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Smash Burger Sauce

Smash burger sauce is the secret weapon that transforms a good burger into an unforgettable one, blending tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that perfectly complement juicy beef patties. This copycat-style sauce takes just 5 minutes to whip up with pantry staples, and it tastes better than anything you'll get at a restaurant.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 95
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced dill pickles
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of salt optional

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Airtight container for storage
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Pull out all your ingredients and measure them before you start mixing. Let your mayonnaise come to room temperature if it's been refrigerated, as this helps everything blend together more easily.
  2. Add the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard to your mixing bowl. Whisk them together briskly for about 30 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform with no streaks of ketchup or mustard visible.
  3. Stir in the dill pickle relish and the finely minced pickles. Make sure your minced pickles are chopped very finely so they distribute evenly throughout the sauce.
  4. Pour in the white vinegar and mix thoroughly. The vinegar will brighten all the flavors and thin the sauce slightly, making it easier to spread on buns.
  5. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously to make sure the dry spices don't clump together and are fully dissolved and distributed.
  6. Taste the sauce with a clean spoon and adjust seasoning to your preference. If it needs more tang, add a bit more vinegar or pickle juice. If it's too tangy, add a small squeeze of ketchup to balance with sweetness.
  7. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors marry together and the sauce will thicken slightly as it chills.
  8. Before using the sauce, give it a quick stir with a spoon as ingredients can sometimes separate slightly during storage. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration, thin it with a teaspoon of water or pickle juice.

Notes

Make this sauce at least a few hours ahead or even the day before you need it. The flavors deepen considerably after sitting in the fridge overnight. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use full-fat mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest texture. Do not freeze as mayonnaise-based sauces separate and become grainy when thawed.