is made by combining one part ketchup with two parts mayonnaise; the result is a pink-orange sauce that balances the acidity of ketchup with the rich flavor of mayo. Although it pairs well with national favorites like the Whopper, fry sauce has a particularly strong connection to Utah, with one of the most frequently cited origin stories involving Don Carlos Edwards, founder of the Utah-based fast food chain, Arctic Circle. In the 1950s, Edwards experimented with combining the two popular condiments to create what he called "fry sauce." The chain is still around today, and even sells its bottled signature sauce in stores. 

With every origin story, there's some disagreement about the precise origin, as other Utah restaurants also claim a role in popularizing the recipe. But what's not controversial is how deeply embedded the sauce has become in Utah food culture. Beyond topping burgers (Whoppers included), locals use it for dipping onion rings and other fried foods, while home cooks have developed their own spin, adding ingredients like barbecue sauce, paprika, or Worcestershire sauce. 

If you want to order a Utah-style Whopper at Burger King, you'll want to ask for extra ketchup and mayonnaise to mix together. The basic idea is to give your burger a generous helping of the combination condiment, but feel free to add pickles for a little extra tang. Mustard certainly isn't traditional, but the extra acidity works well with the Whopper's flame-grilled beef patty. If you're lucky enough to actually be in Utah, some locations were previously rumoured to offer packaged fry sauce, so it's worth asking for it by name.

Of course, you don't need to travel to Utah to give your Whopper this makeover. Making fry sauce at home is ridiculously easy. Depending on how much fry sauce you plan on consuming, mix two parts mayonnaise with one part ketchup and stir until completely combined. For a tangier version, add a splash of white vinegar, or if you like a little heat, adding hot sauce is also popular. Another easy addition that will elevate fry sauce to the next level is pickle juice. Spread the finished sauce directly on the top and bottom buns, or serve it on the side for controlled dipping. 

The creamy condiment ties all of the Whopper's ingredients (beef, fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, and lettuce) together, while adding a sweet-and-sour contrast. The beauty of ordering anything Utah-style is that you're asking for condiments that are already there. A couple of familiar sauces, combined in the right proportions, will give your Whopper a distinctly tangier, Utah-inspired personality.