There’s something magical about a sauce that pulls everything together — that rich, creamy, tangy note that makes your burger go from “good” to “wait, what is this?” Smash Burger Sauce is that kind of magic.
Think of it as your passport to bold flavor without boarding a flight. With ingredients you probably already have, this sauce delivers umami-packed depth. A whisper of Dijon, a touch of garlic, and a technique borrowed from burger joints across the globe — this is fusion comfort food at its best.
Pro tip from the line cooks of Paris to the short-order chefs in Nashville: let your sauce rest for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and bloom. It’s a small pause that makes a big impact — much like a quick detour off a scenic highway that leads to the best meal of your trip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- I first whipped this up in a late-night kitchen experiment after a trip to Chicago — now I can’t make burgers without it. If you’ve ever wanted your home burgers to rival the ones from your favorite smashburger joint, this sauce is your golden ticket.
- I started using it as a dipping sauce for roasted veggies, and suddenly, even picky eaters were asking for seconds. It’s that balance of creamy, tangy, and savory that makes it versatile.
- Over time, I’ve swapped in Greek yogurt or even vegan mayo — still delicious, still indulgent, just a little lighter for everyday use.
- One unexpected bonus? It actually helped me cut down on heavy toppings — the sauce adds so much punch that I didn’t need cheese or extra spreads.
Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk (optional)
- Rubber spatula for scraping
- Tasting spoon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon kosher dill pickle brine, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use full-fat mayo for the richest texture and flavor—light versions may make the sauce thinner.
- Adjust the cayenne to suit your heat preference or substitute with smoked paprika for a milder twist.
- For a smoother blend, whisk the ingredients instead of stirring with a spoon.
- Try the sauce as a dip for fries, onion rings, or even roasted veggies—it’s not just for burgers!
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 131kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1g |
| Fibre | 0.1g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Cholesterol | 8g |
Variations to Help You Customize This Recipe!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, sriracha, or finely chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Stir in a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika for a bold, grilled taste.
- Sweet & Tangy: Mix in a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or sweet relish for a sweeter profile.
- Zesty Twist: Add a splash of lemon juice or grated garlic for a punchier flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in finely chopped chives, parsley, or dill for a fresh, herby note.
