This easy Smash Burger Sauce Recipe is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor using simple pantry ingredients. It comes together in just minutes and is perfect for spreading on smash burgers, dipping fries, or adding to sandwiches and wraps.
We love making this homemade burger sauce because it tastes like classic diner-style special sauce while being easy to customize for family burger nights and summer cookouts.
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My entire family loves this Smash Burger Sauce anytime we make a juicy burger or for dipping French Fries in. This secret sauce makes any burger taste just like a classic diner burger.
I love making Homemade Seasoning Blends and Sauces so I can easily control the ingredients. If you love making them too, then you must try Peach BBQ Sauce and Sauces for Pork Chops.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
Creamy, tangy and full of flavor this Burger Sauce is a must anytime we serve Homemade Smash burgers for a delicious condiment! It blends mayo for richness with ketchup and yellow mustard for sweet–savory flavor. We also add in pickle relish, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for depth.
The result is a creamy, pink spread that melts into the toasted bun and clings to the crispy edges of a smash burger patty, balancing salty crust with just enough savory flavor.
Chill the sauce for about 30 minutes so the flavors combine, then spread generously and get ready for burger-joint perfection at home!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – Use full fat mayo.
- Ketchup – Adds a hint of sweetness
- Yellow Mustard – You can also use Dijon Mustard
- Dill Pickle Relish – Substitute with sweet pickles relish. Add in a splash of pickle juice for even more flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a umami flavor
- Garlic Salt – Substitute with garlic powder
- Onion Powder – Substitute with finely chopped onions
- Black Pepper – Simple spices
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a smoky flavor
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Smash Burger Sauce
Step 1 – In a small bowl, combine the sauce ingredients.
Step 2 – Whisk ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Give it a good stir then serve.
Tips for the Best Smash Burger Sauce
- Chill the sauce before serving for best flavor
- Use full-fat mayo for the creamiest texture
- Adjust the pickle relish based on sweetness preference
- Double the recipe for cookouts and parties
- Store in squeeze bottles for easy serving
- Stir before serving after refrigeration
Variations Ideas
- Spicy – Add 1–2 tsp hot sauce or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for a kick of flavor.
- Chipotle – Stir in 1 tsp adobo sauce from canned chipotles.
- Sweet Heat – Swap ketchup for chili sauce and add 1 tsp honey.
- Burger Joint Style: Grate 1 Tbsp yellow onion and 1 small garlic clove directly into the sauce.
- Creamy Sauce – For a creamier sauce add in 2 tablespoons of Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream.
Serving Recommendations
This easy smash burger sauce recipe is always delicious spread on to Mushroom Swiss Burger and Smash Burger Tacos but we also serve it as a dipping sauce with the following side dishes.
Recipe FAQs
This homemade sauce is the secret sauce for your Best Smash Burger Recipe. It is a mayo base sauce with the addition of ketchup, mustard and dill pickles relish. It taste amazing, mouthwatering and the burger lovers dream.
Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week in the fridge. Before using, give it a stir to make sure all the ingredients are combined.
More Easy Sauce Recipes
This easy Smash Burger Sauce Recipe is creamy, tangy, and perfect for burgers, fries, and sandwiches. It is one of our favorite homemade sauces for cookouts and easy family dinners.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment and star rating below. We love hearing how your family served this burger sauce.
Smash Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon garlic salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika.
- Whisk the ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
- Give the sauce a quick stir before using it.
