This easy homemade Burger Sauce recipe is creamy, tangy, smoky, and made with simple ingredients that create the perfect finishing touch for any burger. Slather it on for the classic flavor you’d expect from your favorite burger joint.
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A Note From My Kitchen
Back when I had a house full of teenage boys, burgers were one of the most frequently requested dinners. Whether I was making my famous Turkey Burgers or Classic Beef Burgers (and don’t forget the Crispy Oven Baked Fries!), this Burger Sauce was the secret finishing touch that gave them restaurant-style flavor.
This Burger Sauce recipe is my take on the classic Thousand Island-style special sauce served at restaurants everywhere. It’s made with pantry staples and a few simple ingredients that add smoky, savory flavor to make every burger taste better.
Table of contents
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Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayo for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise creates the richest, creamiest sauce.
- Ketchup: Adds classic burger joint flavor and just a touch of sweetness.
- Yellow mustard: Regular yellow mustard gives this sauce its signature tangy flavor.
- BBQ sauce: Just a small amount adds smoky, savory depth that sets is sauce apart from others.
- Sweet pickle relish or pickle juice: For that classic, burger joint flavor, I love the hint of sweetness from sweet pickle relish. If you don’t want to use pickle relish or don’t have it on hand, you can substitute pickle juice straight from the jar to get that briny goodness. For a kick, try it with spicy pickle juice from a brand like Wickles.
- Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky flavor without making the sauce spicy.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These dried spices add savory flavor and round out the sauce.
How to Make the Best Burger Sauce
- Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Mix until smooth and well combined. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage
Transfer the burger sauce to an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The flavors become even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, so it’s a great make-ahead condiment. Stir before serving if needed.
Ways to Use Burger Sauce
Burger Sauce isn’t just for burgers. Use it as a dipping sauce for French fries, onion rings, tater tots, and chicken tenders, or spread it on grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps. If you’re feeding a crowd, make a double batch because it disappears fast!
Serve It With
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Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce, (I like Kinder's)
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish or spicy pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Use immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
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This post was originally published on June 27, 2019. It has been updated with new text and images.
Excellent! My family loved this sauce! I’ll definitely be making it again.