Main Dishes

Creamy Smash Burger Sauce That Takes Burgers to the Next Level Recipe

ByClara Caldwell February 23, 2026February 23, 2026

Introduction

This creamy smash burger sauce adds a perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and savory flavors that takes your burgers to the next level. It’s quick to make and versatile enough to suit any burger or sandwich craving.

A close-up image of a thick, creamy sauce with a smooth texture and small dark and red specks spread evenly throughout. The sauce is in a clear, round glass jar sitting on a white marbled surface. A shiny silver spoon is lifting a rounded scoop of the sauce, showing its rich and slightly glossy appearance with a gently flowing drip. Steam rises subtly from the sauce, adding a sense of warmth. The background is dark and blurry, making the sauce and jar the clear focus of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (substitute with Dijon mustard for sharper tang)
1 tablespoon pickle relish (finely chopped pickles can be used as an alternative)
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, skip for a milder taste)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard until creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Stir in pickle relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 3: If desired, add hot sauce to taste and mix well.
Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the sauce sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Use immediately on your smash burgers or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Tips & Variations

Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, lighter sauce without losing creaminess.
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a richer, smoky taste.
Add chopped pickles instead of relish for a chunkier texture.
Adjust hot sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir well before using after refrigeration. This sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a small, clear glass jar filled with a creamy, light orange sauce speckled with black and red bits, giving it a textured look. A spoon, held by a woman's hand, lifts a thick scoop of the sauce, with some smoothly dripping back into the jar. The jar is placed on a dark wooden board, and in the blurry background, golden French fries are visible, hinting at a tasty dipping sauce. The overall setting is simple and focused, with a soft, warm light highlighting the glossy surface of the sauce. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours or even a day in advance. Letting it sit allows the flavors to blend better, enhancing the taste.

Is the sauce suitable for a lighter diet?

Absolutely. Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, high-protein version without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.

Creamy Smash Burger Sauce That Takes Burgers to the Next Level Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

This creamy Smash Burger Sauce is a tangy, flavorful addition that elevates any burger to the next level. Made with a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle relish, with a hint of smoked paprika and garlic, it delivers a perfect balance of creamy and zesty flavors. Easy to prepare, this sauce complements your smash burgers perfectly and can be stored for up to 5 days.

Author: Clara
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About ¾ cup (approximately 12 tablespoons) 1x
Category: Condiment/Sauce
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (substitute with Dijon mustard for sharper tang)
1 tablespoon pickle relish (finely chopped pickles can be used as an alternative)
½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for a deeper flavor)
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon hot sauce (optional, skip for a milder taste)

Instructions

Mix base ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard. Stir until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Add flavorings: Stir in the pickle relish, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl until everything is well combined, distributing the spices evenly throughout the sauce.
Optional heat: If you prefer a bit of a kick, add hot sauce to taste and mix thoroughly. For a milder flavor, you can omit this step.
Set and chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the sauce sit for at least 5 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve or store: Enjoy your Smash Burger Sauce immediately on your favorite burgers or store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and ready to use.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without sacrificing any flavor.
This sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Using smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor but regular paprika works fine.
If you prefer a tangier mustard, Dijon mustard is a great substitute for yellow mustard.

Keywords: Smash Burger Sauce, Burger Sauce, Creamy Burger Sauce, Easy Burger Sauce, Homemade Burger Sauce, Condiment, No Cook Sauce, Burger Topping

Clara Caldwell

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