Classic Burger Sauce

What turns a good classic cheeseburger into a great one? The answer: this awesome burger sauce! Its flavor is inspired by the best burger toppings, combining them all in one savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy bite. It's fantastic on burger recipes of every variety, including veggie burgers! But why stop there? This sauce makes a downright delicious dip for French fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders.

Why does burger sauce taste so good?

Have you ever noticed that the best foods are a little salty, a little sweet, and a little tangy? That's exactly what makes burger sauce so addictive! You get the sweetness from the relish, tang from the ketchup, a kick from the mustard, and some heavenly smokiness from smoked paprika. And the mayo brings it all together!

What's in burger sauce?

Every restaurant has their own top secret recipe, but the basic ingredients of a good burger sauce mirror burger toppings and flavors: mayonnaise (for creaminess), ketchup (for sweetness), pickle relish or juice (for tartness), sriracha, or hot sauce (for heat), and spices (for smokiness and depth).

What else can you add to burger sauce?

The possibilities are practically endless! Want a smoother burger sauce? Use pickle juice instead of relish. Love mustard? Double up! You can add things like minced garlic or grated shallot for a punch, or even crumbled blue cheese for something bold.

Is burger sauce spicy?

Typically no, but if you like a little heat, feel free to dial it up! In this recipe, the hot sauce or Sriracha is optional. Use as much or as little to none as you prefer. Real hot heads can even add some minced pickled jalapeño or chipotle for an extra kick of heat.

Is burger sauce the same as Thousand Island?

The two share a lot of similarities in ingredients and color, but they're not exactly the same. Burger sauce is really just a mix of condiments like mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish with a few extra flavorings thrown in. Thousand Island is a bit more complicated. It's mayo-based and contains ketchup and relish, but traditional recipes also contain ingredients like hard-boiled egg, onion, and some sort of acid like lemon or vinegar.

Does burger sauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes, due to the mayonnaise in it, burger sauce should be refrigerated. If you're bringing it to a cookout, just stash it in a cooler until you need it.

How long does burger sauce last?

Burger sauce will stay good for up to a week stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Feel free to make extra—there are tons of ways to enjoy it beyond just burgers.

What else is good with burger sauce?

Burger sauce tastes awesome on a Reuben sandwich or a Cuban sandwich. It can also be thinned out with a little pickle juice or even water and drizzled over any salad. It also makes a surprisingly tasty dip for crab cakes or fried shrimp.