If your burgers are good but feel like they're missing something, this smash burger sauce recipe is the fix. It's creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and exactly what turns a simple burger into something that tastes like it came straight off a restaurant griddle.
Around here, burger night is usually quick and low-key, but this sauce makes it feel special. It comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients, no complicated steps, and it works with everything from classic smash burgers to fries and sandwiches.
And the best part… you can keep it gluten free and low FODMAP without sacrificing that classic burger sauce flavor.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Stir it together in just a few minutes with pantry staples
- Big flavor payoff: Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet like your favorite burger spot
- Perfect for smash burgers: Designed to complement crispy-edged patties
- Gluten free : Easy to keep compliant with simple swaps
- Low FODMAP: Flavor without relying on garlic or onion
What You'll Need
- Mayonnaise - Use a high-quality mayo. My favorite is one made with avocado oil.
- Ketchup - I use Simply Heinz Ketchup. It has no high fructose corn syrup.
- Worcestershire Sauce - Packs a ton of flavor in that one teaspoon. Use a gluten free brand like Lea & Perrins if needing a gluten free option.
- Horseradish - Adds a wonderful spice and flavor.
- Smoked Paprika - Adds beautiful color and smokiness to the sauce.
- Green Onions - Bring a bit of onion flavor to the sauce without overpowering it. Use only the green tops for Low FODMAPers.
- Dill Pickles - Adds a bit of crunch and an excellent dill flavor.
- Kosher Salt - Needed to bring all the flavors together.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the mix-ins
Finely chop the dill pickles and green onions, so they blend smoothly into the sauce and give you that classic burger bite in every spoonful.
Step 2: Stir the sauce together
In a small bowl, add all the ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed… a little extra pickle never hurts.
Step 3: Build your burger
Spread a generous layer of smash burger sauce on the bottom bun. Add your burger patty (or two), then layer on your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. Finish with the top bun and serve right away.
Tips and Tricks
Make a double batch and dip French fries in it! Call it fry sauce.
Whip up the smash sauce a few days in advance. The flavors meld together, and it gets even better!
Ingredient Swaps
- Pickle Shortcup - Use pickle relish instead of dill pickles as a great shortcut.
- No green onions? Leave them out or swap with a small sprinkle of chives for a similar mild flavor.
- Mustard - Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or yellow mustard.
Burger Sauce Variations
Spicy Smash Burger Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for some spice.
Sweeter Smash Sauce: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.
Smoky twist: Add a tiny splash of liquid smoke for that backyard grill flavor.
Extra tangy: A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up.
Special Diet Notes
Low FODMAP: Use a low FODMAP ketchup, like the option from Smoke and Sanity. Use only green onion tops and pickles without onion or garlic listed in the ingredients. For additional low FODMAP guidance, use the Monash University Food App.
Dairy Free: Use a dairy free mayo.
Gluten Free: As written the recipe is gluten free. Double check the Worcestershire sauce and spices to be safe.
Storing
Store: Keep smash burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezer: I would not recommend freezing it. It would be better to make another batch if you need it later.
FAQs
A smash burger is a thin ground beef patty smashed with a burger press on a hot cooking surface, such as a cast iron pan or a very hot griddle like a Blackstone. It is quickly cooked and has crispy edges.
Yes! This special sauce will taste amazing on traditional thick burgers, chicken breast sandwiches, and of course, smash burgers!
A popular one is the Shake Shack, In and Out, and many burger joints nationwide. People have strong opinions about which place is the best.
Toss out any sauce that has sat at room temperature for over two hours for the best results.
This sauce is also referred to as fry sauce.
How To Use Smash Burger Sauce
- Blackstone Smash Burgers! Add a layer of sauce between the thin burger patties!
- Use it as a dip for oven roasted potatoes.
- Swap out yellow mustard for this sauce on Cuban pulled pork sandwiches.
More Loveable Sauce Recipes
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Make this delicious gluten free sauce for chicken enchiladas.
- Pizza Sauce - A no-cook pizza sauce without garlic or onions.
- Buffalo Sauce - A buttery, spicy, homemade buffalo sauce.
Discover a new sauce recipe or find an old favorite!
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Recipe
Smash Burger Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Note 1)
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce (Note 2)
- 1 teaspoon horseradish sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon dill pickles chopped
- ¼ cup green onions chopped (Note 3)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all the ingredients. Mix until combined.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce will last for 3-4 days.
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