Homemade tartar sauce is a popular condiment made from mayonnaise, dill pickles, onions, and other ingredients. Unlike commercially prepared tartar sauce that contains preservatives, homemade tartar sauce has a shorter shelf life. So a common question is: does homemade tartar sauce go bad?
The Short Answer
Yes, homemade tartar sauce does go bad eventually. Properly stored homemade tartar sauce will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Signs of spoiled tartar sauce include changes in color, texture, and smell.
What Causes Homemade Tartar Sauce to Go Bad?
There are a few main reasons why homemade tartar sauce can go bad:
- Bacteria growth – Tartar sauce is not a sterile product and contains ingredients like eggs and dairy that are prone to bacterial growth. Over time, bacteria levels can grow to unsafe levels.
- Oxidation – Exposure to oxygen can cause the oils in tartar sauce to oxidize and go rancid.
- Mold growth – If contaminants are introduced, mold can start to grow on the surface of tartar sauce.
Once tartar sauce has passed its peak freshness, these processes will cause it to deteriorate in quality and safety.
How Long Does Homemade Tartar Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored, homemade tartar sauce will generally stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Here are some tips for maximizing fridge life:
- Use fresh ingredients – Old eggs, dairy, and produce introduce more bacteria.
- Store in airtight container – Minimizes exposure to oxygen and contamination.
- Keep refrigerated – Cold temperatures slow bacteria growth.
- Handle carefully – Double dipping introduces bacteria.
Tartar sauce with fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar may have a slightly shorter fridge life of 2-3 days.
How Long Does Homemade Tartar Sauce Last in the Freezer?
Homemade tartar sauce can be frozen to extend its shelf life significantly. Properly frozen tartar sauce will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To freeze tartar sauce:
- Portion into airtight freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Smooth surface to prevent freezer burn.
- Label container with date.
- Freeze below 0°F.
Thaw frozen tartar sauce overnight in the fridge before using. Use within a few days since quality declines over extended storage.
Does Refrigerating Tartar Sauce Stop Bacteria Growth?
Refrigeration helps slow but does not completely stop bacteria growth in tartar sauce. Cold temperatures keep bacteria inactive, but some will still grow slowly at fridge temps. Over time, even refrigerated tartar sauce will accumulate too much bacteria and spoil.
How to Tell if Homemade Tartar Sauce is Bad
Watch for these signs that indicate your homemade tartar sauce has spoiled and should be discarded:
| Signs of Spoilage | Description |
|---|---|
| Change in color | Fresh tartar sauce is pale yellow. It may darken or become grey as it spoils. |
| Change in texture | Tartar sauce may become more watery, slimy, or separate as it spoils. |
| Off odors | Rancid, sour, or unpleasant odors indicate spoiled tartar sauce. |
| Mold | Look for fuzzy mold growth, especially on the surface. |
When in doubt, remember the old adage: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Tartar sauce is inexpensive to make and not worth risking food poisoning.
How to Store Homemade Tartar Sauce
Use these storage tips to help maximize the shelf life of your homemade tartar sauce:
Short-Term Fridge Storage
- Store in a clean airtight container like a mason jar or plasticware with a tight lid.
- Keep towards the back of the fridge, not the door.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Long-Term Freezer Storage
- Portion into freezer bags, plastic containers, or mason jars.
- Leave 1/2 inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Lay flat in freezer to prevent breakage as it expands.
- Label container with date and contents.
- Freeze below 0°F for up to 2-3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze homemade tartar sauce?
Yes, freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of homemade tartar sauce. Properly frozen tartar sauce will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
How long is tartar sauce good for unrefrigerated?
Homemade tartar sauce should always be refrigerated. If left out at room temperature, it will only be safe for about 2 hours before bacteria levels become dangerous.
Does tartar sauce need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes, homemade or store-bought tartar sauce needs to be refrigerated after opening. An opened tartar sauce container should be used within 3-5 days.
Can you reuse tartar sauce?
It’s not recommended to reuse tartar sauce. Double dipping introduces bacteria. Any leftovers should be discarded after serving.
Conclusion
Homemade tartar sauce has a shorter shelf life compared to commercial products with preservatives added. With proper refrigerated storage, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Look for changes in color, texture, and smell to determine if your tartar sauce has spoiled. For longer term storage, divide into portions and freeze for 2-3 months. Follow the storage guidelines and tartar sauce can be safely enjoyed without the additives found in store-bought versions.