This homemade smashburger sauce is the simple secret behind the grilled smash burgers I make all summer. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it comes together in about five minutes using basic pantry ingredients. Once you try this easy sauce, you’ll find yourself using it on burgers, fries, wraps, and more.
Smashburger Sauce (The Best Burger Sauce)
Real ingredients. Real flavor. This sauce uses just five straightforward ingredients — mayonnaise, yellow mustard, ketchup, dill pickle juice, and finely chopped dill pickles. The result is smooth and rich with a bright, tangy finish that complements beef, turkey, or plant-based patties.
No mystery additives. There are no preservatives or unnecessary sweeteners — just familiar pantry staples that come together to make a sauce that tastes homemade and fresh.
The sauce also makes a fantastic dip for fries and veggies and a delicious spread for sandwiches, wraps, or sliders.
What is smashburger sauce made of?
A creamy combination of mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, and chopped pickles—balanced to give richness, tang, and a little crunch from the pickles.
Is this like Big Mac sauce?
It’s similar in spirit but not identical. This version is tangier and simpler, without added sugar or sweet relish. It’s meant to be bright and straightforward, highlighting pickle juice for acidity rather than heavy sweetness.
Recipe Ingredients
- Mayonnaise — Full-fat mayonnaise forms the base for a rich, creamy texture. Avocado mayo can be used as an alternative.
- Yellow mustard — Adds a sharp, familiar tang. Dijon will work if you prefer a bit more bite, but yellow mustard gives the classic flavor.
- Ketchup — A touch of sweetness and umami to round out the sauce.
- Dill pickle juice — The secret ingredient that adds tang and lifts the overall flavor.
- Finely chopped dill pickles — For texture and bursts of pickle flavor in each bite.
Exact measurements are included in the printable recipe below.
How to Make Homemade Smashburger Sauce
Quick Overview
- Combine the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth.
- Chill briefly for best flavor (optional).
- Use as a spread, dip, or drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles.
- Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and evenly combined. Taste and adjust: add a splash more pickle juice for extra tang or a little more ketchup for sweetness.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes if possible. Resting the sauce lets the flavors meld, though it’s tasty immediately if you’re in a hurry.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. Stir briefly before serving if separation occurs.
Optional Mix-Ins
Once your base sauce is ready, you can customize it to suit your taste. A few simple additions change the character of the sauce without complicating the recipe:
- Finely diced onions — A teaspoon or two adds a mild bite and texture.
- Fresh herbs — Chives, parsley, or dill brighten the flavor, especially on chicken or turkey burgers.
- Garlic — ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or a small clove of minced garlic adds savory depth.
- Hot sauce — A few drops of your favorite hot sauce, sriracha, or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Ways to Use It (Beyond Smash Burgers)
This sauce shines on burgers, but its uses go far beyond the bun. Try it as:
- A dip for fries or tater tots — richer and more interesting than plain ketchup.
- A spread for sandwiches and wraps — great with grilled chicken, turkey, or roasted veggies.
- A drizzle over smoked meats — adds a bright counterpoint to rich, smoky flavors.
- A dressing for burger bowls — skip the bun and use it on a low-carb bowl or salad topped with a smashed patty.
- A veggie dip — works well with carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers for snacks or lunchboxes.
Top Tips
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Chop pickles finely so every bite has even texture and no large pieces.
- Taste and tweak—adjust pickle juice for tang or ketchup for sweetness until it suits you.
- Let it rest in the fridge for 15–30 minutes if you can; the flavors become more balanced.
- Make extra—this sauce is popular at gatherings, so consider doubling the batch for cookouts.
Variations
- Spicy — Add hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped pickled jalapeño for heat.
- Smoky — A small pinch of smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky note.
- Extra pickle — Stir in additional chopped pickles or a spoonful of dill relish for more briny flavor.
Storage Tips
- Transfer leftover sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days.
- Stir before serving if the sauce separates slightly after chilling.
- This sauce does not freeze well; the texture changes when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use relish instead of chopped pickles?
Yes. Dill relish will make the sauce slightly sweeter and more like a familiar fast-food burger sauce, but it still works well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce often tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight because the flavors meld.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use your favorite vegan mayonnaise to make the sauce dairy-free while keeping the same texture and flavor balance.
Printable Recipe
Smashburger Sauce Recipe
Smashburger Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made with five simple ingredients. Ready in minutes and perfect for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and fries.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles, finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, and finely chopped pickles in a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and taste. Adjust with extra pickle juice for tang or more ketchup for sweetness.
- Cover and chill 15–30 minutes if possible. Serve with burgers, sandwiches, fries, or as a dip.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor.
- No pickles? Dill relish works as a substitute but is a touch sweeter.
- Double the recipe for parties or cookouts; it disappears quickly.
- If the sauce thickens after chilling, add a splash of pickle juice to thin it.
- Dijon mustard can be used if you prefer a sharper mustard flavor.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 99 kcal | Carbs: 1 g | Protein: 0.2 g | Fat: 11 g