Ultimate Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, creamy, and tangy—perfectly balanced for burgers
• Takes less than five minutes to make
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
• Customizable to suit your personal taste preferences

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives the sauce its smooth, rich texture. Opt for a high-quality mayo for the best flavor.

Ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang, blending perfectly with the mayo to form that signature burger sauce color and flavor.

Dijon mustard – Gives the sauce a slight sharpness and depth. You can use yellow mustard if you prefer a milder flavor.

Pickle relish – Provides a pleasant crunch and a zesty kick. Sweet relish works best for a balanced contrast to the tangy ingredients.

Apple cider vinegar – A small amount brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.

Smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness that complements grilled burgers beautifully. I once tried chipotle powder instead, and it added an extra layer of heat.

Garlic powder – Gives a savory undertone that rounds out the flavor profile.

Onion powder – Enhances the umami flavor without overpowering the sauce.

Salt and black pepper – Essential to bring everything together and balance the sweetness.

Directions

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
2. Add the pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well incorporated.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to your preference.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Your Ultimate Smash Burger Sauce is now ready! Spread it generously on the bottom and top bun of your burger, or serve it as a dip for fries and onion rings.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, enough for 6–8 burgers.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before each use to refresh the texture. Avoid freezing, as the mayo base may separate once thawed.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick – Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Smoky BBQ Blend – Mix in a tablespoon of your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, sweet twist.

Tangy Pickle Version – Use dill relish instead of sweet relish for a sharper, more tangy flavor.

Chipotle Infusion – Stir in a bit of chipotle chili in adobo for a smoky and spicy punch.

Herb Upgrade – Add finely chopped fresh dill or parsley for a bright, herby note.

Honey Mustard Touch – Replace Dijon with honey mustard for a sweeter flavor that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken sandwiches.

Vegan Alternative – Use vegan mayo and skip the Worcestershire-based ketchups to make it plant-based.

Extra Creamy – Blend in a teaspoon of sour cream for a silkier texture.

Lemon Burst – Swap apple cider vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a cleaner, citrusy tang.

Cheesy Twist – Add a tablespoon of finely grated Parmesan for a savory, umami-rich edge.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours as the flavors develop.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?

Absolutely. Yellow mustard will make the sauce milder and slightly sweeter.

How long does it last in the fridge?

It stays fresh for up to one week in a sealed container.

Can I use this sauce for other dishes?

Definitely—it’s great on fries, sandwiches, and even grilled chicken.

Is this sauce similar to Big Mac sauce?

Yes, it’s quite similar, though this version is slightly smokier and more balanced.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Use sugar-free ketchup and relish for a lower-sugar version.

What type of mayo works best?

Full-fat mayonnaise gives the best flavor and consistency.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily—just maintain the same ingredient ratios.

Can I skip the relish?

You can, but it adds a nice texture and brightness that makes the sauce pop.

How can I make it thicker?

Add a spoonful of extra mayonnaise or reduce the vinegar slightly for a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

This Ultimate Smash Burger Sauce is the finishing touch that turns a good burger into a great one. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, complementing the crisp, caramelized crust of a smash burger perfectly. Once you try this sauce, it’s hard to go back to plain ketchup and mustard. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your next cookout. I’ve made this sauce countless times, and every time, it disappears faster than the burgers themselves.

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