When you’re building the perfect burger or dipping into crispy fries, there’s one thing that can take the whole experience to another level—an incredible sauce. This Classic Burger Sauce is that sauce. It’s creamy, tangy, smoky, and just a little bit sweet with a punch of savory depth. Whether you’re slathering it on burgers, dunking fries, or using it as a dip for your famous cheeseburger egg rolls, this is the go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why This Burger Sauce Works
This isn’t your average drive-thru sauce. It’s a handcrafted, flavor-packed blend that delivers every time.
- Incredibly Versatile – Perfect for burgers, fries, sandwiches, wraps, and even inside egg rolls.
- Bold and Balanced Flavor – Creamy mayo base, sweet relish, smoky spices, and a touch of tang from mustard and Worcestershire.
- Simple to Make – Just a few ingredients and five minutes.
- Better Than Bottled – No fillers, just real, delicious ingredients you control.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Optional: Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
Instructions
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, Dijon mustard, steak seasoning, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
Step 2: Mix Until Smooth
Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The sauce should be creamy with a slightly orange-pink color.
Step 3: Refrigerate
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for 5 to 7 days. Stir before each use.
Expert Tips
- Let It Chill – The flavor develops even more after a few hours in the fridge.
- Use Quality Mayo – A good mayo makes a difference in texture and flavor.
- Sweet vs Dill Relish – Sweet relish gives that classic fast-food-style flavor, but dill relish will give it more tang.
- Double the Batch – This sauce disappears quickly, especially at cookouts or game days.
- Blend it Smooth – If you want a super creamy texture without bits of relish, pulse everything in a food processor.
How to Use This Sauce
This Classic Burger Sauce isn’t just for burgers. Try it in all kinds of ways:
On Burgers
Spread a thick layer on burger buns, under the patty, or both sides for full coverage.
With Fries
Serve as a dip for regular, waffle, or sweet potato fries. It pairs well with crispy textures and salty flavors.
In Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Spoon a bit inside the egg rolls before rolling them up. It also makes the perfect dipping sauce on the side.
On Sandwiches or Wraps
Adds creaminess and bold flavor to chicken sandwiches, roast beef wraps, and cold deli subs.
As a Hot Dog Topping
Switch things up and drizzle this sauce over grilled hot dogs for a twist on tradition.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Burger Sauce – Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
- Garlic Lover’s Version – Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or a minced garlic clove.
- BBQ Burger Sauce – Substitute barbecue sauce for the ketchup.
- Chipotle Burger Sauce – Stir in one teaspoon of chipotle in adobo sauce.
- Dill Twist – Use dill pickle relish for a tangier flavor.
- Ranch Blend – Add two tablespoons of ranch dressing.
- Honey Mustard Sauce – Mix in one tablespoon of honey for added sweetness.
- Lemon Brightness – Add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up.
- Onion-Infused – Add dried minced onion or onion powder.
- Bacon-Flavored – Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for extra richness.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: Best used within 5 to 7 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The mayo base can separate when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prep it the day before your cookout or event so it’s ready to go.
Quantity Suggestions for Gatherings
Here’s a quick guide to help you scale the recipe:
| Number of People | Amount Needed |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1 cup |
| 8 | 2 cups |
| 12 | 3 cups |
| 16+ | 4 cups or more |
Double or triple the recipe as needed. Leftovers rarely last long.
Classic Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, Dijon mustard, steak seasoning, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir well until the sauce is fully combined and smooth.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Stir before each use. Use within 5–7 days.
