When it comes to elevating a simple burger to extraordinary, the secret often lies in the sauce. That’s where this Smash Burger Sauce comes in—creamy, tangy, and with just the right kick of spice, it’s the ultimate topping for any burger.
If you’ve ever wondered what makes a smash burger so irresistible, this sauce is the key. With a blend of mayo, sweet pickle relish, and smoky paprika, it’s a flavor-packed companion that takes your classic burger game to the next level.
I’ve been using this sauce for years, and let me tell you—it’s not just for burgers. It’s perfect as a dip for Grilled Cabbage Steaks or even a tangy topping for a side of crispy Pickled Shrimp.
What I love about it is how versatile it is—smooth and creamy with a punch of flavor, it enhances everything it touches.
And the best part? It’s made with easy-to-find ingredients that come together in just minutes, so you can whip it up on a whim for any meal. This Smash Burger Sauce is about to become your new favorite condiment.
What Makes This Recipe a Must-Try?
- Instant Flavor Boost: I love how quickly this sauce transforms any burger into something special—it’s my go-to when I want an extra pop of flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: The tangy pickle relish combined with the smoky paprika makes this sauce irresistible—it’s the balance of sweet, spicy, and savory that keeps me coming back for more.
- Versatile: Besides burgers, I’ve used it for everything from veggie wraps to grilled veggies—it’s that good!
- Customizable: Over the years, I’ve experimented with adding more kick or swapping out the mayo for Greek yogurt, and it still tastes amazing.
- Simple & Quick: It only takes a few minutes to make, and that’s what makes it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon (for stirring)
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring Cup
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, and 2 tablespoons of ketchup.
- Add 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard to the mixture.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon of Montreal steak seasoning and ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Add ¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.
- Mix everything together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired (you can add more mustard or relish for extra tang).
- Serve immediately on your favorite burgers or store in the fridge for later use.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 161kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Protein | 0.3g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 233mg |
Flavor-Packed Variations You Haven’t Tried Yet!
- Chipotle Smash Burger Sauce: For a smoky, spicy twist, swap in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of smoked paprika. It will give your sauce a rich, bold flavor perfect for those who like extra heat.
- Herb-Infused Smash Burger Sauce: Elevate the sauce with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon. These herbs lend an aromatic complexity that works particularly well with grilled meats.
- Gochujang Smash Burger Sauce: To add a unique, umami-packed kick, replace the Dijon mustard with Gochujang (Korean chili paste). This variation gives the sauce a deeper, more robust heat profile, blending beautifully with savory burgers.
- Truffle Smash Burger Sauce: If you’re looking for an elevated, gourmet version, add a few drops of truffle oil. The earthy aroma and flavor will pair stunningly with a well-cooked, juicy burger.
- Smash Burger Sauce with Pickled Jalapeños: Give it a pickled tang by adding finely chopped pickled jalapeños. The acidity and heat will cut through the richness of the mayo while adding a zesty crunch.
- Smash Burger Sauce with Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten up the sauce with a refreshing citrus note. This variation complements grilled veggies or chicken burgers exceptionally well.
These variations add unique layers of flavor while still keeping the recipe’s simplicity intact—perfect for every taste preference!
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.
