This Burger Sauce takes any burger from good to seriously good. It's inspired by my favorite smash burger sauce from Shake Shack! It’s creamy, tangy, and has a little kick of heat. Whether you’re spreading it on a juicy burger, dipping your fries, or drizzling it on a sandwich, you’ll want to keep a jar of this in your fridge at all times!
We love putting this on our homemade smash burgers or using it as a dipping sauce for homemade French fries or tater tots!! I'm telling you, homemade sauces make all the difference. You have to try my Dijon Cream Sauce and Mushroom Cream Sauce. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort!
What's In This Blog Post?
Ingredients Needed
The best part about this homemade burger sauce? It’s made with simple ingredients you already have on hand!
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties everything together. Swap with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter option, or use vegan mayo if needed.
- Ketchup – Adds tangy sweetness and a touch of color. You can substitute with a combination of ketchup and BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor.
- Mustard – Brings a zesty kick and depth. Yellow mustard keeps it classic, but Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard adds bolder flavor.
- Garlic powder – Offers subtle savory notes without overpowering. You can also use a bit of fresh garlic or roasted garlic for a richer taste.
- Paprika – Adds mild warmth and color. Smoked paprika gives a deeper flavor, while cayenne can be used for extra spice.
- Diced dill pickles – Give that perfect crunchy, tangy contrast. You can also use dill pickle relish or chop up sweet pickles if you prefer a milder taste.
- A little pickle juice – Brightens and balances the richness. If you don’t have any, use lemon juice, vinegar, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for depth.
- Chili oil or hot sauce (optional) – Adds heat and complexity. I love this Thai & True Hot Chili Oil because it's made with only a few, simple ingredients. If you don’t have chili oil, try hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne. Feel free to skip it for a milder flavor. I added about ½ teaspoon.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use real pickles: Finely diced dill pickles give a fresher crunch and more flavor than store-bought relish.
- Not just for burgers: This classic burger sauce is amazing as a fry sauce, a drizzle for a burger bowl, or even over caramelized onions for Animal fries!
- Mix it up: Add a touch of coconut aminos or soy sauce, island dressing, or a hint of Worcestershire sauce for a flavor twist.
- Presentation tip: Serve it in a small bowl or ramekin for dipping fries or spreading over the burgers. It makes any burger night feel restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Burger Sauce
Whipping up this burger sauce couldn’t be more easy! Just mix, stir, and chill!
- In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Add finely diced pickles and pickle juice.
- If you like a little spice, add the chili oil. Skip this if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop a richer, creamier taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made in advance. Make it up to 3–5 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Stored in an airtight container, it’ll stay fresh for about one week. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time.
No problem! You can skip it entirely or use a few drops of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
This sauce is super versatile. Try it as a dip for fries or onion rings or a spread on sandwiches or wraps.
Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons diced pickle
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ¼ teaspoon chili oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Add finely diced pickles and pickle juice.
- If you like a little spice, add the chili oil. Skip this if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop a richer, creamier taste.
Video
Notes
- Chili Oil Substitutes: You can skip it entirely or use a few drops of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Storage Instructions: Store in an airtight container for about one week. Just give it a quick stir before using, as it may separate slightly over time.
