Classic Burger Sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce made to spread on burgers and sandwiches. It usually combines mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish, sugar, white vinegar, and black pepper. The texture is smooth with tiny bits of relish for a slight crunch.
Many sandwich joints use a similar burger sauce as their “secret sauce.” It adds moisture and bold flavor to burgers without overpowering the meat.
It’s creamy, slightly tangy, a little sweet, and has just enough black pepper to wake everything up. This recipe is simple, quick, and made with pantry staples.
If you love juicy burgers, fries, and sandwiches, this Classic Burger Sauce will become your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Classic Burger Sauce?
You’ll love this Classic Burger Sauce as it comes together in minutes with ingredients you already have in your kitchen. The flavor hits that perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet that makes every burger taste better.
I like that it works for more than burgers; you can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a dipping sauce. There’s no cooking required, just stir and chill. Once you try it, you won’t want store-bought burger sauce again.
How To Make Classic Burger Sauce?

Recipe Overview
Classic Burger Sauce is a quick, no-cook sauce that adds creamy, tangy flavor to burgers and sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 1 cup
- Calories Per Serving: ~90 calories (per 2 tablespoons)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or small whisk
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- ½ cup (112 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 g) ketchup
- 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Ingredient Notes
1. Mayonnaise: This is the base of the sauce. Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor. It gives the sauce its creamy body.
2. Ketchup: Adds color, slight sweetness, and tomato flavor. It balances the tang from the vinegar.
3. Sweet Pickle Relish: Brings texture and a mild sweet-tangy bite. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount slightly.
4. Granulated Sugar: Rounds out the flavors and gives that classic burger sauce taste you find in sandwich joints.
5. White Vinegar: Adds brightness and sharpness. It cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
6. Black Pepper: Gives a mild kick and depth. Freshly ground black pepper tastes stronger and fresher.
Instructions (Step by Step)
1. Add the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
2. Mix in the Flavor:
Add the sweet pickle relish, sugar, white vinegar, and black pepper.
3. Stir Well:
Mix everything until the sauce looks smooth and creamy with small bits of relish evenly spread throughout.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the burger sauce. If you like it tangier, add a tiny splash of white vinegar. If you want it sweeter, add a pinch of sugar.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and taste better.
I always make it a little ahead of time. The flavor deepens after resting in the fridge.
Nutrition (Per 2 Tablespoons)
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
Values are approximate and depend on ingredient brands used.
Tips and Variations
✅Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
✅Stir in a small amount of mustard for extra tang.
✅Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a softer acidity.
✅Add a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
✅Make it thicker by reducing the ketchup slightly.
Storage Tips
1. Store the Classic Burger Sauce in an airtight container or sealed glass jar to keep it fresh.
2. Keep it refrigerated at all times and avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods.
3. Stir the burger sauce before each use, as slight separation can happen in the fridge.
4. Use within 5 days for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Classic Burger Sauce is perfect on grilled beef burgers, chicken burgers, or turkey patties. I love spreading it on toasted buns before stacking the patty, lettuce, tomato, and cheese.
It works great as a dipping sauce for fries and onion rings. You can spread it inside wraps or sandwiches for extra flavor. Try it as a dip for roasted potatoes at your next cookout.
Other Sauce Recipes You May Like
▶Homemade Copycat Big Mac Sauce Recipe
▶ Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
▶ Best Homemade McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce
Recipe Notes
◉ Let the sauce chill before serving for better flavor.
◉ Adjust sugar and vinegar to suit your taste.
◉ Use fresh black pepper for a stronger flavor.
◉ Double the batch if serving a crowd.
◉ Stir before each use after storage.
FAQs About Classic Burger Sauce
Can I Make Classic Burger Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container.
Can I Use Dill Pickle Relish Instead Of Sweet?
Yes, though the flavor will be more tangy and less sweet.
Is Classic Burger Sauce Spicy?
No, it’s creamy and mildly tangy. Add hot sauce if you prefer heat.
Can I Use This Burger Sauce For Sandwiches?
Yes, it works great on grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip.
How Long Does Homemade Burger Sauce Last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever felt like your homemade burgers were missing that special touch, this Classic Burger Sauce is the answer. It’s quick, simple, and packed with flavor.
I love how it turns a basic burger into something that tastes like it came from a great sandwich joint. Try it once and tell me how you used it. I’d love to hear your twist on this recipe!

Classic Burger Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the sweet pickle relish, sugar, white vinegar, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until the sauce looks smooth and creamy with small bits of relish evenly spread throughout.
- Taste the burger sauce. If you like it tangier, add a tiny splash of white vinegar. If you want it sweeter, add a pinch of sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together and taste better.
- I always make it a little ahead of time. The flavor deepens after resting in the fridge.