My flavor-packed smash burger sauce is made with super simple pantry ingredients in just 5 minutes! I add it to burgers and so much more — not only is it easy to make, but it’s incredibly versatile too.

My Easy Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

I’m a condiment person through and through and just happen to love smash burger sauce! I don’t understand how people can enjoy sandwiches, fried, pizza, wings, chips, and burgers without any sauce. Where is the fun in that?!

I don’t know it took me so long to create my own homemade smash burger sauce. I was working on a batch of smash burgers and was gathering all of my fixings. I had lettuce, tomato, and onion, but knew I wanted something a little more special than just ketchup and mayo. A secret sauce, if you will.

So, I figured, why don’t I put them together with a handful of other ingredients to see what happens? The results were a creamy, tangy delight that I’ll be serving on all my burgers from this day forward. My husband Ben absolutely raved about the burgers and was so excited when I told him I made my own smash burger sauce recipe.

Need more sauce recipes? Try my lemon pepper sauce, honey garlic sauce, Big Mac sauce recipe, hot honey sauce, avocado mayo, and garlic Parmesan sauce next.

What is a smash burger?

A smash burger is exactly what it sounds like: a burger that’s been “smashed!” It’s made by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot surface, creating a caramelized crust. The process results in a burger with a juicy interior with crispy and flavorful edges, and it’s just as tasty as it sounds.

Burger Sauce Recipe Ingredients

• Mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce. Mayo also helps balance out the acidity in some of the other ingredients. Greek yogurt is my favorite substitute.
• Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle heat and sharpness that deepens the overall flavor.
• Ketchup – For sweetness! It’s key for that classic, burger sauce flavor.
• Pickle juice – Here’s that acidity I mentioned! Pickle juice also adds a nice tang. I like using the juice instead of chopped pickles to keep the sauce smooth.
• Paprika – Brings smokiness and depth without being too much. It also enhances the color!
• Cayenne – A bit of heat to wake everything up! Hot sauce or red pepper flakes also work.

How to Make Smash Burger Sauce

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Add the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickle juice, paprika, and cayenne to a small bowl and whisk everything to combine.

STEP TWO: Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to use. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Smash Burger Sauce

• Choose the mayo wisely. We’re kind of mayonnaise snobs in my house… brands like Hellman’s and Kewpie are just so much better, okay?! Since mayo is the base here, opt for a good-quality one when possible. And skip reduced or low-fat — the texture isn’t the same.
• Whisk thoroughly to emulsify. Remember, the goal here is super smooth results! I like using my little handheld immersion blender. It ensures the mustard, ketchup, and spices get fully incorporated into the mayo.
• Taste after refrigeration. I know it will be tempting to tweak the flavor right away, but resist the urge to add anything — the flavors need time to meld in the fridge.
• Refrigerating the sauce before using allows the flavors to meld. I’ll admit, sometimes I do use it right away, but it always tastes much better after chilling for about 30 minutes! 

Smash Sauce Variations and Substitutions

• A splash of white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice would be a good sub for the pickle juice.
• To make the sauce extra spicy, add a few teaspoons of hot sauce or double up on the cayenne.
• Yellow mustard can also be used if Dijon isn’t available. It definitely has a much milder and sweeter taste, but it works in a pinch. Otherwise, try some spicy brown mustard to keep some of that kick.
• Add some honey or maple syrup (1 teaspoon is plenty) for a sweeter version.
• Garlic lovers (ahem, guilty) could finely grate a clove or two of garlic for added pungent flavor and more texture.

What to Serve with this Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

A batch of my favorite burgers, of course! This sauce pairs well with all different kinds — from classic burgers to turkey burgers to bison burgers or even chicken burgers. My go-to recipes include hamburgers in the oven, burger bowls, smash burgers, air fryer burgers, and turkey burgers in the air fryer.

Smash Burger Sauce FAQs 

How should I store any leftover smash sauce?

Store leftover burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. I like to use a glass jar, but any container with a lid will work!

More Easy Summer Recipes

• London broil marinade
• Baked beans recipe
• Easy mac salad
• Hot dog chili
• Air fryer French fries