Burger Sauce Recipe
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This Burger Sauce Recipe combines mayonnaise and ketchup with black pepper for a creamy, tangy sauce, with optional mustard and dill relish for extra flavor. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare and can be served with burgers, sandwiches, and fries after chilling.
Serve with Juicy Homemade Burgers or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
Quick Look: Burger Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes or longer
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Dietary Info: Vegetarian, can be made dairy-free or vegan
- Method: Mix and chill
- Technique: Whisk or stir the ingredients until evenly combined, then refrigerate before serving
- Flavor/Texture: Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, with optional pickle flavor and texture
A Classic Burger Addition
I love having a good sauce to serve alongside burgers, and this recipe brings together familiar condiments, transforming any burger into something unforgettable. Itโs creamy, tangy, and slightly sweetโjust like the sauces you know and love from your favorite burger joints (think Big Macs), but made with simple, real ingredients you trust. This is the key to changing your burger game forever! Itโs customizable to adjust to your taste.
Try my Lemon Garlic Aioli or Tahini Yogurt Sauce for more delicious condiments.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This sauce sticks to the essentialsโno gimmicksโjust tried-and-true ingredients that work well for that classic taste.
- Ketchup โ Adds that classic sweetness and tomato tang that balances the richness of the mayo.
- Mayonnaise โ The creamy base that ties all the flavors together with a smooth texture.
- Salt and Black Pepper โ Just a touch adds gentle heat and depth. Try a touch of garlic powder for a variation.
- Mustard (Optional) โ Brings a zippy brightness and a hint of sharpness. Dijon mustard or yellow both work well.
- Dill Relish (Optional) โ Gives a punch of briny flavor and a little textureโperfect if you love pickles in your sauce. Try adding a little pickle juice.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, sriracha, chipotle powder, or cayenne. This version is perfect served with myย Grilled Red Rock Shrimp!
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or a drop of liquid smoke, and add it to my Grilled Chicken Thighs.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter take. Try my Greek Yogurt Chicken Marinade.
- Sweeter Twist: Swap dill relish for sweet pickle relish or add a tiny splash of honey.
How to Make Burger Sauce
This homemade burger sauce comes together in minutes, with optional ingredients you can adjust to suit your taste. Follow the step-by-step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Add all the ingredients to the bowl and whisk until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
- Add to your sandwiches, meats, or fries!
Classic Burger Sauce FAQs
Burger sauce is usually more savory and includes mustard and vinegar, while Thousand Island tends to be sweeter with added sugar.
Yesโuse a vegan mayo and check your other condiments for animal products.
Yes! Finely chop dill pickles for a tangier, less sweet version.
Store in the fridge in a sealed jar or an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as it may settle.
Serving Suggestions
This burger sauce is great for more than just burgers! I love using it as a dip or spread for all kinds of dishes. Slather it on beef, turkey, or Ground Chicken Burgers, or spread it inside sandwiches like this Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Grilled Chicken Sandwich. It also pairs well with Longhorn Steakhouse Redrock Grilled Shrimp and Grilled Chicken Thighs. For dipping, try it with French fries, Polenta Fries, Italian Potatoes, or Pan Fried Chicken Tenders.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Quality matters here!
- Chill before serving. Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to help the flavors meld together.
- Adjust to taste. Start with the base ingredients, then tweak the balance of sweetness, tang, and spice based on your preference.
- Finely chop your relish (if using whole pickles) to keep the texture smooth and spreadable.
More Condiment and Sauce Recipes
๐ MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? ๐ Please leave a โญ๏ธSTAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.
Classic Burger Sauce Recipe
Ingredientsย
- โ cup ketchup
- โ cup mayonnaise
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard, optional
- ยผ cup dill relish, optional
Instructionsย
- Make the burger sauce by combining all the desired ingredients in a small bowl and mixing until well combined. Test flavor and adjust to preference.
- Chill for 30 minutes (or longer). Stir and serve!
Notes
- Serve with Juicy Homemade Burgers or a Grilled Chicken Sandwich.
- Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture and best flavor. Quality matters here!
- Chill before serving. Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to help the flavors meld together.
- Adjust to taste. Start with the base ingredients, then tweak the balance of sweetness, tang, and spice based on your preference.
- Finely chop your relish (if using whole pickles) to keep the texture smooth and spreadable.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There is nothing like this classic burger sauce!