Top 25 Irresistible Homemade Burger Sauce Recipes

burger sauce recipes

Looking to take your burgers to the next level? The secret isn’t just in the patty — it’s in the sauce. Whether you’re grilling at home or crafting the perfect smashburger, these homemade burger sauce recipes will add the perfect kick. From creamy garlic aioli to classic Thousand Island dressing, these sauces are simple to make and packed with flavor.

Classic Burger Sauce Recipes

1. Classic Thousand Island Dressing

This tangy, creamy sauce is a burger staple. It’s especially great on cheeseburgers or with grilled chicken sandwiches.

Classic Thousand Island Dressing

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist!

2. Garlic Aioli

Creamy, garlicky, and luxurious — this aioli is perfect for gourmet burgers.

Garlic Aioli

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Great with: Beef burgers, veggie burgers, and sweet potato fries.

3. Honey Mustard Sauce

Sweet and tangy, this sauce adds a delicious contrast to spicy or savory burgers.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

  1. Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Adjust sweetness by adding more honey to taste.

Best for: Crispy chicken burgers or bacon cheeseburgers.

4. Creamy BBQ Mayo

This rich blend is smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet.

Creamy BBQ Mayo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • A dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything and stir until evenly mixed.
  2. Serve immediately or chill for deeper flavor.

Perfect on: Beef burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or grilled tofu.

5. Dijon-Mayo Blend

Simple but flavorful, this two-ingredient sauce brings a zesty kick.

Dijon-Mayo Blend

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

  1. Mix ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Spread directly onto your burger buns.

Quick tip: Add chopped herbs like chives or tarragon for a fresh touch.

Spicy Burger Sauce Recipes

6. Chipotle Mayo

Smoky, creamy, and just the right amount of heat — Chipotle Mayo is a must-have for any spice lover.

Chipotle Mayo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
  • 1 tsp adobo sauce (from the can)
  • 1/2 tsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Blend for a smoother texture (optional).
  3. Chill for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Best on: Beef burgers, black bean burgers, or anything with bacon.

7. Sriracha Aioli

Creamy meets fiery in this addictively spicy aioli.

Sriracha Aioli

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  2. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Pairs well with: Chicken burgers, shrimp burgers, or as a dip for fries.

8. Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

Cool and spicy — this sauce is packed with flavor and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños.

Jalapeño Ranch Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mix everything together in a small bowl.
  2. Blend for a smoother texture or leave chunky for more kick.

Great on: Grilled chicken burgers, turkey burgers, or veggie patties.

9. Buffalo Sauce Mayo

Love Buffalo wings? This mayo-based twist brings the same tangy heat to your burger.

Buffalo Sauce Mayo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Buffalo hot sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • A splash of white vinegar (optional for extra tang)

Instructions:

  1. Stir everything together until smooth.
  2. Chill before serving to mellow the heat slightly.

Tastes amazing on: Crispy chicken sandwiches, fried fish burgers, or spicy beef burgers.

10. Spicy Harissa Yogurt Sauce

Moroccan harissa paste brings a unique chili-forward flavor, balanced with cooling yogurt.

Spicy Harissa Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp harissa paste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all ingredients until creamy.
  2. Adjust heat by adding more or less harissa.

Perfect for: Lamb burgers, falafel sandwiches, or grilled portobello burgers.

Healthy & Light Burger Sauce Recipes

11. Avocado Yogurt Sauce

Creamy, tangy, and loaded with healthy fats, this avocado-based sauce is as nutritious as it is delicious.

Avocado Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
  2. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Great with: Turkey burgers, veggie patties, or grilled chicken sandwiches.

12. Lemon-Herb Greek Yogurt Sauce

Light, zesty, and packed with herbs, this sauce adds a Mediterranean flair to any burger.

Lemon-Herb Greek Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp chopped dill or mint
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix everything in a bowl.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to develop.

Perfect on: Lamb burgers, grilled veggie burgers, or falafel wraps.

13. Hummus Garlic Spread

Rich in protein and full of garlicky goodness, this spread is simple but deeply flavorful.

Hummus Garlic Spread

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup classic hummus
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp tahini (optional for richness)
  • Water to thin, if needed

Instructions:

  1. Stir all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Adjust texture with a splash of water if desired.

Best for: Falafel burgers, beetroot patties, or grilled mushroom burgers.

14. Cucumber Dill Sauce

Cool, creamy, and refreshing — this sauce is perfect for summer grilling.

Cucumber Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup finely grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
  • 1 tbsp chopped dill
  • 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Chill for 10–15 minutes before using.

