This homemade burger sauce is BURSTING with flavor and goes with just about everything. It’s perfect on classic burgers, hot dogs, crispy fries, turkey wraps, hearty salads (as a zesty dressing), and yes—straight from the spoon. There’s a jar in my fridge at all times.
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This recipe is…
After testing dozens of burger sauce recipes, this one is hands-down my favorite. What sets it apart? It’s not overly sweet, thanks to the tangy dill relish. Dijon mustard adds a little bite, smoky paprika layers in flavor, Cholula hot sauce brings the perfect kick, and freshly grated garlic takes it to the next level. This sauce is balanced, bold, and incredibly versatile.
I created this recipe as a topper for my smash burger tacos, but the list of burger sauce pairings (grilled hamburgers, hot dog bars, french fries, turkey wraps, salads, etc.) is truly endless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly versatile – drizzle it over burgers, dunk your fries in it, or use it as a wrap or salad dressing. It’s the sauce that works with just about anything.
- Super easy to make – no blender, no fancy equipment. Just mix it all together in one bowl, and you’re done in minutes.
- Bold, crave-worthy flavor – this isn’t your average burger sauce. It’s smoky, tangy, a little spicy, and absolutely delicious.
Homemade Burger Sauce Ingredients
I’d be willing to bet that you have almost all of these ingredients on hand already, which totally makes this recipe even more of a no-brainer. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and swaps) below.
- Dill relish – the use of dill relish (vs sweet relish) is one of the big stand outs in this recipe. I love the tanginess that it gives to the sauce. That said, if you prefer your sauce to be a little sweeter, feel free to grab sweet relish instead.
- Cholula hot sauce – my favorite hot sauce for this recipe. It’s flavorful with just the right heat. Any mild hot sauce will work, but Cholula is highly recommended.
- Dijon mustard – while a lot of burger sauce recipes call for yellow mustard, I love the extra spice that Dijon mustard brings to this recipe.
- Fresh garlic – this is a big differentiator. Instead of garlic powder, I use 2 cloves of finely minced or grated garlic for that fresh, punchy flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Recipe Variations and Modifications
- Make it dairy-free – this sauce is completely dairy-free as written.
- Make it gluten-free – no gluten here either! Just be sure to check your condiment labels to confirm.
How to Make Burger Sauce
No fancy tools needed. All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk (or fork), and a jar for storing.
Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a medium sized bowl.
Step 2: Whisk the ingredients together until fully combined. Then, taste and adjust the spiciness with more hot sauce if you want it. Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Recipe Tip
- For maximum flavor, let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the garlic, paprika, and hot sauce to meld together for a richer, more balanced taste.
- Make it your own. Add finely chopped pickled jalapeños for extra heat, or a splash of pickle juice for more tang. Burger sauce is endlessly customizable based on your flavor preferences.
How to Serve
This burger sauce shines in so many dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Smash burger tacos (a match made in heaven!)
- Grilled hamburgers
- Ground chicken burgers
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Baked chicken nuggets
- Hot dogs (especially with a toppings bar)
- French fries
- Potato wedges
- Turkey wraps
How to Store
Store your homemade burger sauce in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not quite! While both sauces share a creamy base and include relish, burger sauce tends to be smokier, spicier, and less sweet. This version, in particular, leans more savory and bold than classic Thousand Island.
Absolutely. In fact, it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. Just store it in an airtight container and give it a quick stir before serving.
More Sauce Recipes
If you tried this Burger Sauce or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below!
Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup dill relish
- 1-2 tablespoons Cholula hot sauce (or hot sauce of choice), to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium sized bowl.
- Whisk until fully combined. Taste and adjust the spiciness with more hot sauce, if desired.
- Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
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