Easy Burger Sauce (5-Minute Homemade Special Sauce)

Name: Easy Burger Sauce (5-Minute Homemade Special Sauce)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: ¼ Cup Mayonnaise; ¼ Cup Ketchup; 2 Teaspoons Yellow Mustard; 2 Tablespoons Dill Pickles (Finely Minced); 2 Tablespoons Pickle Brine; 1 Teaspoon Hot Sauce (Texas Pete Preferred); ½ Teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar; ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder; ½ Teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ Teaspoon Sugar; ¾ Teaspoon Kosher Salt; ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper; Pinch Cayenne

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This Easy Burger Sauce recipe is creamy, tangy, and ready in just 5 minutes. Minced dill pickles, a splash of brine, and a little hot sauce give it the bite to stand up to crispy beef and melted cheese. Spread it on smash burgers or serve it with fries for dipping.

A smash burger on a plate with burger sauce dripping off the top patty.

I developed this homemade burger sauce for my Classic Double Smash Burgers. It's a small addition that makes burger night feel complete: regular condiments, a few seasonings, and one bowl and 5 minutes are all you need. I use finely chopped dill pickles and a splash of brine instead of sweet relish. This keeps the sauce from getting too sweet and helps cut through the richness of a juicy burger.

This sauce also works great on my Double-Double Animal Style Smash Burgers-spread it onto the toasted buns before piling on the patties and toppings.

Quick Look: Burger Sauce

Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: None
Chill Time: Optional 30-60 minutes
Yield: About 1 Cup (enough for about 8 burgers)
Best For: Smash burgers, cheese burgers, sandwiches, and fries

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Quick Look: Burger Sauce
Burger Sauce Ingredients
Substitutions
How to Make Burger Sauce
Storage and Make Ahead
Easy Burger Sauce FAQs
Make Burger Night a Smash
Recipe
Comments

Burger Sauce Ingredients

The dill pickles and pickle brine give this sauce most of its character, while a little apple cider vinegar adds an extra pop of tang. Here's what to use:

Ingredients for an easy burger sauce recipe in small containers on a counter top.

Dill pickles: Mince finely so each bite gets a little crunch. Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickle Slices work well here.
Hot sauce: Adds a vinegary kick and gentle heat. I prefer Texas Pete brand.
Apple cider vinegar: Adds a little extra acidity.

Refer to the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

Substitutions

Hot sauce: Substitute another vinegar-based hot sauce, adjusting for its heat.
Pickles: Bread-and-butter pickles give a sweeter result; taste before adding the sugar.
Pickle brine: Keep it if possible-it adds dill flavor, salt, and tang while also loosening the sauce slightly.
Vinegar: White vinegar can replace the small amount of apple cider vinegar, but will be a bit sharper tasting.
Cayenne: Omit it for less heat. The hot sauce still adds a little kick.

How to Make Burger Sauce

A whisk stirring ingredients for burger sauce together in a bowl.

Assembly: Finely mince the dill pickles, then add them to a small bowl with the remaining ingredients. Mix until evenly combined. Use immediately, or cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serving Tips: Spread onto burgers or spoon into a small bowl for dipping. For a standard double smash burger, start with about 1 to 1½ tablespoons of sauce, then add more to taste. This makes enough for about 8 burgers.

A spoon adding burger sauce to top buns with toppings on the bottom buns.

Storage and Make Ahead

Refrigerate: Keep in a clean, airtight container at 40°F or below and use within 3-4 days.
Make ahead: Mix a few hours or a day before serving.
Freezing: Not recommended; the mayonnaise can separate when thawed.

Easy Burger Sauce FAQs

What is burger sauce made of?

This version combines mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, dill pickles, pickle brine, hot sauce, vinegar, and pantry seasonings.

Is burger sauce the same as Big Mac sauce?

No. It has a similar creamy, tangy appeal, but this is its own recipe, with ketchup, dill pickles, and Texas Pete-not a Big Mac sauce copycat.

Can I make burger sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Mix it a few hours or a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Stir before serving.

How long does homemade burger sauce last?

For a conservative home-storage guideline, use it within 3-4 days and keep it covered in the refrigerator at 40°F or below.

Can I use relish instead of chopped pickles for burger sauce?

Yes. Dill relish works well, but because it is more finely chopped and can be wetter than minced pickles, add the pickle brine gradually. If you use sweet relish, reduce or omit the added sugar to taste.