This easy, creamy, and tangy Smash Burger Sauce Recipe is the ultimate condiment for your homemade burgers. Inspired by the legendary Shake Shack secret sauce, it combines simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality spread in less than ten minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this sauce because it perfectly balances richness with acidity, providing that iconic “special sauce” flavor that cuts through savory beef patties. It is incredibly easy to whip up with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a stress-free way to elevate any meal. Plus, it is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the heat or sweetness to match your personal preference.
Ingredients
- ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise (such as Hellman’s or Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon kosher dill pickle brine
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and ketchup.
- Add the kosher dill pickle brine and the cayenne pepper to the mixture.
- Whisk all the ingredients together with a spoon or small whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and the color is uniform.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- If time allows, let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Smash Burger Sauce
For the best results, use a high-quality mayonnaise like Kewpie, which uses only egg yolks for a richer, more velvety texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, ensure your mustard is well-incorporated; if you like texture, you can even stir in a teaspoon of very finely minced pickles. Another pro tip is to make this sauce a few hours in advance, as the cayenne and pickle brine develop more depth after sitting in the fridge.
Variations and Substitutions
If you do not have Dijon mustard on hand, you can substitute it with yellow mustard, though you may want to add an extra pinch of cayenne to maintain the spice level. For a garlicky twist, stir in a small clove of grated fresh garlic or a half-teaspoon of garlic powder. To achieve a smoky flavor profile, replace the cayenne pepper with an equal amount of smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder. If you want more umami, a few drops of Worcestershire sauce or fish sauce can add a savory complexity.
Serving Suggestions
While this Smash Burger Sauce Recipe is designed for crispy-edged beef burgers, it is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce for hot French fries, onion rings, or sweet potato wedges. It also tastes fantastic spread on a crispy chicken sandwich, used as a dressing for a chopped burger salad, or even as a topping for grilled hot dogs.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
This sauce should be stored in an airtight container or a glass jar in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to one week. Because this recipe is mayonnaise-based, freezing is not recommended, as the emulsion will break and the texture will become oily and separated upon thawing. There is no need to reheat the sauce; it is best served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 131 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Protein | 0.3 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 8 mg |
| Sodium | 173 mg |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and ketchup.0.5 cup full-fat mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp ketchup
- Add the kosher dill pickle brine and the cayenne pepper to the mixture.1 tsp kosher dill pickle brine, 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper
- Whisk all the ingredients together with a spoon or small whisk until the sauce is completely smooth and the color is uniform.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed.Salt and black pepper
- If time allows, let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is smash burger sauce made of?
Smash burger sauce is typically a combination of mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and some form of acidity like pickle brine or vinegar, seasoned with spices like cayenne or garlic powder.
Is this sauce spicy?
This specific recipe has a very mild kick from the ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you are sensitive to heat, you can reduce the cayenne or omit it entirely.
Can I use this for vegan burgers?
Yes! Simply swap the traditional mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayo alternative. The other ingredients are naturally plant-based.
How long does homemade burger sauce last?
When kept in an airtight container in the fridge, this sauce remains delicious for up to seven days.