25 Burger Sauces to Elevate Your Homemade Burgers

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or just love a good burger, discovering the perfect sauce can take your burger game to the next level. Imagine biting into your burger and tasting a burst of flavor from a homemade special sauce. You don’t need to be a chef to whip up these sauces; all you need is a few simple ingredients and a bit of time.

Some classic options to explore include the creamy tang of mayonnaise, the zing of mustard, or even a spicy kick from horseradish sauce. But why stop there? There are so many more delicious concoctions waiting to be discovered, like rich bacon mayo or a zesty ranch. Each sauce has its unique twist that can cater to your taste buds and make your burgers truly unforgettable.

Get ready to elevate your cooking with some of the best burger sauces out there. From simple recipes that take minutes to prepare to more exotic sauces that will amaze your friends, there’s something here for every burger lover. Dive into the world of burger sauces and enjoy the delicious journey ahead!

Classic Burger Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp sweet relish
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp chipotle powder or cayenne (optional for a little heat)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and Dijon mustard.
2. Pour in the white vinegar, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder or cayenne (if using).
3. Use a whisk or fork to blend all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

Enjoy your homemade classic burger sauce added to your favorite burger for an extra burst of flavor!

Maple Bacon Relish

Ingredients:

• 1 cup finely chopped bacon
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup diced onions
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   In the same pan, add the diced onions. Cook until they are soft and golden.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan. Stir well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add the cooked bacon back into the pan. Stir to combine everything.

   
   
6. 
   

   Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the relish cool slightly before serving on your burgers.

   
   

Enjoy your delicious Maple Bacon Relish on your favorite burgers!

Beer Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup beer
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar recommended)
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook for 30 seconds.
3. Gradually add beer to the mixture, whisking continuously.
4. Slowly pour in milk, continuing to whisk to combine.
5. Add the shredded cheese gradually, whisking until fully melted.
6. Stir in the mustard.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm.

Jalapeño Cheese Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 minced jalapeño
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter over low to medium heat in a pan.
2. Whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth.
3. Mix in the minced jalapeño and garlic powder.
4. Slowly add the whole milk, continuing to whisk.
5. Stir in the paprika and shredded cheese.
6. Cook, stirring regularly, until the sauce thickens.

Harissa Yogurt

A delicious and tangy Harissa Yogurt Sauce can elevate your burgers to the next level. Here’s how you can make this simple yet flavorful sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
• 1-2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, put in the Greek yogurt, harissa paste, and minced garlic.
2. Add Lemon and Mint: Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped mint.
3. Stir Well: Mix everything together until smooth and well combined.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Use as a topping for your burgers or as a dip for veggies or fries.

Enjoy your flavorful Harissa Yogurt Sauce!

Blue Cheese Mayo

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the mayonnaise and sour cream in a small bowl.
2. Add Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
3. Stir in the blue cheese crumbles.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined.
6. Serve immediately or refrigerate until needed.

Chipotle Feta

Ingredients

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, minced chipotle peppers, lime juice, mayonnaise, and garlic powder.
2. Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together until fully mixed and creamy.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
4. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve: Spread over your favorite burger and enjoy!

Tarragon Special Sauce

For a tasty twist on your burgers, try making Tarragon Special Sauce. It’s easy to prepare and enhances the flavor of your meals.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon coconut aminos (or soy sauce as a substitute)
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Instructions:

1. 
   

   In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup and mayonnaise until smooth.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add the red wine vinegar, red onion, parsley, and tarragon to the bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in the coconut aminos, salt, and black pepper.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix all ingredients thoroughly until fully combined.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let the sauce sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

   
   
6. 
   

   Serve the sauce with your favorite burgers, fries, or grilled chicken.

   
   

Frenchie

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet onion soup seasoning mix
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 4 hamburger buns
• Sliced cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix Patties: Combine ground beef, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and kosher salt in a large bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form into 4 patties.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until golden and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add Broth: Pour in beef broth and scrape up any brown bits with a wooden spoon. Cook for another minute until the mixture is slightly saucy.
4. Grill Patties: Preheat a grill for direct heat. Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they reach your desired doneness.
5. Assemble Burgers: Place patties on hamburger buns. Top with caramelized onions and cheese if you like.

Enjoy your Frenchie burger!

Ketchup

Ingredients

• Tomatoes
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Allspice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes

   • Wash, peel, and chop the tomatoes.

2. Cook the Tomatoes

   • Place tomatoes in a pot and cook over medium heat until they break down.

3. Blend the Mixture

   • Use a blender to puree the cooked tomatoes.

4. Strain the Puree

   • Strain the tomato puree to remove seeds and skin.

5. Add Vinegar and Spices

   • Return the strained puree to the pot.
   • Add vinegar, sugar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and allspice.

6. Simmer

   • Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

7. Cool and Store

   • Let the ketchup cool and transfer it to a jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator.

Mayonnaise

Ingredients

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Place the egg, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend on medium speed until mixed.
3. Slowly add vegetable oil while the blender is running until the mixture thickens.
4. Transfer your mayonnaise to a container and refrigerate.

Yellow Mustard

Yellow mustard is a common ingredient found in many burger sauces. Its tangy and zesty flavor complements the richness of mayonnaise and the sweetness of ketchup, creating a balanced sauce.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the sweet pickle relish and apple cider vinegar.
3. Mix everything until well combined.
4. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving if you prefer a chilled sauce.

Yellow mustard brings a unique flavor to your burger sauce, making your burgers even more delicious. Enjoy!

Creamy Burger Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients into a small bowl.
2. Stir the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Serve on your favorite burger or use as a dipping sauce for fries.

Tomato Burger Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Combine the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste in a small saucepan over medium heat.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, mustard powder, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir the mixture until it begins to simmer.

   
   
4. 
   

   Reduce heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

   
   
5. 
   

   Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

   
   
6. 
   

   Remove from heat and let it cool.

   
   
7. 
   

   Transfer the sauce to a sterilized jar or an airtight container.

   
   
8. 
   

   Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

   
   

Thousand Island Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup minced yellow onion

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish.
2. Add the lemon juice, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and minced yellow onion.
3. Mix everything well until fully combined.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This flavorful sauce pairs nicely with burgers, adding a tangy and slightly sweet taste.

Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce can make your burger taste amazing. It adds sweetness, tanginess, and a smoky flavor that can turn a good burger into a great one.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. 
   

   Combine all ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Whisk: Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the brown sugar is dissolved.

   
   
3. 
   

   Cook: Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.

   
   
4. 
   

   Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens.

   
   
5. 
   

   Cool: Remove from heat and let the sauce cool.

   
   
6. 
   

   Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

   
   

This barbecue sauce is perfect for brushing on burgers as they come off the grill or adding a tangy touch to your burger bun. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade barbecue sauce!

Honey Mustard

Ingredients Needed:

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tsp white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Combine the mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, white vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
2. Whisk together until smooth and even.
3. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
4. Store the sauce in the fridge until you are ready to use it.

This honey mustard sauce is great for burgers, salads, or as a dip!

Ranch

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, smoked paprika, and worcestershire sauce.
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps the flavors meld together.
4. Serve the ranch sauce with your favorite burgers, or use it as a dip for veggies and fries.

Avocado Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Carefully remove the pits from the avocados.
2. Scoop out the avocado flesh and place it in a blender or food processor.
3. Add the Greek yogurt or sour cream, garlic cloves, lime juice, and fresh cilantro if using.
4. Blend until smooth.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a few tablespoons of water and blend again.
7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your creamy avocado sauce with burgers, tacos, or as a dip!

Pesto

Ingredients needed:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
• 3 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry your basil leaves.
2. In a food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic.
3. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
4. Gradually add olive oil while the food processor is running, creating a smooth sauce.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
6. Blend for an additional few seconds to mix well.
7. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Chimichurri

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Chop the herbs: Finely chop parsley and cilantro.
2. Mix the base: In a bowl, combine parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic.
3. Add the seasoning: Mix in red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
4. Blend in the oil: Slowly stir in olive oil until well combined.
5. Season to taste: Add salt as needed.
6. Let it rest: Cover and let sit for 15-20 minutes to let flavors meld.
7. Serve: Use as a topping for your burgers, or as a flavorful sauce for other dishes.

Sriracha Mayo

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy mayo
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, place the mayo.
2. Add the sriracha sauce, lime juice, and chili powder.
3. Stir until well mixed.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level if needed by adding more sriracha or chili powder.
5. For a thinner consistency, add a little water or extra lime juice.
6. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.

Enjoy your homemade Sriracha Mayo on burgers, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce!

Garlic Aioli

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
2. Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and stir until combined.
3. Chill the aioli in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve with your favorite burgers and enjoy!

Horseradish Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup grated horseradish
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or sour cream)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Measure out the grated horseradish and mayonnaise.
2. Add buttermilk (or sour cream) and vinegar to the bowl.
3. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
4. Mix all ingredients until well blended.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Pack the sauce into a jar and refrigerate until needed.