Smash Burger Sauce (Perfect for Smash Burgers, Fries, and More)

This smash burger sauce is creamy, tangy, slightly spicy, and absolutely perfect for crispy-edged, juicy smash burgers. Made with just a handful of simple ingredients—like mayo, Dijon mustard, ketchup, and dill pickle brine—it delivers that classic “smashburger flavor” that takes a good homemade burger and turns it into something seriously crave-worthy. I’ve created my fair share of burger sauces (like my In-N-Out Sauce and Shake Shack Sauce), but this smash burger sauce might be my best creation yet.

Why I Love This Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

Smash burgers have been around for a while, but I recently fell down the smash-burger rabbit hole and started making them nonstop. The technique is unbeatable—crispy edges, juicy centers—but I always felt like they were missing something. None of the sauces I tried delivered the extra flavor I wanted, so I started experimenting with my own ratios and add-ins until I finally created the perfect smash burger sauce.

What I love about this recipe is how balanced it is. It’s tangy, creamy, savory, and just a little spicy, without overpowering the burger. It has that familiar “special sauce” vibe, but the dill pickle brine and cayenne give it a brighter, fresher, more flavorful kick. The texture is velvety smooth and melts right into the burger as soon as it hits the hot patty.

It’s also incredibly versatile—it’s not just for smash burgers. Use it as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, a drizzle for wraps, or even a topping for chicken tenders. Once you make it, you’ll find an excuse to put it on everything!

Don't just take my word for how good this smash burger sauce is though, here's what one of our readers who  had to say about it:

Made this sauce tonight for some smashburgers I made and it's damn good.-Jim F.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon dill pickle brine (from a jar of kosher pickles)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

How To Make Smash Burger Sauce

Step 1 – Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, dill pickle brine, and cayenne pepper. Stir until fully smooth and creamy.

Step 2 – Taste and Season

Taste the sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Adjust the cayenne or brine for more heat or tang.

Step 3 – Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for the best flavor.

Expert Tips for The Best Smash Burger Sauce

• Using full-fat mayo is key to getting that smooth, velvety texture smash burger sauce is known for. Light mayo will work in a pinch, but full-fat gives you the rich, creamy base that holds up against the crispy edges of a smash burger. If the sauce ever tastes “thin,” it’s usually from using a low-fat mayo.
• Don’t skip the pickle brine—it’s the ingredient that ties everything together. The acidity cuts through the richness of the beef and mayo, brightens the flavors, and adds that unmistakable tang you taste in restaurant sauces. Start with 1 teaspoon, then adjust to taste depending on how punchy you like it.
• For the best flavor, chill the sauce for at least 20–30 minutes before serving. The spices bloom, the flavors mellow and blend, and the sauce thickens slightly, making it spread easily on hot burger buns.
• Customize the heat level. If you love spicier smash burgers, add extra cayenne, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. For a milder, kid-friendly version, skip the cayenne entirely—the sauce will still be tangy, creamy, and delicious.
• Use Dijon mustard for depth and complexity. It adds a subtle sharpness that balances the mayo and ketchup without overpowering the sauce. If you want a more classic, McDonald’s-style “special sauce,” you can swap in yellow mustard instead.
• This sauce is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, and the flavor actually gets better as it sits. Make a double batch if you’re planning burgers, wraps, or bowls throughout the week.
• And finally, don’t limit this sauce to smash burgers. It’s fantastic as a dip for fries, onion rings, tater tots, or spread on crispy chicken sandwiches, deli sandwiches, wraps, and even breakfast sandwiches. Once you make it, you’ll find excuses to put it on everything.

Smash Burger Sauce Flavor Variations To Try

• Classic Burger Sauce – Replace Dijon with yellow mustard and add 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish.
• Smoky Version – Stir in ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky depth.
• Garlic Smash Sauce – Add ½ clove minced garlic or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
• Spicy Version – Mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or ½ teaspoon sriracha.
• Vegan Smash Burger Sauce – Use vegan mayo and ensure your ketchup and mustard are plant-based.

Smash Burger Sauce FAQs

What does smash burger sauce taste like?

Smash burger sauce is creamy, tangy, slightly smoky, and has just the right amount of heat. The mayo gives it a rich base, the Dijon adds a sharp savory note, the ketchup brings a hint of sweetness, and the dill pickle brine brightens everything with acidity. Altogether, it tastes like a more balanced, elevated version of a classic burger “special sauce” that melts perfectly into a hot smash burger.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—and it’s actually better when you do. Smash burger sauce tastes its best after it sits in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors meld, the sauce thickens slightly, and the overall taste becomes smoother and more well-rounded. It’s an excellent make-ahead condiment for weeknight burgers, barbecues, or meal prep.

How long does smash burger sauce last?

Homemade smash burger sauce lasts up to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The ingredients naturally separate a little as they sit, so give the sauce a quick stir before each use to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Can I freeze burger sauce?

No, I do not recommend it. Smash burger sauce should not be frozen because mayo-based sauces separate when thawed, turning grainy and watery. For the best texture, keep it refrigerated and make smaller batches as needed.

Can I use this sauce on chicken or veggie burgers?

Absolutely. This sauce pairs great with grilled or fried chicken, turkey burgers, salmon burgers, and veggie patties. It also works as a dip for fries, onion rings, fried pickles, or tater tots. Many people even use it as a spread for sandwiches or wraps because it adds instant flavor.

Can I make it spicier or milder?

Yes. To increase the heat, add more cayenne, a splash of hot sauce, or finely diced pickled jalapeños. To tone it down, reduce the cayenne and add an extra spoonful of sour cream or mayo to soften the flavor.

What kind of mayo works best?

Full-fat mayo gives the richest, creamiest consistency. Light mayo or vegan mayo will work, but may change the texture slightly. For the closest restaurant-style smash burger sauce, full-fat mayo is best. I like to use Duke's mayo or Hellman's.

My Final Thoughts

This smash burger sauce is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy—everything a perfect burger spread should be. With simple pantry ingredients and five minutes of prep, you can whip up a sauce that rivals your favorite burger restaurant. Keep a jar in the fridge, because once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything from burgers and fries to chicken and sandwiches. Give it a try and leave me a comment and review below. I want to hear what you think of it!

More Sauce Recipes To Try Next

• Chick-fil-A sauce
• McDonald's gold sauce
• Big Mac sauce
• Raising Cane's sauce
• Taco Bell quesadilla sauce