Smash Burger Sauce

This easy, creamy and tangy make-ahead smash burger sauce is inspired by the classic Shake Shack sauce recipe.
5 from 6 votes

This easy smash burger sauce recipe comes together in less than ten minutes! Inspired by Shake Shack's secret sauce, it's creamy, tangy, and the perfect pairing for homemade smash burgers. It's a simple and easy way to elevate your burger game, and it's make-ahead friendly.

A ceramic bowl filled with a creamy, speckled sauce and a spoon on a countertop.
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A classic smash burger (you know, the type of burger with thin, crispy edges and a juicy interior) needs a special sauce, and this creamy sauce hits the spot.

The sauce really transforms ordinary burgers into something quite extraordinary. Burger lovers, it's time to roll your sleeves up and get started!

What is in The Sauce?

While Shake Shack won't reveal their *exact* recipe for the shack sauce, according to Bon Appetit, they reveal a rough template to work off of.

Their recipe calls for ½ cup Hellman’s mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, ¾ tsp. Heinz ketchup, ¼ tsp. Kosher dill pickling brine and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

I started with their base recipe but adjusted the ratios to my taste preference. For example, I upped the ketchup and pickle brine and seasoned it generously with salt and pepper. Otherwise, the recipe is quite similar.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's easy! My version is easy to make, straightforward, and infinitely customizable.
  • Preparing a homemade sauce is a great way to make a restaurant-quality version of a burger from your favorite burger joint!

For best results, pair this recipe with my favorite impossible smash burgers (the technique works with real meat, too) and a classic seeded bun or brioche bun. Here, we smash the burger on a very hot griddle with a cast-iron press (or a metal spatula) for the crispiest result!

Key Ingredients

Ingredients laid out to make smash burgers sauce.
  • Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise serves as the base for this sauce. It's creamy texture cuts through the flavors of the salted, juicy burger.
  • Dijon Mustard: A bit of Dijon mustard adds a little bit of spice and tang. You can also use yellow mustard, but you may need a bit more cayenne for added heat.
  • Dill Pickle Brine: The brine from a jar of dill pickles is salty and sour, and it helps contrast the fatty, creamy flavors of the mayonnaise. If you don't have pickle juice, you can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch of cayenne pepper provides some heat to the sauce. Feel free to add more if you like it spicy!

Variations

There are endless ways of switching up this sauce to suit your mood!

  • For more umami: Before adding the salt and pepper, stir in a ½ teaspoon of fish sauce or 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce into the sauce and season to taste.
  • For a garlicky twist: Add in 1 small clove grated garlic or a pinch of garlic powder.
  • For an oniony twist: Add 1 tablespoon finely minced white onion or shallot.
  • For a smoky twist: Substitute the cayenne pepper for ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder.

When researching this recipe, I noticed several other online versions including other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce or finely chopped pickles. Feel free to play around as you like!

Note: I debated adding finely chopped pickles for a bit of texture, but because I typically add slices of pickles in my own impossible smash burger recipe, I didn't feel this was necessary. If you'd like, you can try adding these in!

How to Make Smash Burger Sauce

Various condiments in a small bowl being mixed with a spoon.
A mixture of mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup being mixed in a small bowl with a spoon.

Step 1: Add all of the ingredients, including the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, dill pickle brine, and cayenne pepper into a small bowl.

Step 2: Mix everything together...and season with salt and pepper. on the products you use and your own flavor preference, you may want something sweeter, spicier, or saltier. So don't be afraid to change things up as you like it!

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

The sauce will last up to a week in the fridge stored in an airtight container. You can easily make this ahead of time and warm to room temperature before serving.

Recipe FAQs

Smash burger sauce in a small jar with a spoon in it.
What else can I use this sauce for, other than burgers?

This sauce makes a great dipping sauce for french fries or onion rings! Sweet potato fries would be great with this too, as would fried fish.

Is there anything I can use instead of dill pickle brine?

Yes, if you don't have pickle brine, you can also add a touch of vinegar or lemon juice.

Did you try this recipe?

I would love to hear your feedback! Be sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment below.

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Happy eating! Love, Karishma
The Recipe
Smash burger sauce in a ceramic bowl with a spoon.

Smash Burger Sauce

5 from 6 votes
This easy, creamy and tangy make-ahead smash burger sauce is inspired by the classic Shake Shack sauce recipe.
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Yields 6 servings

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise, such as Hellman's or Kewpie Mayo
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon kosher dill pickle brine
  • teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper

Instructions

  • Mix the ½ cup full-fat mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon kosher dill pickle brine, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper in a small bowl until combined.
  • Taste and season with Salt and black pepper.

Notes

  • Leftover smashburger sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
  • The sauce should taste creamy and well-seasoned with a hint of spice and tanginess. Want it tangier? Add more pickle brine. Want it spicier? Add more cayenne pepper. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more ketchup.

Nutrition

Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 13mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 40IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

Smiling cook chopping vegetables.
Welcome! I'm Karishma

I founded the Home Cooking Collective, which offers a diverse collection of cozy, flavorful, small-batch recipes made from scratch. Let's cook together!

Smiling cook chopping vegetables.
Welcome! I'm Karishma

I founded the Home Cooking Collective, which offers a diverse collection of cozy, flavorful, small-batch recipes made from scratch. Let's cook together!

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