This Burger Sauce is truly the unsung hero of condiment spreads—a creamy, tangy, ever-so-slightly sweet secret weapon that takes burgers, sandwiches, and even fries to a whole new level. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate that irresistible special sauce from your favorite burger joint, this easy homemade version is about to take a starring role in your kitchen. With just a few simple pantry staples and five minutes, you’ll have a delicious, crave-worthy burger sauce that’s so much better than store-bought!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Burger Sauce lies in its wonderfully basic ingredients, each one adding punch and personality. Don’t skip or substitute—these components are the real keys to authentic flavor, perfect texture, and that gorgeous color that makes every burger look irresistible.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that creates richness and helps the sauce cling to any surface—buns, patties, or fries.
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a subtle tomato tang for depth and classic burger flavor.
- Yellow Mustard: Brings a zippy brightness and signature yellow hue that lights up the sauce.
- Sweet Pickle Relish: A hint of crunch and sweetness that takes your sauce way beyond basic.
- White Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity, rounding everything out and keeping the sauce well balanced.
- Garlic Powder: Delivers savory depth for that “just can’t put your finger on it” complexity.
- Onion Powder: Lends a subtle sweetness and background bite—don’t skip it!
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing every flavor to the forefront.
How to Make Burger Sauce
Step 1: Measure and Combine Ingredients
Grab a small mixing bowl and add all your ingredients: the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder. Each goes in one after the other, piling up colorful dollops that already hint at how tasty the finished Burger Sauce will be.
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir everything together until completely smooth and fully blended. Take a moment to admire the creamy, lightly pink sauce and breathe in that inviting tang—it’s ready to make your taste buds sing!
Step 3: Taste and Season
Now’s your chance to make the Burger Sauce your own. Season lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, give it another quick stir, and taste. Want more acidity? Add a tiny splash of vinegar. Love things extra garlicky? Sprinkle in a touch more garlic powder. Adjust until it tastes absolutely perfect to you.
Step 4: Chill and Meld
For the best flavor, cover your bowl and let the Burger Sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This little rest lets every flavor mingle and bloom, turning a handful of basic ingredients into an ultra-tasty, ready-for-anything sauce.
How to Serve Burger Sauce
Garnishes
Top your burger with a generous spoonful of Burger Sauce and a scatter of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, or bright pickled onions. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or even chopped fresh chives adds excitement and color contrast, making your creation pop both in taste and appearance.
Side Dishes
Burger Sauce isn’t just for burgers! It switches easily to a dipping sauce for hot, salty fries, onion rings, or veggie sticks. It’s also delicious as a drizzle on roasted potatoes or wedges, making it a star sidekick for lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill a small ramekin or fun dipping cup with Burger Sauce and place it right on your platter for a restaurant-style look. Try swirling it onto wraps, layering into sandwiches, or even adding a dollop on a breakfast egg sandwich. For a spicy twist, whisk in hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne and serve as a zingy dip for sweet potato fries—there are truly endless ways to show off this tasty sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve whipped up your batch, store any leftover Burger Sauce in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to a week, making it the ultimate make-ahead condiment to have on hand whenever inspiration strikes.
Freezing
While Burger Sauce tastes best fresh, you can technically freeze it if needed—just be aware the texture may change a little after thawing. Spoon into a freezer-safe container, press a layer of plastic wrap right on the surface, and seal. Freeze for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Burger Sauce is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s usually no need to reheat. If your sauce has thickened in the fridge, simply let it sit out for a few minutes and then give it a quick stir before spreading or dipping.
FAQs
Can I use dill pickle relish instead of sweet pickle relish?
Absolutely! Dill pickle relish will add a bit more tang and less sweetness to your Burger Sauce, changing the flavor profile slightly. It’s a delicious swap if you prefer a more savory bite.
What’s the best way to make this sauce spicy?
Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Add a little at a time and taste as you go—the heat level is totally customizable!
Can I make Burger Sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite dairy-free or vegan mayonnaise, and all the other ingredients in this recipe remain the same. Your creamy, tangy Burger Sauce will still be just as dreamy.
How long does Burger Sauce keep in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Burger Sauce will stay fresh for up to one week. Always give it a stir before using, especially if it’s been sitting for a couple of days.
What else can I use Burger Sauce for besides burgers?
The possibilities are infinite—serve it as a dip for fries, veggies, or chips, slather it inside sandwiches or wraps, drizzle it over roasted potatoes, or use it as a spread for egg breakfast sandwiches! It’s one of those condiments that transforms any meal.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy it is to whip up this unforgettable Burger Sauce, I can’t wait for you to try it on your next burger night or sandwich spread. It brings brilliance to even the simplest meal, making every bite taste like a treat. Give it a go and see how quickly it becomes your house favorite!
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Burger Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: ¾ cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Burger Sauce is the perfect condiment to take your burgers, sandwiches, or wraps to the next level. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it’s a versatile sauce that adds a delicious flavor boost to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
Main Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
- Chill: Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Try adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
