I’ll be honest: I didn’t know I needed a go-to burger sauce until I whipped this one up on a busy weeknight, just trying to jazz up our leftover grilled patties. One bowl, a few pantry staples, and boom — dinner went from “meh” to mouthwatering.
And it’s not just for burgers! This sauce is the creamy, tangy, slightly spicy magic that brings every bite to life. What makes it even better? It’s ridiculously easy and made with simple ingredients you probably already have.
The real win, though? This recipe cuts down on heavy dressings while still packing serious flavor. One tablespoon clocks in at fewer calories than the typical burger spread, making it a smart, satisfying choice for anyone keeping an eye on balance without sacrificing taste.
According to a 2023 food trend report, more people are searching for healthier, customizable condiments that bring comfort without the guilt. This one hits the mark.
It’s thick enough to cling to burgers but smooth enough to drizzle over fries, veggie wraps, or even these Cheesy Chicken Garlic Bread Sandwiches — trust me, so good. And if you’re into cozy pairings, spoon it next to some soft, buttery Crockpot Sweet Potatoes.
Total game-changer. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll make once and find yourself remaking weekly. Every cook deserves a sauce like that.
Why You Will Love This Dish?
- It’s more than just a burger topping: What started as a quick fix for burgers has now become my go-to for dipping fries, drizzling over wraps, and even mixing into rice bowls. It’s that kind of versatile.
- Pantry-friendly and always ready: The best part? I never have to run out for ingredients. Everything lives right in my fridge or pantry — mayo, ketchup, mustard… you know the drill.
- Custom heat = happy eaters: This sauce plays nice with everyone. I crank up the hot sauce for myself and tone it down for the kids. Easy to adapt for any crowd.
- A lighter option that still satisfies: I’ve swapped out heavier dressings for this sauce more times than I can count. It gives that creamy, bold flavor without the calorie overload.
- A meal prep MVP: One batch on Sunday, and it’s ready to elevate snacks and meals all week long. It keeps well and makes everything taste better.
Burger Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container (for storage)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup prepared yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon dried minced garlic
- ⅛ teaspoon white vinegar
- hot sauce to taste
- seasoned pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add 1 cup mayonnaise to a mixing bowl.
- Mix in ½ cup ketchup and ¼ cup yellow mustard.
- Add 2 tsp dried minced onion and ¼ tsp dried minced garlic.
- Stir in ⅛ tsp white vinegar.
- Add hot sauce and seasoned pepper to taste.
- Whisk everything until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 87kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 166mg |
Helpful Tips From My Kitchen To Yours!
- Let it sit before serving:
The flavors really come alive after 15–30 minutes in the fridge. It’s not just “resting”— it’s transforming. If you can, make it ahead of time. - Try blending instead of whisking:
For an ultra-smooth texture, especially if you’re using fresh garlic or onion instead of dried, a quick blitz in the blender makes it restaurant-quality creamy. - Balance the acidity:
If your sauce tastes too sharp, a pinch of sugar (or even a tiny dab of honey) can smooth things out beautifully without making it overly sweet. - Layer it into your cooking:
Don’t just use it as a topping — try spreading it on burger buns before grilling, mixing it into coleslaw, or even stirring a spoonful into ground meat for next-level flavor. - Adjust for your crowd:
Making it for kids? Skip the hot sauce. Want a smoky twist? Add a touch of chipotle powder or smoked paprika. It’s a flexible base — make it yours.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
