Special Burger Sauce Recipe is a creamy and tangy homemade sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and simple seasonings. It’s used to add extra flavor to burgers and sandwiches.
The taste is slightly sweet with a mild tang from vinegar and pickles. Many famous sauces like burger king special sauce recipe or in n out burger special sauce recipe, follow a similar base. This sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste.
This Special Burger Sauce Recipe is now my go-to for burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and even wraps. It’s quick, simple, and made with pantry staples. No fancy tools. No complicated steps.
Why You’ll Love This Special Burger Sauce Recipe?
You’ll love this Special Burger Sauce Recipe because it takes only a few minutes to mix and instantly upgrades any burger. I like how the mayonnaise makes it creamy, the ketchup adds a slight sweetness, and the pickle relish brings that classic tangy flavor.
It tastes close to restaurant-style sauces like smash burger special sauce recipe versions, yet it’s easy to make at home. You can adjust the sugar or mustard to match your taste. Once you try it, plain burgers will feel incomplete without it.
How To Make Special Burger Sauce Recipe?

Recipe Overview
Special Burger Sauce Recipe – a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet homemade burger sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Sauce/Condiment
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 8 Servings
- Calories Per Serving: ~90 kcal (per 2 tablespoons)
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or small whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight jar or container
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 Tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sugar (or more if sweeter sauce is desired)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Ingredient Notes
1. Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base of the burger sauce. Use full-fat mayonnaise for better texture and flavor.
2. Ketchup: Adds sweetness and that familiar burger taste. Choose a good-quality ketchup.
3. Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish gives that classic fast-food flavor. If you want a burger sauce without pickles, you can skip it and add a little extra vinegar.
4. Yellow Mustard: Brings mild tang. You can swap with Dijon mustard if you want a sharper taste.
5. White Vinegar: Lifts the flavor and balances the sugar.
6. Garlic Powder: Adds depth without overpowering the sauce.
7. Sugar: Adjust to your taste. Some like it sweeter, similar to top secret recipes burger special sauce.
8. Salt & Black Pepper: Balance everything out.
✔️ If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Direction
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a small bowl, add mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Mix in the sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and white vinegar. Stir well.
Step 3: Season
Add garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust. If you prefer a sharper sauce, add a few drops more vinegar. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended)
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together. I always make it ahead when preparing burgers for guests.
Step 5: Serve
Spread it on burger buns, drizzle over patties, or use as a dip.
Nutrition (Approximate Per 2 Tbsp)
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
Tips and Variations
✅Burger Sauce Without Mustard: Skip mustard and add extra vinegar and a small spoon of Dijon mustard substitute if needed.
✅Burger Sauce Without Pickles: Leave out relish and add a splash more vinegar.
✅BBQ Burger Sauce Recipe: Add 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
✅Best Chicken Burger Sauce: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
✅Arby’s Special Burger Sauce Recipe Style: Add a tiny bit of smoked paprika.
Storage Tips
✔Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
✔Stays fresh up to 5 days.
✔Stir before using if it thickens.
✔Do not freeze.
Serving Suggestions
1. Spread on toasted burger buns.
2. Use in burger bowls as burger bowl special sauce recipe.
3. Drizzle over smash burgers.
4. Serve as dip with fries or onion rings.
5. Use inside wraps or sandwiches.
Other Sauce Recipes You Also Like
▶Perfect Wojapi BBQ Sauce Recipe
▶Healthy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Recipe Notes
- Adjust the sugar based on your taste.
- Chill before serving for better flavor.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for a richer texture.
- Add cayenne pepper for spice.
- Taste before serving and balance salt.
FAQs For Special Burger Sauce Recipe
Can I Make This Special Burger Sauce Recipe Easy Ahead Of Time?
Yes. I like making it a day before serving. The flavor gets better after resting in the fridge.
Is This Similar To Burger Sauce Recipe Jamie Oliver Style?
The base ingredients are similar, though seasoning levels may vary.
Can I Make Coles? Special Burger Sauce Recipe Style At Home?
Yes. This base recipe works great for recreating store-style sauces with small tweaks.
How Do I Make A Simple Special Burger Sauce Recipe Without Sugar?
Skip sugar and use a small amount of honey substitute or leave it out completely.
Can I Use This As a Smash Burger Special Sauce Recipe?
Yes. It pairs perfectly with smash burgers and grilled patties.
Final Thoughts
This Special Burger Sauce Recipe is one of those quick fixes that makes homemade burgers taste better instantly. I love how simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard come together in just minutes.
Once you try it, plain burgers won’t feel the same. Give it a go and tell me how you used your special sauce!

Special Burger Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, add mayonnaise and ketchup. Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Mix in the sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, and white vinegar. Stir well.
- Add garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust. If you prefer a sharper sauce, add a few drops more vinegar. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together. I always make it ahead when preparing burgers for guests.
- Spread it on burger buns, drizzle over patties, or use as a dip.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on your taste.
- Chill before serving for better flavor.
- Use full-fat mayonnaise for richer texture.
- Add cayenne pepper for spice.
- Taste before serving and balance salt.