This Is the Secret Sauce to Drool-Worthy Burgers—Literally
What turns a good classic cheeseburger into a great one? The answer: this awesome burger sauce! Its flavor is inspired by the best burger toppings and combines them all in one savory, sweet, smoky, and tangy bite. It's fantastic on burgers of every variety, including veggie burgers! But why stop there? This sauce makes a downright delicious dip for French fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders. In fact, one taste and you'll want to dunk absolutely everything in this new favorite condiment! Be sure to bring a jar to the next summer cookout.
Why does burger sauce taste so good?
Have you ever noticed that the best foods are a little salty, a little sweet, and a little tangy? That's exactly what makes burger sauce so addictive! You get the sweetness from the relish, tang from the ketchup, a kick from the mustard, and some heavenly smokiness from smoked paprika. And the mayo brings it all together!
What's in burger sauce?
Every restaurant has their own top secret recipe, but the basic ingredients of a good burger sauce mirror burger toppings and flavors: mayonnaise (for creaminess), ketchup (for sweetness), pickle relish or juice (for tartness), sriracha, or hot sauce (for heat), and spices (for smokiness and depth).
Is burger sauce spicy?
Typically no, but if you like a little heat, feel free to dial it up! In this recipe, the hot sauce or Sriracha is optional. Use as much or as little to none as you prefer. Real hot heads can even add some minced pickled jalapeño or chipotle for an extra kick of heat!
Is burger sauce the same as Thousand Island?
The two share a lot of similarities in ingredients and color, but they're not exactly the same. Burger sauce really just a mix of condiments like mayo, mustard, ketchup, and relish with a few extra flavorings thrown in. Thousand Island is a bit more complicated. It's mayo-based and contains ketchup and relish, but traditional recipes also contain ingredients like hard-boiled egg, onion, and some sort of acid like lemon or vinegar.
How do you make your own burger sauce?
This recipe comes together in minutes with ingredients that are probably already in your fridge. It's also a delicious start to a sauce that you can customize to create your own "secret" recipe! Want it smooth? Use pickle juice instead of relish. Love mustard? Double up! The possibilities for making this recipe your own are practically endless!
How long does burger sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, burger sauce will stay good for up to a week. Feel free to make extra! There are tons of ways beyond just burgers to enjoy it. More on that below!
What else is good with burger sauce?
Besides the chicken tenders and fries mentioned above, burger sauce tastes awesome on a Reuben sandwich or a Cuban sandwich. It can also be thinned out with a little pickle juice or even water and drizzled over any salad. It also makes a surprisingly tasty dip for crab cakes or fried shrimp.
Yields: 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 5 mins
Ingredients
1 c.
mayonnaise
2 tbsp.
ketchup
2 tbsp.
sweet pickle relish
2 tsp.
mustard (dijon or yellow)
2 tsp.
Sriracha or hot sauce (optional)
1/2 tsp.
ground black pepper
1/2 tsp.
smoked paprika
1/4 tsp.
Worcestershire sauce
Directions
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, mustard, Sriracha, pepper, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve, up to 1 week.
Tip: Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.
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