Who doesn’t love a good burger? Whether you’re enjoying a classic juicy patty or a smash burger, there’s one secret that takes it from good to unforgettable—the sauce. Now, picture this: You’re hosting a backyard barbecue, the grill’s fired up, the burgers are sizzling, and you’re about to whip up something amazing. But something is missing—a killer burger sauce recipe. That tangy, creamy magic that brings everything together.
Today, we’re diving into a super simple, yet irresistible burger sauce recipe. It’s the sauce that’ll have people asking for the secret every time you serve burgers. Whether you’re into smash burgers or just want to elevate your next homemade creation, this sauce is going to be your new go-to, Let’s jump right in!
Burger Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
A delicious, creamy, tangy sauce that complements any burger, especially smash burgers. Quick to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry!
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, and white vinegar until smooth.
- Add Spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Chill: Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld together (if you can wait that long).
- Serve: Slather on your burgers, or use it as a dip for fries or veggies!
Notes
You can tweak the sweetness by adding a touch of honey or a sprinkle of sugar if you prefer.
If you like it spicier, add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Condiment
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Why You’ll Love This burger sauce recipe
Here’s why this burger sauce recipe is going to be your new favorite:
Quick & Easy: Just mix and go! It takes 5 minutes, and you’re done.
Versatile: Works perfectly for smash burgers, regular burgers, fries, sandwiches—you name it!
Customizable: Make it spicier, tangier, or sweeter, depending on your mood and the occasion.
Made with Pantry Staples: No need for fancy ingredients. Most likely, your kitchen already has everything you need.
Crowd-Pleaser: Seriously, everyone will be asking for the recipe once they taste it.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions (burger sauce recipe)
While the ingredients for this burger sauce recipe are pretty straightforward, here’s a quick breakdown and some substitutions in case you need to switch things up:
•Mayonnaise: This is the sauce’s creamy foundation. You can use regular mayo, light mayo, or even a plant-based alternative if you’re making a vegan version.
•Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a little tang. If you’re not a fan, try BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor.
•Mustard: Yellow mustard brings that sharp bite. If you want a stronger punch, Dijon mustard works well too.
•Sweet Pickle Relish: This gives the sauce a bit of crunch and sweetness. Dill relish is a great substitute if you prefer something less sweet.
•Vinegar: Adds that needed tang. You can swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or even pickle juice for an extra zing!
•Smoked Paprika: This gives the sauce a slight smokiness that pairs beautifully with grilled burgers. Regular paprika works fine if that’s what you have on hand.
•Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is amazing, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
How to Make burger sauce recipe (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a detailed look at each step to make sure your burger sauce recipe turns out perfect every time.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by laying out all your ingredients. Having everything ready will make the mixing process super fast and efficient.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, combine your mayo, ketchup, and mustard. These three ingredients form the creamy, tangy base of the sauce.
Step 3: Add Sweetness & Tang
Next, add the sweet pickle relish and vinegar. Stir them in well to balance the creaminess with a bit of sweetness and a sharp tang.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and minced garlic. The paprika gives the sauce a nice depth and slight smokiness, while the garlic adds a punch of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Taste & Adjust
This is where you make it your own. If you like it sweeter, add more ketchup or a dash of sugar. Want more tang? Add a bit more vinegar. If you’re a spice lover, some hot sauce or cayenne pepper can give it that extra kick.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Once everything is mixed, let the sauce rest in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the tastes to fully integrate with one another. Then, slather it onto your favorite burgers, or keep it on the side as a dip.
Expert Tips for Success
Taste as You Go: Everyone’s palate is different, so taste the sauce after each step and tweak the seasoning to your preference.
Let it Rest: Though it’s tempting to dig in right away, allowing the sauce to chill for 10-15 minutes makes a huge difference in flavor.
Adjust for Texture: If you like your sauce a bit thicker, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or add more mayo.
Double the Batch: This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week, so make extra and enjoy it with more than just burgers!
Variations and Customizations
This burger sauce recipe is totally adaptable to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:
Spicy burger sauce recipe: Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or some finely diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Smoky BBQ Sauce Twist: Swap out the ketchup for BBQ sauce, and you’ve got yourself a smoky, sweet burger sauce recipe.
Low-Cal Version: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayo for a lighter version.
Vegan burger sauce recipe: Use vegan mayonnaise and make sure your relish and mustard are also plant-based.
Honey Mustard Variation: Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet and tangy honey mustard-style burger sauce recipe.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Wondering how to store your leftover sauce? Here’s how:
Fridge: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors may intensify over time, making it even better the next day!
Freezer: Technically, you can freeze it, but the texture may change once it’s thawed. If you do freeze, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this sauce, but if it thickens up too much in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before using, or To loosen it up, add a little water and mix.
Serving Suggestions
This burger sauce recipe is more than just a burger topping! Here are some tasty ways to serve it:
Smash Burgers: The classic way to use this sauce. Its tangy, creamy flavor pairs perfectly with crispy, caramelized beef patties.
French Fries: Use it as a dip for fries, onion rings, or even sweet potato fries.
Sandwiches: Slather it on deli sandwiches, wraps, or even a grilled cheese for a flavor boost.
Chicken Nuggets: It’s a great dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, tenders, or wings.
Grilled Veggies: Try it with roasted or grilled vegetables for an extra kick of flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is it possible to prepare this sauce in advance?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better if you make it a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together. - Can I use this sauce for other types of burgers?
Absolutely. This sauce works with all kinds of burgers—beef, chicken, turkey, veggie burgers, and especially smash burgers. - How long will the sauce last in the fridge?
It will last for about a week when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I freeze burger sauce recipe?
You can, but the texture may change when thawed due to the mayo. If you freeze it, use it within 2 months for best results.
Related Recipes To burger sauce recipe
If you love thisburger sauce recipe, you might want to check out these related recipes:
Classic Smash Burger Recipe: Perfect for pairing with this sauce.
Spicy BBQ Sauce: Another tangy sauce to try on your burgers or grilled meats.
Crispy Oven Fries: The perfect side dish to go with your sauced-up burgers.
Homemade Ranch Dressing: Another great sauce for dipping fries or veggies.
Conclusion
There you have it! This burger sauce recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making smash burgers, grilling up a classic, or even dipping fries, this sauce will elevate your meal to the next level. It’s so simple that you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
Try it out and share your thoughts with me in the comments section! Happy cooking!
Made with Love Chef Olivia
‘ Cooking Up a Storm at Recipe Castle’
