The Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe is a creamy, tangy sauce made to spread on burgers and sandwiches. It usually combines mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings like onion powder and paprika.
Some versions include pickle juice or relish for extra flavor. This sauce brings moisture and balance to grilled meat and toasted buns.
Many people call it a secret burger sauce recipe since it gives burgers that classic restaurant-style taste at home.
If you’ve been searching for The Best Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe, this one is simple, quick, and made with pantry ingredients. No special tools. No complicated steps. Just real flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce?
You’ll love this Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe since it takes only five minutes to mix and completely changes the flavor of your burger. The creamy mayonnaise pairs perfectly with ketchup and mustard, while pickle juice and dill relish add a fresh tangy kick.
I like that it tastes like a secret burger sauce recipe from a classic diner, yet I can make it at home anytime. It works on beef burgers, chicken burgers, smash burgers, and even sandwiches. Once you try it, you won’t want store-bought sauce again.
How To Prepare Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe?

Recipe Overview
Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe is a creamy, tangy burger sauce made in minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Sauce/Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Calories: Approx. 90 per tablespoon
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
How to Make Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe
1. In a medium mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until smooth.
2. Pour in pickle juice and add dill relish. Mix well.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir again until fully combined.
4. Taste the sauce. Adjust salt, mustard, or paprika to match your preference.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle together.
My Tip: I like to make this easy homemade burger sauce recipe a few hours ahead of grilling. The flavor tastes even better after chilling.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 Tablespoons Approx.)
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 220mg
Pro Tips
✅Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a homemade burger recipe with a Worcestershire sauce twist.
✅Skip mustard if you want a burger sauce recipe without mustard.
✅Mix in BBQ sauce for a homemade burger recipe with BBQ sauce flavor.
✅Add chilli flakes for heat.
✅Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a homemade burger sauce recipe healthy option.
Helpful Variations (Step by Step)
1. Spicy Version
- Add 1 tsp hot sauce + pinch cayenne.
- Stir into the base sauce.
- Chill 20–30 minutes before serving.
2. BBQ Style
- Mix in 2 tbsp BBQ sauce + ½ tsp smoked paprika.
- Stir well until smooth.
- Great for grilled burgers and sandwiches.
3. Without Mustard
- Skip mustard.
- Add 1 extra tbsp mayo + 1 tsp vinegar.
- Mix and chill before using.
4. Healthy Option
- Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt.
- Stir until creamy.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
5. Worcestershire Twist
- Add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix well and refrigerate.
- Perfect for beef burgers.
Serving Suggestions
This Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe is perfect for classic beef burgers, smash burgers, and homemade chicken burger sauce recipe variations.
I spread it on toasted buns before adding the patty. It works great as a dip for fries, onion rings, and even grilled sandwiches.
You can drizzle it over wraps or mix it into coleslaw for a quick side. It even tastes amazing inside sliders at parties.
How To Store
1. Store in a sealed jar in the fridge.
2. Keep refrigerated at all times.
3. Stir before each use.
4. Use within 5 days for best taste.
Recipe Notes
- Chill before serving for better taste.
- Adjust mustard to control tanginess.
- Add sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Works for homemade smash burger sauce recipe ideas.
- Double the batch for parties.
Can You Make Burger Sauce In Advance?
Yes, you can make this Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe in advance, and I actually prefer doing it that way. When the sauce sits in the fridge for a few hours, the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, onion powder, and paprika settle together and taste even better.
I like to prepare it the night before a cookout so it’s ready to spread on burgers and sandwiches. Store it in an airtight jar and keep it refrigerated at all times.
It stays fresh for up to 4–5 days if handled properly. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and it’s ready to go.
What Makes This Burger Sauce Taste Like A Secret Restaurant Sauce?
The key to this Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe tasting like a secret burger sauce recipe is the balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors. The mayonnaise creates a smooth base, while ketchup adds mild sweetness.
Mustard and pickle juice bring a sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the burger. Onion powder and paprika boost the savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
Letting it chill in the fridge helps all the flavors settle together. When everything is balanced, the burger sauce tastes just like your favorite diner-style spread.
More Delicious Burger Sauce Recipes
â–¶ Special Burger Sauce Recipe
â–¶ 3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe With Ketchup
FAQs
How To Make Burger Sauce From Scratch?
Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, dill relish, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a bowl. Stir until smooth and chill before serving.
Can I Make This Burger Sauce Recipe Easy Without Relish?
Yes. You can skip relish and add extra pickle juice or finely chopped pickles.
Is This The Best Burger Sauce Recipe For Smash Burgers?
Yes, this best homemade burger sauce recipe pairs perfectly with crispy smash burgers.
What Is The Burger Sauce Price Compared To Store-Bought?
Homemade burger sauce recipe costs less per serving and uses simple pantry items.
Conclusion
This Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe is one of those simple kitchen wins that makes a big difference. I love how quickly it comes together and how it upgrades every burger and sandwich.
Try it at your next cookout or weeknight dinner. Let me know how you use your burger sauce — I always enjoy hearing your ideas and twists!

Homemade Burger Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Stir until smooth.
- Pour in pickle juice and add dill relish. Mix well.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir again until fully combined.
- Taste the sauce. Adjust salt, mustard, or paprika to match your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle together.