Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

BySoha

A great smash burger is defined by contrast,crispy beef, soft bun, sharp pickles, and a sauce that pulls everything together. This Smash Burger Sauce is engineered for balance: creamy without heaviness, tangy without sharpness, and savory with just enough sweetness. Developed with a chef’s approach to texture and flavor layering, it delivers that unmistakable diner-style finish that turns a good burger into a memorable one.

Ingredients List

  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Yellow mustard
  • Finely chopped dill pickles
  • Pickle juice
  • White vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

burger sauce
Create the base

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Whisk until smooth and uniform. This forms the creamy foundation of the sauce.

Build acidity and crunch

Add finely chopped dill pickles and a small amount of pickle juice. Stir gently to distribute evenly without breaking down the texture.

Layer seasoning

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly, ensuring even seasoning throughout.

Balance the sauce

Add white vinegar gradually, stirring and tasting as you go. The goal is brightness without overpowering the richness.

Rest for integration

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Resting allows the flavors to meld and sharp edges to soften, producing a cohesive, burger-ready sauce.

Cook Time

Total: 35 minutes
Prep: 5 minutes
Bake: 0 minutes

Servings

Makes approximately 1¼ cups of sauce

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Protein: 0.6 g
  • Sodium: 230 mg

Storage Instructions

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir before using to restore consistency and flavor balance.

Suggestions

This sauce is ideal for smash burgers, cheeseburgers, sliders, and loaded fries. It also works beautifully as a spread for grilled chicken sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for onion rings. For a spicy variation, add a small amount of hot sauce or cayenne.

Seasonal Relevance

While smash burgers peak during grilling season, this sauce is a year-round staple. It fits equally well into summer cookouts, game-day spreads, and indoor griddle cooking during cooler months.

Conclusion

A truly great Smash Burger Sauce doesn’t overpower,it enhances. This recipe focuses on precision, balance, and restraint, delivering a sauce that complements the beef, bun, and toppings perfectly. Once you try it, it becomes an essential element in your burger-making arsenal.

Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
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Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soha
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

150

kcal
Total time

5

minutes

This Smash Burger Sauce Recipe is a creamy, tangy, diner-style sauce designed to complement crispy-edged smash burgers. Perfectly balanced with pickles, mustard, and subtle spice, it enhances burgers, sliders, and fries with a professional, restaurant-quality finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

  • ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles

  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Salt, to taste

Directions

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard until smooth.
  • Stir in chopped dill pickles and pickle juice until evenly combined.
  • Add vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  • Mix thoroughly until the sauce is well blended.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Recipe Video:

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Resting time enhances flavor and texture.
  • Adjust pickle juice or vinegar to control tanginess.
  • Sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 7 days in an airtight container.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it actually improves after several hours in the refrigerator as the flavors fully integrate.

Why is pickle juice important in burger sauce?
Pickle juice adds acidity and complexity that cuts through richness and sharpens overall flavor.

Can I use this sauce on vegetarian burgers?
Absolutely. It pairs exceptionally well with plant-based patties and grilled vegetables, adding depth and moisture.

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