Zippy 5-Minute Smash Burger Sauce

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When I spent most of last summer making crispy, juicy Smash Burger Tacos, I quickly learned that a zippy, savory, tangy burger sauce was essential. It’s what makes a good burger unforgettable, am I right?

This ridiculously delicious smash burger sauce is the magic touch — and it’s SO quick easy, using ingredients you likely always have on hand.

Developing the recipe was all about balance and layering flavor. I started with a creamy base—mayo for richness and body—then built in tang with mustard and a splash of pickle brine, which instantly brightened everything up. Finely chopped pickles brought texture and that classic burger-joint vibe. And to deepen the flavors, I grated in a clove of fresh garlic and added a splash of Worcestershire to make it just right.

It’s simple but so good! In a way that feels homemade and a little extra, pulling everything together. Kind of like your favorite drive-thru (you’ll want to dip your fries in it too), but better. It comes together in just 5 minutes, and if you’re like me, you’ll have the recipe memorized before you know it.

The layered flavors perfectly echo that crispy, juicy vibe of the smash burger, whether in a bun or taco! I find it super delicious on grilled brats, too.

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Zippy 5-Minute Smash Burger Sauce

This easy, tangy smash burger sauce is what makes a burger so good! It hits the sweet spot between creamy and zippy, with a mayonnaise base and bold flavor from chopped pickles, garlic, paprika, and mustard. This homemade sauce brings the classic burger-joint vibe that ties everything together, and couldn't be simpler.

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Prep Time :5 minutes minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Author: Amanda Paa

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup mayonaise
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons minced pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 10 cracks fresh black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

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Instructions 

• Add all burger sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
• Refrigerate until ready to use – it's best to give it 30 minutes chill time so that flavors can mingle, but not a deal breaker. Can be made 5 days in advance.

Notes