I’ll always remember summer barbecues growing up. The smoky aroma of grilled burgers filled the air, and the sound of laughter echoed through the yard. But the best part? My aunt’s secret smash burger sauce.
It wasn’t just a condiment; it was a symbol of family, togetherness, and the joy of good food. She always made a big batch, and it disappeared quickly, everyone clamoring for more. I’m excited to share my take on it, so you can bring that same magic to your own gatherings. I recently made this gochujang broccoli, and I’m thinking the sauce would actually pair well with it!
Why you’ll love this Smash Burger Sauce
- It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- This smash burger sauce elevates any burger with its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
- It’s not just for burgers! Use it as a dip for fries, chicken nuggets, or even as a sandwich spread.
- You can customize the flavors to your liking, adding more spice or sweetness as desired.
- This homemade sauce is a great way to impress your friends and family at your next barbecue. The best part? It’s ready in under 5 minutes!
- Skip the store-bought stuff and create your own signature flavor with this unforgettable smash burger sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Smash burger sauce makes every moment feel velvety. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 2
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 3
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or paprika for smokiness.
Step 4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste.
Step 5
Serve chilled on your favorite smash burgers, fries, or as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to kick up the heat? Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch more cayenne pepper. For a creamier texture, try using avocado oil based mayonnaise.
If you don’t have sweet pickle relish, you can use dill pickle relish with a pinch of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Try adding a finely minced shallot for a touch of onion flavor.
For a smoky depth, incorporate a few drops of liquid smoke into the mix. Consider adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for an umami boost.
Pairings
This smash burger sauce is, of course, the perfect complement to juicy smash burgers. The creamy tanginess cuts through the richness of the beef, creating a balanced and satisfying bite.
It’s also fantastic with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries. The sauce adds a burst of flavor that elevates the simple side dish to new heights.
Don’t limit yourself to burgers and fries! This sauce is also delicious with grilled chicken sandwiches, veggie burgers, or even as a dip for onion rings. If you’re looking for more delicious pairings, Fork Haven has a great pumpkin carrot cookies recipe that would be perfect for dessert after a smash burger, which you can find here: Pumpkin carrot cookies.
Serving ideas
Serve the smash burger sauce chilled in a small bowl alongside your burgers and fries. You can also drizzle it directly onto the burger patties before topping with your favorite fixings.
For a fun presentation, pipe the sauce onto the burgers using a piping bag. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of visual appeal.
Consider setting up a burger bar with all the fixings, including this amazing sauce, for a customizable and interactive meal. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings!
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover smash burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
The sauce may thicken slightly in the refrigerator, but it will still taste delicious. Give it a good stir before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture and flavor.
Make-ahead
This smash burger sauce is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors meld together and deepen over time. Prepare it a day or two in advance for the best results.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation.
Consider doubling or tripling the recipe if you’re hosting a large gathering, as it’s sure to be a hit. The sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for several days.
Common mistakes when making Smash Burger Sauce
- Not refrigerating the sauce long enough: Allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes is crucial for the best taste. Don’t skip this step!
- Using low-quality mayonnaise: The quality of the mayonnaise will significantly impact the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best results.
- Over-mixing the ingredients: Be gentle when whisking the ingredients together to avoid over-mixing, which can result in a thin or watery sauce.
- Not tasting and adjusting seasonings: Taste the sauce after mixing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. This is your chance to customize the flavors to your preference.
- Skipping the smoked paprika: The smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor that elevates the sauce. Don’t omit it!
Final notes
This smash burger sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s a flavor explosion that will take your burgers to the next level. With its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile, it’s the perfect complement to any burger creation.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and adjust the seasonings to create your own signature sauce. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your friends and family. I’m confident that it will become a staple in your kitchen.
Loved this Smash Burger Sauce? Try these next
- Easy Gochujang Broccoli Recipe
- Apple Cider Cupcakes Recipe
- Zesty Lemon Rice Krispy Treats
- Pumpkin Carrot Cookies Recipe
- Chicken Orzo Casserole Recipe
Smash Burger Sauce
Elevate your smash burgers with this creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet signature sauce. It’s the perfect condiment to take your burger game to the next level!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more ketchup for sweetness, mustard for tang, or paprika for smokiness.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste.
- Serve chilled on your favorite smash burgers, fries, or as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.
Notes
Store leftover smash burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a spicier kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch more cayenne pepper. If you don’t have sweet pickle relish, you can use dill pickle relish with a pinch of sugar. This sauce also works great as a sandwich spread or a salad dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg