Burger Sauce! The ultimate creamy, tangy sauce for summer burgers, fries, and more. Made from pantry staples, this easy homemade burger sauce works as a sandwich spread, fry dip, or salad dressing for burger bowls. It’s quick to make, easy to adapt for low‑carb or paleo diets, and tastes better than many fast‑food versions.
This burger sauce is a go‑to in my kitchen. It’s creamy from mayonnaise, has rich tomato flavor without excess sugar thanks to tomato paste, and gets brightness from mustard and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice. Use dill or sweet relish depending on the flavor profile you prefer. The sauce is ready in minutes and keeps well in the refrigerator for several days, making it perfect for cookouts and weeknight dinners.
What is burger sauce?
Also called fry sauce in some regions, burger sauce is a simple condiment traditionally served with burgers and fries. The base is usually mayonnaise combined with a tomato element and seasonings. Variations add mustard, pickles or relish, spices, and an acidic component like vinegar or lemon to balance the richness. This version uses tomato paste rather than ketchup to reduce added sugars and intensify tomato flavor.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup. Use your favorite brand or an avocado‑oil mayonnaise to keep it paleo/keto friendly.
- Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons. Provides concentrated tomato flavor and a thicker texture without added sugar.
- Dijon mustard: 2 teaspoons. Adds a smooth, tangy mustard note.
- Relish: 1/4 cup. Choose dill or sweet relish—sweet relish softens the tang, dill keeps it more savory.
- Vinegar or lemon juice: 1 teaspoon. Fresh lemon or a mild vinegar brightens the sauce.
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds color and a mild smoky or sweet flavor; smoked paprika is a great option.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon. For subtle savory depth.
- Salt and ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
This recipe yields about 8 servings (roughly 1 tablespoon per serving). Adjust quantities to taste if you prefer a tangier, sweeter, or spicier profile.
How to make it
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk until smooth and evenly mixed, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Taste and adjust: add more vinegar or lemon for brightness, more relish for sweetness, or extra paprika or mustard for depth.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips, variations, and substitutions
- To make a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne, or a pinch of chipotle powder.
- For a lighter sauce, swap half the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt (not paleo) or a light mayonnaise.
- Use sugar‑free or no‑sugar tomato paste to keep carbs low. Avocado oil mayonnaise makes the recipe paleo‑friendly.
- Make a smoky variation by using smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke.
- If you don’t have relish, finely chop dill or sweet pickles and stir them in.
- Let the sauce chill for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serving suggestions
- Spread on hamburgers and cheeseburgers for a classic diner taste.
- Use as a dip for French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
- Toss with a burger bowl or salad as a creamy dressing.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken sandwiches or as a dip for veggie sticks.
Other sauce and dip ideas
- Homemade Ranch Dressing — a cool, herby complement to burgers and fries.
- Restaurant‑style Salsa — fresh and bright for chips or tacos.
- Guacamole — creamy avocado dip for chips, burgers, or bowls.
- Blue Cheese Dressing — tangy and rich, great with fries or steak burgers.
Recipe details
Prep: 5 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Total: 5 mins | Servings: 8 | Author: Serene
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate. Use within 5 days for best freshness.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
Calories: 109 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 2 g | Sodium: 392 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 1 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.