🥫 Burger Sauces
Guide Updated June 2026
The right sauce ties a burger together. Here are seven sauces you can make in five minutes from things you already have — from the classic burger sauce to garlic aioli and spicy sriracha mayo.
Classic Burger Sauce
The one that tastes like your favorite drive-through. Mix 1/2 cup mayo, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp finely chopped pickle (or relish), 1 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Whisk and chill 10 minutes.
Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Stir 1/2 cup mayo with 1–2 tbsp sriracha and a squeeze of lime. Creamy heat that balances jalapeños and pepper jack. Great on the Spicy Jalapeño Burger.
Garlic Aioli
Whisk 1/2 cup mayo, 1 small grated garlic clove, 1 tsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Rich and garlicky without overpowering the beef.
Smoky BBQ Mayo
Combine 1/4 cup mayo, 1/4 cup BBQ sauce, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Perfect on the BBQ Burger.
Caramelized Onion Jam (quick)
Slowly cook 2 sliced onions in butter for 25 minutes until deep brown, then stir in 1 tbsp brown sugar and 1 tbsp balsamic. A gourmet, savory-sweet spread.
Mustard Sauce & Tangy Comeback Sauce
Mustard sauce: Dijon + mayo + a touch of honey. Comeback sauce: mayo, ketchup, chili sauce, a dash of Worcestershire and hot sauce — a Southern all-rounder that's great with fries too.
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For nights you do not want to measure. Salt-forward with garlic, onion, and pepper — exactly what a burger wants.
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Long tongs, a wide spatula, and a basting brush so you are not fighting your own tools over a hot grill.
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Frequently asked questions
What is burger sauce made of?
Classic burger sauce is a base of mayo and ketchup with mustard, chopped pickle or relish, a little vinegar, and paprika. It's essentially a seasoned Thousand Island.
How long does homemade burger sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, mayo-based burger sauces keep about 5–7 days. Make a batch at the start of the week.