This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
My signature easy burger sauce recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and tangy! It’s simple to make, and this irresistible homemade sauce will upgrade any burger.
Try my Best Ground Chicken Burgers or Easy Ground Turkey Burgers next.
Why you’ll love it
I’m a sauce kind of gal, and restaurants never put enough of the good stuff on burgers. I slather a ton of this one on my burgers at home. While it’s easy to grab a bottle of burger sauce from the store, you know exactly what goes into it when you make it yourself.
The taste of this quick and zesty burger sauce can be compared to thousand island, but it has more of a savory kick from a few pantry seasonings. It adds moisture and depth of flavor to burgers and sandwiches, and I absolutely love it as a dip for fries as well!
What you’ll need
- Mayo – the creamy base of the sauce
- Ketchup – for that subtle tomato-y taste with a hint of sweetness
- Sweet pickle relish – grab a jar of this for that tart and slightly sweet flavor and a bit of crunch!
- White vinegar – a little acidity for balance
- Garlic powder and onion powder – two everyday ingredients to punch up the savory goodness
Helpful tips
- Be sure to buy your favorite brands of ketchup and mayonnaise for best taste and texture since they’re the star of the show. We love Hellmann’s or Duke’s mayo and Heinz ketchup.
- Tasting and adjusting as you go along is a normal part of cooking to make sure the proportions are perfect to suit your personal tastes!
How to make burger sauce
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
In a prep bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients until smooth using a whisk. Taste, and season with salt & pepper as needed. Adjust any other ingredients to taste. Chill if desired to allow the flavors to meld. Serve as suggested below.
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- Here is my trusty whisk to ensure this sauce is perfectly smooth.
- I’m a big fan of magnetic nested measuring spoons so they’re never separated in the drawer.
- I like a classic mason jar to store any leftovers.
Substitutions and variations
- For another little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add a smoky touch by replacing the ketchup with BBQ sauce, adding some smoked paprika, or using a dash of liquid smoke.
- Swap regular salt & pepper for seasoning salt or Tony’s seasoning.
What to serve with burger sauce
- A burger, of course! It’s great on a hamburger or cheeseburger. My recommended toppings along with this sauce are butter lettuce, tomato slices, red onions or my Quick Pickled Red Onions, pickles, and a slice of cheddar or American cheese. I keep it classic with a sesame bun.
- I like to serve some on the side to dip my French fries in as well. Delicious.
- You can definitely use this sauce on any sandwich. It’s not limited to burgers!
Leftovers and storage
- It’ll keep for about a week in the fridge in an airtight container. Be sure not to let it sit out before putting it in the fridge.
- As with most sauces, I don’t recommend freezing this burger sauce.
More homemade sauce recipes
If you made this simple burger sauce recipe, talk to me in the comments below! I really appreciate star ratings and reviews. Or tag me on Instagram with your burger photos!
Easy Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk/stir together. Give it a taste then season with salt & pepper as needed, and adjust other ingredients if needed (e.g. add more vinegar).
- Enjoy right away or cover and chill for a few hours to let flavors meld. The sauce will last for about a week in the fridge.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
© Salt & Lavender Inc. Content and photographs are copyrighted. Sharing this blog post is much appreciated, but copying and pasting full recipes without authorization to social media is strictly prohibited.
Leave a comment