This Burger Sauce turns any ordinary burger into a flavorful masterpiece!
As a family of five, I grill up my fair share of burgers. One of my daughters could eat burgers every day of the week. Like any doting father, I tend to fall for her dimpled smile whenever she asks me to make yet another batch of burgers. I’m only too happy to oblige. Because you know what? I love burgers just as much as she does! And one way I like to add a little flavor variety is with a generous squirt of homemade burger sauce.
Ketchup and mustard are fine, but this creamy, tangy burger sauce is my “secret” culinary weapon—well, that and locally raised grass-fed beef. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up a sauce that would run In-N-Out Burger out of business. Seriously though, it’s ridiculously easy to make, and it does taste similar to the iconic sauces these burger joints serve. Best of all, it takes just minutes to mix and serve.
Is Burger Sauce Healthy?
I certainly wouldn’t call this burger sauce healthy, considering all the mayo and ketchup it calls for. However, compared to the store-bought varieties that are usually packed with tons of sugar and preservatives, I’d say you’re better off with this homemade recipe. Just don’t drink the stuff (it’s tempting!).
Feel free to spring for light mayo and reduce or omit the sugar altogether, though. After all, most ketchup has plenty of sugar in it anyway.
What’s The Deal With Pickle Relish?
Probably the most unique ingredient in burger sauce is the sweet pickle relish. I’d argue it’s the key component because it balances the tang of the vinegar and ketchup while also adding a bit of sweetness and crunch. Now, I get that you might not love pickle relish on its own—I’m actually not a fan, either. But when mixed with everything else in this recipe, I love it. Sure, you could reduce the relish amount—but don’t skip it entirely if you want that irresistible burger joint flavor.
How to make ahead and store
This burger sauce is great to make ahead! Letting it chill in your fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld and develop even more. As long as you store it in an airtight container, it should last for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
I suppose this goes without saying, but this burger sauce pairs perfectly with, you guessed it, burgers. And if you just found this recipe toward the end of the grilling season, that’s OK! Even when winter hits, and I don’t want to brave the below-zero weather, I make these Air Fryer Hamburgers, or some Baked Hamburgers! Or maybe red meat isn’t your thing—this sauce tastes delicious on Turkey Burgers too.
And for something completely different, pair this sauce with these mouthwatering Cheeseburger Egg Rolls. Also, don’t shy away from using burger sauce with things like Chicken Fingers, hot dogs, and even Onion Rings!
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, granulated sugar, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve the sauce immediately with your favorite burgers, or cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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