Great with: Salmon burgers, turkey burgers, or vegetarian sliders.

15. Vegan Cashew Cream Sauce

This dairy-free alternative is ultra-creamy and incredibly versatile.

Vegan Cashew Cream Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 10 mins)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 garlic clove
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
  2. Add more water to adjust thickness.

Pairs well with: Plant-based burgers, black bean patties, or roasted veggie sandwiches.

Globally Inspired Burger Sauce Recipes

16. Wasabi Mayo (Japan-Inspired)

This zesty mayo brings a spicy punch and pairs beautifully with fish or veggie burgers.

Wasabi Mayo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tsp wasabi paste (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1/2 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Whisk ingredients together until smooth.
  2. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Perfect with: Tuna burgers, salmon patties, or crispy tofu burgers.

17. Curry Ketchup (German-Style)

A sweet, tangy, and spiced-up take on regular ketchup, Curry Ketchup is bold and addictive.

Curry Ketchup

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Stir all ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Great with: Beef burgers, bratwurst sandwiches, or grilled chicken.

18. Tzatziki Sauce (Greek Classic)

Cool, creamy, and cucumber-packed, this sauce is a Mediterranean essential.

Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup grated cucumber (drain excess water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix everything in a bowl.
  2. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Best on: Lamb burgers, falafel patties, or grilled veggie stacks.

19. Chimichurri Mayo (Argentinian-Inspired)

This herb-packed mayo blends traditional chimichurri with creamy richness for a vibrant topping.

Chimichurri Mayo

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Pinch of red chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything and mix well.
  2. Chill or serve immediately.

Delicious with: Grilled steak burgers, portobello burgers, or spicy chorizo patties.

20. Peanut Satay Sauce (Thai-Inspired)

Creamy, nutty, and a little sweet, this sauce adds a bold twist to any burger or sandwich.

Peanut Satay Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup peanut butter (smooth)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Water to thin to desired consistency

Instructions:

  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.
  2. Add warm water gradually until you reach a pourable texture.

Tastes amazing on: Chicken burgers, tofu burgers, or banh mi-style sandwiches.

Signature House Burger Sauce Recipes

21. Smoky Tomato Special Sauce

Think of this as a smoky twist on classic burger sauce — rich, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Smoky Tomato Special Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Chill for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavors.

Best with: Grilled beef burgers, mushroom burgers, or sliders.

22. Pickle-Mayo Burger Sauce

Tangy and creamy with a briny punch, this sauce adds the perfect zip to any burger.

Pickle-Mayo Burger Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • A dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine everything and stir well.
  2. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Tastes amazing on: Cheeseburgers, smashburgers, or fried chicken sandwiches.

23. Sweet & Tangy Secret Sauce

Every great burger joint has its own “secret sauce.” Here’s a simple yet irresistible version you can make at home.

Sweet & Tangy Secret Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • Pinch of garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Chill before spreading on your burger buns.

Great with: Classic burgers, cheeseburgers, or even grilled hot dogs.

24. Roasted Red Pepper Aioli

Velvety and rich, this aioli brings smoky-sweet flavor with a Mediterranean flair.

Roasted Red Pepper Aioli

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (blended or finely chopped)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blend or mix all ingredients until creamy.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.

Delicious on: Lamb burgers, veggie burgers, or grilled chicken.

25. Whole30 Burger Sauce

A paleo- and Whole30-compliant sauce that’s still bursting with flavor — no sugar or dairy needed.

Whole30 Burger Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup Whole30-compliant mayo
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp compliant ketchup or tomato paste
  • 1 tsp coconut aminos
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients and stir until smooth.
  2. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Best with: Bunless burgers, lettuce wraps, or sweet potato buns.

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Final Thoughts

Let’s be honest a good burger is great, but a burger with the right sauce? That’s next-level. These 25 burger sauces aren’t just extras; they’re the magic touch that turns a basic bite into something crave-worthy.

Whether you’re into bold, spicy flavors like Sriracha Aioli or something cool and refreshing like Cucumber Dill, there’s a little something here for every kind of burger lover. And the best part? You don’t have to stick to just one. Mix it up, try a few, or even make your own custom combo this is your burger, your rules.

I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative in the kitchen, whether it’s for a backyard BBQ, a cozy weeknight dinner, or just a fun food experiment. If you find a new favorite (or invent a killer new version), drop a comment or tag me I’d love to see what you come up with!

Now go on, grab that bun, pick your patty, and don’t skimp on the sauce.

More recipes here!

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