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This classic burger sauce has been our go-to for family BBQ nights—it’s tangy, savory, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen- ready in 5 minutes! Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought. It’s next level!
There’s nothing like biting into a juicy homemade burger with a rich, creamy sauce dripping down the sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sauce transforms any burger into something unforgettable. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet—just 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! It’s customizable to adjust to your taste.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Burger Sauce
This sauce sticks to the essentials—no gimmicks—just tried-and-true ingredients that work well for that classic taste. It’s truly the best burger sauce.
- Ketchup – Adds that classic sweetness and tomato tang that balances the richness of the mayo.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties all the flavors together with a smooth texture.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Just a touch adds gentle heat and depth. Try a touch of garlic powder for a variation.
- Mustard (optional) – Brings a zippy brightness and a hint of sharpness. Dijon mustard or yellow both work well.
- Dill Relish (optional) – Gives a punch of briny flavor and a little texture—perfect if you love pickles in your sauce. Try adding a little pickle juice.
See the recipe card for exact quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, sriracha, chipotle powder, or cayenne.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, or a drop of liquid smoke. Try onion powder or homemade Italian seasoning for a twist.
- Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt or light sour cream instead of mayo for a tangy, lighter take. You’ll love my homemade tahini sauce.
- Vegan-Friendly: Substitute plant-based mayo.
- Sweeter Twist: Swap dill relish for sweet pickle relish or add a tiny splash of honey.
- Tangier Kick: A splash of white vinegar or lemon juice brightens it.
How To Make Burger Sauce
This is a step-by-step photo overview of how to make homemade burger sauce (aka better than Big Mac sauce); the full instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step #1: Add all the ingredients to the bowl and whisk until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
Step #2: Make our ground beef burgers and layer with lettuce and your favorite toppings.
My Pro Tip
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.
- Make a double batch—it goes fast and tastes even better the next day!
FAQ’s
Burger sauce is usually more savory and includes mustard and vinegar, while Thousand Island tends to be sweeter with added sugar.
Yes—use a vegan mayo and check your other condiments for animal products.
Yes! Finely chop dill pickles for a tangier, less sweet version.
Make-Ahead Storage and Reheating
- Make it up to 5 days ahead—store it in the fridge in a sealed jar or an airtight container.
- Stir before serving, as it may settle.
- Not freezer-friendly due to the mayo base.
How to Use This Sauce (Beyond Burgers!)
Not just a hamburger sauce! It is a great dipping sauce for more of my recipes.
– Slather on classic beef, turkey, or chicken burgers.
– Spread in sandwiches- like leftover pork tenderloin sandwich and wraps.
– Drizzle over grilled red rock shrimp or grilled chicken thighs.
– Dip French fries, polenta fries, crispy Italian roasted potatoes, or pan-fried chicken tenders.
More recipes to try:
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Classic Burger Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon mustard, optional
- ¼ cup dill relish, optional
Instructions
- 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
- Spicy: Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños’
- Smoky: Use smoked paprika or chipotle
- Lighter: Swap mayo with Greek yogurt
- Tangier: Add a splash of lemon juice
- Make ahead up to 5 days—store in the fridge in a sealed jar
- Stir before serving as it may settle
- Not freezer-friendly due to the mayo base
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
There is nothing like this classic burger sauce!