Burger Sauce

This homemade burger sauce is a fun and easy way to add a pop of “wow” to your burgers this summer! What makes our recipe special is how simple it is to throw together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen (and if not, they’re all easy to find). The combination of tangy ketchup, creamy mayo, and briny pickle relish creates that classic burger sauce flavor you get at your favorite burger joints, but you’re making it at home for a fraction of the cost. It’s reminiscent of that signature In-N-Out burger sauce or the special sauce on a Big Mac, without the need to leave your kitchen!

I’m always looking for ways to jazz up our burgers with homemade elements instead of buying pre-made versions. Store-bought burger sauces can get expensive, especially when you’re grilling frequently during summer, and half the time they’re packed with ingredients you don’t recognize. This sauce comes together in less than 5 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry, and it tastes so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle.

We’ve been making this sauce for a while now, and it’s become a go-to for weeknight cookouts and summer entertaining. The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t require any special equipment, and you can adjust the flavors to your preference (more pickle relish for tang, a splash more vinegar for brightness). This is the kind of simple, homemade sauce that makes people say “wow, what’s your secret?” when really, you just spent less than 5 minutes measuring and stirring!

What is Burger Sauce?

Burger sauce is that tangy, slightly sweet, creamy condiment you often get on hamburgers at classic burger joints and fast food restaurants. It’s typically made with mayo, ketchup, and pickle relish (or relish juice), which gives it that distinctive flavor that’s both savory and slightly tangy. Some versions include mustard, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce. The sauce is the secret ingredient that makes a simple burger feel special and restaurant-quality! You’ll find versions of it at In-N-Out, McDonald’s (their famous Big Mac sauce), and countless burger chains across the country.

Ingredients for Our Burger Sauce Recipe

• Mayonnaise. The creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture and flavor.
• Ketchup. Adds sweetness and tanginess, along with that classic tomato flavor.
• Dill pickle relish. Brings briny, tangy, slightly sour notes that make burger sauce taste like burger sauce! The small pickle pieces add texture and flavor.
• White vinegar. Brightens up the sauce with a little extra tang.
• Granulated sugar. Balances out the acidic and savory elements for a well-rounded flavor.
• Garlic powder. Adds savory depth without any chunks or raw garlic bite.
• Onion powder. Contributes sweet, savory, slightly sharp onion flavor without having any raw onion pieces.
• Paprika. Adds a subtle smoky and warm note as well as a little hint of color.
• Salt and pepper. Enhance all the other flavors.

Complete ingredient measurements and recipe details can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

How to Make Sauce for Burgers

Combine all ingredients. Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar and stir until well combined. Use a rubber scraper as needed to scrape down the sides. That’s it!

Taste and adjust. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings to your preference. Like it tangier? Add more pickle relish or a splash more vinegar. Want it sweeter? Add another pinch of sugar. This is your sauce!

Store in the fridge. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until you’re ready to use.

Serve and enjoy! Generously spoon it onto a freshly grilled burger and enjoy!

Variation Ideas

• Try a different relish. Our recipe uses dill relish, but try sweet pickle relish for a little hint of sweetness and a different take on this sauce.
• Add a little spice. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick of heat.
• Add Worcestershire sauce. A teaspoon of Worcestershire adds extra savory depth and umami.
• Try yellow mustard. Add a tablespoon of yellow mustard for extra tang and mustard flavor (like a classic diner burger sauce).
• Make it smoky. Increase the paprika or use a pinch of smoked paprika instead of regular.
• Lean into the pickle flavor. Use more pickle relish or add a teaspoon of pickle juice instead of vinegar for a briny, tangy, pickle-forward flavor.

Storage

Store this sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors will blend and improve as it sits, so making it a day or two ahead is totally fine! If the sauce separates slightly as it sits (mayo can do that sometimes), just give it a good stir before using.

How to Serve Burger Sauce

The obvious choice is on burgers, and it’s amazing! But this sauce is so versatile. While beef burgers are the standard with this type of sauce, why not try it on a turkey burger?! We’ve drizzled it on a cheeseburger flatbread for a fun twist on burger night. We’ve also used it as a spread to make a burger-style dinner on top of our cheesy corn fritters. You could use this on a burger bowl with all the burger toppings mixed together. It’s also delicious on fries, on sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for appetizers!

Burger Sauce Recipe FAQs