If you want to take your homemade burgers from good to unforgettable, it all starts with the right smash burger sauce. This creamy, tangy, flavor-packed condiment is the magic that pulls everything together—bringing out the richness of the beef, the crunch of the lettuce, and the melt of the cheese in one crave-worthy bite. Whether you’re grilling on the weekend or cooking a quick dinner, this simple sauce is what your burgers have been missing.
Why This Smash Burger Sauce Belongs in Your Fridge
- Quick to Make: You’ll only need 5 minutes and a few pantry staples.
- Custom Flavor: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste—make it spicy, smoky, or even tangy.
- Beyond Burgers: Try it on sandwiches, as a dip for fries, or even with grilled veggies.
- Healthier Option: No preservatives, no mystery ingredients—just real, recognizable components.
Smash Burger Sauce Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon classic yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely minced dill pickles or relish
- 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or apple cider)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- A few cracks of black pepper
- Optional: a small pinch of sugar or a dash of your favorite hot sauce
How to Make Smash Burger Sauce at Home
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Finely chop the pickles if you’re not using relish. Measure out all your spices and condiments ahead of time to make mixing a breeze.
Step 2: Combine the Base
Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard in a small bowl, stirring until the sauce is silky‑smooth. Stir until the colors and textures are completely blended.
Step 3: Add Flavor Punch
Stir the finely chopped pickles, a splash of vinegar, and the spice blend into the bowl until everything is evenly distributed. Stir well to distribute everything evenly throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Taste and Fine-Tune
Give it a taste! Want it tangier? Add more vinegar. Prefer it spicy? For a fiery boost, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don’t be afraid to adjust.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Cover the bowl and let your homemade Smash Burger sauce chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld into a rich, unified bite.
Storage and Safety Tips for Homemade Burger Sauce
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store your sauce in a lidded jar or container as soon as it’s mixed.
- Use Within 5 Days: For peak flavor and safety, aim to enjoy it within the week.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use a clean spoon each time to keep the sauce fresh longer.
What to Serve with Smash Burger Sauce
Don’t limit yourself to burgers! This sauce adds flavor wherever you spread it. Try it with:
- Crispy homemade fries
- Grilled or fried chicken sandwiches
- Roasted potato wedges
- Breakfast wraps or egg sandwiches
- Turkey burgers, veggie patties, or sliders
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried this sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever made burgers without it. The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors turns even a basic burger into something extraordinary. The best part? You made it from scratch.
So next time you’re planning a cookout or just whipping up a weeknight burger, don’t forget the sauce. Your taste buds will thank you.
Sauce It Up – Related Recipes to Pair with Smash Burger Sauce:
- Boom Boom Sauce
- Homemade Soyaki Sauce Recipe
- Beef Pepperoni Magic
- Henry Bain Sauce
- Homemade Mustard Recipe
Smash Burger Sauce – The Ultimate Creamy Burger Condiment
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ~¾ cup (enough for 4–6 burgers)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This easy, homemade smash burger sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Made with pantry staples, it enhances burgers, fries, sandwiches, and more. Customize it to your taste in just 5 minutes—once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Ingredients
-
½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
-
2 tablespoons ketchup
-
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
-
1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles or pickle relish
-
1 teaspoon white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon garlic powder
-
½ teaspoon onion powder
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
Optional: pinch of sugar (for sweetness) or dash of hot sauce (for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
Finely chop the dill pickles (if not using relish). Measure out all the remaining ingredients. -
Mix the Base:
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until smooth and well-blended. -
Add the Flavor:
Stir in pickles or relish, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated. -
Customize to Taste:
Taste the sauce and adjust—add sugar for a touch of sweetness or hot sauce for some heat. -
Chill Before Serving:
Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors blend beautifully.
Notes
Pickle Substitution: Bread-and-butter pickles work if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Make it Spicier: Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or your favorite hot sauce.
Make Ahead Tip: Sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based mayo to make this sauce vegan-friendly.
For Extra Smokiness: A drop of liquid smoke adds an irresistible grillhouse flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: smash burger sauce, homemade burger sauce, special burger sauce, DIY burger condiment, easy smash sauce
Smash Burger Sauce FAQs
Can I prepare this sauce in advance?
Yes! The flavors deepen further if you let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Is there a healthier version?
You can use Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo as substitutes, though the texture and flavor will change slightly.
Does it contain any dairy?
Nope—this version is dairy-free unless you add it to a cheeseburger!
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t recommended because mayo-based sauces can separate when thawed.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika works too, or you can add a pinch of chipotle powder for smokiness.