This easy Burger Sauce Recipe is everything you love about the secret sauce at your favorite burger joint and it’s so easy to make! It comes together with pantry staples, it’s ready in minutes, and it’s the best way to elevate your next batch of burgers!

Burger sauce in a jar with a spoon buried inside

I’ve always loved In ‘N Out burgers, and the biggest reason is the secret sauce.

This Burger Sauce Recipe is my interpretation of that sauce. It’s creamy and flavorful, and I love making it at home because I can control the quality of the ingredients and customize it to suit my tastes.

It’s made with just a few pantry staples, and it’s the best way to elevate my air fryer hamburgers, grilled burgers and grilled turkey burgers.

My burger bowls are also extra amazing with a hefty drizzle of this sauce.

Burger night just got a whole lot better. 🙂

Spoon buried in bowl of burger sauce

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This burger sauce recipe is creamy, flavorful and is the best way to elevate your next hamburger.
  • It includes just a few pantry staples and comes together in about 5 minutes.
  • You control the ingredients and it’s easily customized to suit your tastes.
  • It’s dairy and gluten-free and is easily made Whole30 and vegan with a few customizations.

Hamburger sauce recipe ingredients

This hamburger sauce recipe comes together with a few ingredients that you no doubt have in your pantry.

Hamburger sauce recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

  • Mayonnaise. Use your favorite mayo. This burger dressing can be made Whole30 by using avocado oil mayo, and is easily made vegan by using plant-based mayo.
  • Ketchup. The ketchup that you use will dictate the overall flavor of the burger sauce, especially the sweetness. I used Primal Kitchen mayo, which is not very sweet, so 1/4 cup was perfect. If your ketchup is sweeter, start with 3 tablespoons and go from there. Use sugar free ketchup to make this recipe Whole30 compliant.
  • Pickle relish. Sweet or dill pickle relish both work well, so use what you prefer. Use sugar free pickle relish to make this recipe Whole30 compliant.
  • Dijon mustard. If you don’t have dijon mustard, sub with grainy mustard or or yellow mustard.
  • Vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is my first choice for it’s flavor, but it may be substituted with white vinegar or even a bit of fresh lemon juice.

How to make hamburger sauce

Making homemade burger sauce couldn’t be easier, and it tastes so much fresher than the secret sauce at your favorite burger joint!

The best part is that you can customize the sauce based on your personal preferences and what you have on hand.

Pro tip: The ketchup that you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the sauce. If you’re using a sweeter brand of ketchup, start with 3 tablespoons and add one more as needed.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make burger sauce
  1. Place the mayo, ketchup, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  2. Whisk well until combined.
Bowl of burger sauce with condiments around it

FAQs

What is burger sauce made of?

Burger sauce includes a few basic pantry staples. Mayonnaise is the main ingredient, and it’s flavored predominantly with ketchup and pickle relish. A bit of dijon mustard and vinegar are also added for savory depth of flavor and a bit of tang.

What does burger sauce taste like?

Burger sauce tastes like tangy mayo and is very similar to Thousand Island Dressing.

What’s the secret to making the best burger sauce?

The ketchup can make or break your burger sauce as some brands are much too sweet. Start with 3 tablespoons and go from there.

Other key components are pickle relish (sweet or dill), dijon mustard for savory depth of flavor, and a bit of apple cider vinegar for a nice tangy flavor.

Is this burger sauce recipe good for Whole30 diets?

Use avocado oil mayo, a Whole30 approved ketchup, and dill pickle relish to make this burger sauce Whole30 compliant.

Spoonful of homemade burger sauce over a bowl

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip:  The brand of ketchup you use will have a big impact on this burger sauce.  If it’s sweeter, I recommend starting with 3 tablespoons and adding one more tablespoon as needed.  I used Primal Kitchen ketchup and 4 tablespoons worked perfectly.
  • Sauce may be made up to a few days in advance.
  • Store leftover sauce in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Change this recipe up by adding 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, or 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor.
Burger sauce drizzling from a spoon

More condiments you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Burger sauce in a jar with a spoon buried inside

Burger Sauce Recipe

This easy Burger Sauce Recipe is everything you love about the secret sauce at your favorite burger joint and it's so easy to make! It comes together with pantry staples and it's ready in minutes!
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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise regular or vegan
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup see notes
  • 2 tablespoons pickle relish sweet or dill
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard sub with yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar sub with white vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

  • Place all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
    1/2 cup mayonnaise, 4 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons pickle relish, 2 teaspoons dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Whisk well to combine, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Pro tip:  The brand of ketchup you use will have a big impact on this burger sauce.  If it’s sweeter, I recommend starting with 3 tablespoons and adding one more tablespoon as needed.  I used Primal Kitchen ketchup and 4 tablespoons worked perfectly.
  • Sauce may be made up to a few days in advance.
  • Store leftover sauce in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Change this recipe up by adding 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, or 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for umami flavor.
  • Make it Whole30:  Use avocado oil mayo and sugar free ketchup.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 72kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 0.2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 190mg, Potassium: 20mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 37IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 2mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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