Rheological properties of 5% (w/w) waxy maize starch (WMS)/xanthan gum (XG) mixed pastes (mixing ratios: 10/0, 9.5/0.5, 9/1) in the presence of sucrose (0%, 15%, and 30%) were studied. The 5% WMS paste displayed strong anti-thixotropic behavior based on the heating method adopted (heating in water bath for 40 min with mixing at 200 rpm). The addition of XG could accelerate the formation of new structure of the WMS/XG mixed pastes under shear conditions, and XG could also decrease the in-shear recoveries of the mixtures. Both the addition of XG and sucrose increased the apparent viscosity (ga) and dynamic moduli (G0 and G00) of the mixed pastes, with XG contributing to the solid-like properties of the mixtures obviously, while sucrose played a contrary role. Thermostable properties of the mixed pastes could be improved distinctly with the addition of XG, whereas sucrose decreased it slightly.