If there’s one thing that elevates a great burger to an unforgettable one, it’s the sauce. And when it comes to a truly mouthwatering smash burger, the sauce has to be just right, tangy, creamy, a touch sweet, and packed with bold flavor. That’s exactly what this smash burger sauce recipe delivers.
This smash burger sauce recipe fits beautifully into your weeknight burger routine, backyard grilling nights, or even as a dipping sauce for fries, onion rings, and roasted veggies. Once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Table of contents
Why This Smash Burger Sauce Recipe Works Like Magic
This isn’t just any burger sauce. It’s that crave-worthy, fast-food-style spread that makes you wonder how something so simple can be so delicious. And here’s why it works so well:
1. The Right Balance of Tang, Creaminess, and Umami
The combination of mayonnaise and ketchup forms the creamy base, while yellow mustard adds a sharp bite. A splash of pickle juice (yes, you read that right) and finely chopped dill pickles cut through the richness and bring acidity. A hint of smoked paprika gives it a subtle depth that makes all the difference.
2. Customizable to Your Taste
This smash burger sauce recipe is a dream to customize. Prefer a little heat? Add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha. Want it sweeter? A tiny spoonful of honey or sugar can round things out. Trying to stay dairy-free? Use your favorite vegan mayo, the flavor still shines.
3. No Cooking Required
Just mix and chill. That’s it. It’s ideal for make-ahead prep and keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, making your weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts even more effortless.
4. Multi-Purpose Goodness
It’s called a smash burger sauce, but it’s not limited to burgers. Try it on grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, wraps, or even as a bold dressing for a chopped salad. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to use it on everything.
Recipe Card
Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
6
servings10
minutes120
kcalElevate your burger game with this smash burger sauce recipe! Creamy, tangy, and a little zesty, this easy smash burger sauce recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
Mayonnaise: ½ cup
Ketchup: 2 tbsp
Yellow mustard: 1 tbsp
Pickle juice: 2 tsp
Dill pickles (finely chopped): 2 tsp
Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
Garlic powder: ½ tsp
Onion powder: ½ tsp
Hot sauce: A dash (optional, for extra heat)
Directions
- Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard until smooth. - Add the Zing:
Stir in pickle juice and finely chopped dill pickles for a tangy kick. - Enhance the Flavor:
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly. - Optional Heat:
For a spicy twist, add a dash of hot sauce to taste. - Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together. - Serve:
Spread generously on your smash burger or use as a dip for fries.
Notes
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Like this recipe?
Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest
Pro Tips for Smash Burger Sauce Success
- Balance the Tang: Adjust the pickle juice quantity to your taste preferences.
- Texture Matters: Finely chop pickles to avoid overpowering chunks.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and high-quality mayo enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Chill for Perfection: Letting the sauce sit in the fridge enhances its depth and makes it creamier.
- Don’t Skip the Pickle Juice: It might seem like a small ingredient, but the briny punch of pickle juice brings the entire flavor profile together. It cuts through the creaminess and gives that signature “zing.”
- Experiment: Try adding Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of sugar for a unique twist.
Variants of Smash Burger Sauce You’ll Love
1. Spicy Smash Burger Sauce
If you’re a heat-seeker, this one’s for you. Start with the original recipe, then mix in a teaspoon of sriracha, chipotle powder, or hot sauce. I personally love using smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for a balanced heat with smoky depth. You can also sub half the mayo for a chipotle mayo to double down on flavor. This version pairs especially well with pepper jack cheese and crispy onions.
2. Smash Burger Sauce with Ketchup and BBQ Twist
This sweet-and-smoky twist is perfect if you’re grilling burgers outdoors. Replace half the ketchup with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce. It gives the sauce a deep caramel flavor that complements grilled patties beautifully. For a little tang, add a splash of apple cider vinegar. It’s great with bacon-topped burgers or even grilled chicken sandwiches.
3. Dill Lovers’ Smash Burger Sauce
Some folks just can’t get enough of that dill flavor. In this variation, I double up on the pickles, finely mince fresh dill, and use dill pickle juice instead of regular brine. It’s punchy and herbaceous, with that nostalgic deli flavor. Try this one with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions for an unbeatable combo.
4. Avocado Smash Burger Sauce
For a creamier, dairy-free option, blend half an avocado with the original recipe. Skip the mayo entirely or use a vegan version. The avocado adds healthy fats, a gorgeous green hue, and a buttery texture. I love using this version with turkey burgers or veggie patties.
Smash Burger Sauce Recipe Questions, Answered!
Absolutely! This smash burger sauce recipe tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Use a rich, creamy mayo like Hellmann’s or Duke’s for the best consistency and flavor.
Yes! Add more hot sauce for heat or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.
This sauce is versatile! Use it as a salad dressing, sandwich spread, or dip for veggies and fries.
They are very similar, but not quite the same. Smash burger sauce tends to be simpler, focusing more on the balance between creamy and tangy. Big Mac sauce often contains more sugar and uses sweet relish. You can absolutely adapt the smash burger sauce recipe to mimic Big Mac flavors by adding a little sugar and onion powder.
Why You’ll Crave This Sauce Every Time
Smash burger sauce is the unsung hero of an unforgettable burger experience. It’s not just a condiment, it’s a flavor amplifier that ties the whole burger together. Whether you’re flipping patties at home or crafting a gourmet burger night, this smash burger sauce recipe will level up your game.
The real magic is how customizable it is. Want it spicy? Creamy? Vegan? You’ve got options. It takes less than 10 minutes to whip up, and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry. Once you try it, I guarantee it’ll become your go-to sauce not just for burgers, but for everything from sandwiches to fries.
If you love this smash burger sauce recipe, try the Bison Burger Recipe skillet to pair with it. The combination of juicy bison burger and this tangy sauce is unbeatable!
Leave a Reply