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I tested, tweaked, and taste-tested my way through countless batches until I landed on the best burger sauce recipe! It’s bold, balanced, and totally crave-worthy—get ready to be obsessed! It blows store-bought versions out of the water and instantly elevates any burger to extraordinary (also amazing with fries, sandwiches, wraps, etc.). This recipe is packed with tips, tricks, variations, and expert guidance to make it foolproof and flavor-loaded every time.
Perfectly balanced flavor: It makes EVERYTHING better with its creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory elements in perfect proportions.
Custom blend of spices: Adept seasoning like paprika and cayenne adds depth that store-bought sauces lack.
Creamy to the max: Thick, smooth, and clingy—ideal for burgers, sandwiches, or dipping fries.
Sweet pickle relish twist: Adds tangy-sweet crunch and complexity you won’t get from plain mayo or ketchup alone.
Just the right kick: A touch of cayenne gives subtle heat without overpowering.
Versatile: Pairs well with burgers, fries, grilled meats, wraps, and more!
Burger Sauce Ingredients
Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base that holds the sauce together—use full-fat, whole-egg mayo for the best flavor.
Check the ingredient list for whole egg mayo, which will list whole eggs or whole egg yolks near the top (not just “egg yolks” or “egg substitutes”). Whole egg mayo is creamier and richer, with a smoother texture.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds sweetness, tang, and a bit of texture; chopped bread and butter pickles work too.
Ketchup: Contributes sweetness, acidity, and a classic burger sauce taste. Look for one with real sugar (not high fructose corn syrup) for the best flavor.
Yellow deli mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy contrast that balances the richness. You may substitute with Dijon.
White wine vinegar: Adds brightness and prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Spices: Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper create a flavorful blend that brings smoky, savory depth and balance, while a touch of cayenne elevates all the flavors. Use more or less to taste.
How to MAke Burger Sauce
Let’s take a closer look at how to make this recipe with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):
Step 1: Combine Ingredients. Add all the ingredient to a medium bowl and whisk to combine.
Step 2: Chill. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Best Burger SAuce TIPS
Use high-quality ingredients: Good mayo, ketchup, and mustard make a noticeable difference.
Chill before serving: If you don’t have time to chill the sauce in the fridge for 30 minutes, pop it in the freezer until ready to serve.
Adjust to taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness, tang, or heat by adding more relish, mustard, or cayenne to suit your preference.
Season to taste after chilling: Flavors mellow as the sauce sits, so taste again and adjust salt, pepper, or spice before serving.
Double it: It goes quickly—make extra for dipping fries, sandwiches, wraps, and more (see below for serving ideas)! To double, use the arrows in the recipe card next to the servings.
Easy Burger Sauce Variations
Pickle Lover’s Sauce: Increase the relish and add finely chopped dill pickles for extra tang and crunch.
Smoky BBQ Burger Sauce: Add BBQ sauce, a splash of liquid smoke, and/or smoked paprika for a sweet, smoky flavor.
Spicy Chipotle Sauce: Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of cumin for a smoky heat.
Garlic Herb Sauce: Stir in roasted garlic, chopped parsley, and a little lemon zest for a fresh, savory twist.
Buffalo Blue Sauce: Add buffalo hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles for bold, tangy flavor.
Curry Mayo Sauce: Add a bit of curry powder, turmeric, and a squeeze of lime for a bold global twist.
Sriracha Honey Sauce: Mix in sriracha and a drizzle of honey for the perfect sweet-heat combo
Maple Dijon Sauce: Blend with Dijon mustard and a touch of maple syrup for a tangy-sweet kick.
How to serve Best burger sauce recipe
Spread on burgers/cheeseburgers: Slather on the top and bottom buns for bold, balanced flavor in every bite. See my cheeseburger recipe for the ultimate burger!
Dip for fries or onion rings: Serve on the side as a creamy, tangy dipping sauce.
Sandwich spread: Use in place of mayo or mustard for a flavor upgrade on deli sandwiches or grilled paninis.
Wraps and pita pockets: Add to chicken, turkey, or veggie wraps for an extra pop of flavor.
Grilled meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or sausages as a fun alternative to BBQ sauce.
Drizzle over grain bowls: Use it like a creamy dressing over bowls with greens, grains, and proteins.
Topping for loaded fries or baked potatoes: Drizzle over crispy fries or baked potatoes with cheese, bacon, and scallions.
HOW TO STORE Homemade burger sauce
Transfer it to an airtight container—such as a glass jar or sealed glass container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. Before serving, give it a quick stir.
Can you freeze Special burger sauce?
No, avoid freezing the sauce, as the mayo base can break and result in a watery texture once thawed.
More Burger Sauce Ideas
This burger sauce is perfect to upgrade your classic burger. If you’re looking for a twist or to create a gourmet burger, try one of these:
BBQ sauce: Smoky and sweet, perfect with bacon or cheddar.
Ranch dressing: Cool and creamy, great with crispy or spicy toppings.
Blue cheese dressing: Bold and tangy, ideal with caramelized onions or buffalo sauce.
Thousand Island dressing: Creamy and sweet with a hint of tang; similar to Big Mac sauce.
Honey mustard: Sweet and tangy, pairs well with grilled chicken or turkey burgers.
Sriracha mayo: Spicy and creamy for a flavorful kick.
Chipotle sauce: Smoky, spicy, and creamy, it adds bold Southwestern flair to burgers with just the right kick of heat.
Aioli: Garlic-flavored mayo adds richness and depth.
Pesto: Herby and savory, delicious with mozzarella and tomatoes.
Teriyaki sauce: Sweet and savory; great with pineapple or grilled onions.
Buffalo sauce: Spicy and buttery, especially good with ranch or blue cheese.
I tested, tweaked, and taste-tested my way through countless batches until I landed on the best burger sauce recipe! It’s bold, balanced, and totally crave-worthy—get ready to be obsessed! It blows store-bought versions out of the water and instantly elevates any burger to extraordinary (also amazing with fries, sandwiches, wraps, etc.). This recipe is packed with tips, tricks, variations, and expert guidance to make it foolproof and flavor-loaded every time.
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Time permitting, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
After chilling, adjust to taste if desired by adding additional vinegar for tangier, or paprika, salt, pepper, or cayenne.
Burger sauce is delicious on burgers, cheeseburgers, sandwiches, wraps, fries, onion rings, grilled chicken, hot dogs, and as a dip for veggies or a spread for grain bowls and rice bowls.
Thanks for this recipe, Jen! I have so many of your recipes pinned on Pinterest, and every one of them that I have tried so far have been winners! Your recipes are usually the first I go to when I’m looking for a new recipe or when I want to make a favourite of yours again. Thank you!
Quick question about the vinegar in the burger sauce. Can we use a different vinegar or omit all together?
Thanks so much Suzanne for being a loyal follower and maker of my recipes! I’m honored CC is a trusted resources! Yes, you can use a different vinegar (apple cider would be great) or omit it altogether. It just adds a little extra tanginess. Enjoy!
Suzanne says
Thanks for this recipe, Jen! I have so many of your recipes pinned on Pinterest, and every one of them that I have tried so far have been winners! Your recipes are usually the first I go to when I’m looking for a new recipe or when I want to make a favourite of yours again. Thank you!
Quick question about the vinegar in the burger sauce. Can we use a different vinegar or omit all together?
Jen says
Thanks so much Suzanne for being a loyal follower and maker of my recipes! I’m honored CC is a trusted resources! Yes, you can use a different vinegar (apple cider would be great) or omit it altogether. It just adds a little extra tanginess. Enjoy!