Can I make this sauce healthier with light mayonnaise?

You can use light mayonnaise, but expect a slightly thinner consistency and less rich flavor. To compensate, you might want to reduce the relish liquid slightly and perhaps add an extra pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it?

If you need a more drizzle-able consistency, add a teaspoon of water, pickle juice, or lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Each liquid will alter the flavor slightly, with pickle juice boosting tanginess and lemon adding brightness.

How can I make this sauce without relish?

No relish? No problem! Finely dice a tablespoon of pickles and add a dash of pickle juice to replicate that crucial tangy element. In a pinch, a teaspoon of vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar) will provide the acidity, though you'll miss the texture component.

Will this sauce work for vegetarian or vegan burgers?

Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with plant-based burgers. For a vegan version, simply substitute the mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo – the rest of the ingredients are typically vegan-friendly.

Ultimate Burger Sauce Recipe

Name: Ultimate Burger Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Base Ingredients; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons dill relish; Seasonings; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

This homemade burger sauce is a game-changer for your next cookout. Creamy, tangy, and with just the right kick of heat, it transforms ordinary burgers into restaurant-quality masterpieces in just 5 minutes of prep time. The blend of condiments creates that secret sauce flavor you’ve been trying to replicate at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple: Just mix and chill – no cooking required.
Customizable: Easy to adjust the heat level or sweetness to suit your taste.
Multi-Purpose: Works brilliantly beyond burgers – try it as a dip for fries, spread for sandwiches, or drizzled on wraps.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes better when made in advance, making it perfect for planned gatherings.
Economical: Much cheaper than store-bought specialty sauces with none of the preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together, providing richness and body.
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and that familiar tomato tang we all love in burger sauces.
Sriracha: Brings a wonderful heat that builds gradually rather than overwhelming your palate.
Dijon Mustard: Offers sophisticated tanginess and depth that yellow mustard can’t match.
Dill Relish: Provides texture and acidity that cuts through the richness of burger meat.
Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch that dried simply can’t replicate.
Onion Powder: Delivers savory onion flavor without the raw bite or texture of fresh onions.
Smoked Paprika: The secret ingredient that adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors – don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds that final dimension of gentle spice that rounds everything out.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Turn up the heat by doubling the sriracha or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half or replace it with an equal amount of ketchup.

Sweet-Forward Version

Replace the dill relish with sweet relish and add a teaspoon of honey for a sweeter profile that kids especially love.

Herb-Infused

Add 1-2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for a garden-fresh twist.

Southwest Style

Mix in half a teaspoon of ground cumin, a dash of lime juice, and replace the sriracha with your favorite hot sauce for a Tex-Mex inspired version.

How to Make the Burger Sauce

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Grab a small mixing bowl and add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sriracha, Dijon mustard, dill relish, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Mix Thoroughly

Using a spoon or small whisk, mix everything until completely combined. Make sure to break up any clumps of spices and incorporate the relish evenly throughout.

Step 3: Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Final Stir

Just before serving, give the sauce a quick stir to recombine any ingredients that may have separated during chilling.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Matters: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor – this isn’t the place to cut calories.
Flavor Development: The 2-hour chilling time isn’t just a suggestion – it’s essential for developing the full flavor profile.
Texture Control: If you prefer a smoother sauce, finely chop the relish before adding it.
Taste Test: Always taste your sauce before chilling and adjust the seasonings – remember that flavors will meld and often intensify during refrigeration.
Consistent Measurements: Use level tablespoons and teaspoons for consistent results every time.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This sauce shines brightest when slathered on a juicy burger with crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of cool vegetables, hot meat, and this creamy sauce creates textural and temperature contrasts that make each bite perfect.

Beyond Burgers

Don’t limit this amazing sauce to just burgers! Try it as:

A dipping sauce for fresh-cut fries or onion rings
Spread on grilled chicken sandwiches
Drizzled over loaded baked potatoes
A flavor-packed addition to wraps and club sandwiches
Secret ingredient in deviled eggs or potato salad

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors may even improve after 2-3 days as they continue to meld.

Freezing

This sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise base, which can separate when thawed. Best to make fresh batches as needed.

Make-Ahead Tips

For large gatherings, make this sauce 1-2 days ahead. The advanced preparation not only saves you time on the day but actually improves the flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce healthier with light mayonnaise?

You can use light mayonnaise, but expect a slightly thinner consistency and less rich flavor. To compensate, you might want to reduce the relish liquid slightly and perhaps add an extra pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it?

If you need a more drizzle-able consistency, add a teaspoon of water, pickle juice, or lemon juice at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Each liquid will alter the flavor slightly, with pickle juice boosting tanginess and lemon adding brightness.
How can I make this sauce without relish?

No relish? No problem! Finely dice a tablespoon of pickles and add a dash of pickle juice to replicate that crucial tangy element. In a pinch, a teaspoon of vinegar (preferably apple cider vinegar) will provide the acidity, though you’ll miss the texture component.
Will this sauce work for vegetarian or vegan burgers?

Absolutely! This sauce pairs wonderfully with plant-based burgers. For a vegan version, simply substitute the mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo – the rest of the ingredients are typically vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This burger sauce recipe might seem simple, but it’s that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet and spicy flavors that elevates any burger from basic to spectacular. I’ve watched friends who claimed they “don’t need sauce” become instant converts after one taste. Give yourself those extra two hours of chilling time – your taste buds will thank you for the flavor explosion that results! Whether for weekend cookouts or quick weeknight dinners, this sauce deserves a permanent spot in your refrigerator door.