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14 Comments

Best Smash Burger Sauce

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Apr 7, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Spoonful of smashburger sauce with cheeseburger in background, to pin.
Smashburger shake shack sauce with spoonful of sauce with smashburger in background.
Burger with smashburgers, smash sauce. Smash sauce in bowls, to pin.
Copycat Smashburger sauce for burgers, to pin.

Skip the takeout and make this easy Smash Burger Sauce at home in minutes! Tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this secret sauce is perfect for burgers, fries, and more. With simple pantry staples, you’ll whip up a restaurant-quality sauce that takes your homemade Smash Burgers to the next level.

Easy smash burger sauce with spoon dipping in and cheeseburger with sauce in background.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Why You'll Love This Smash Burger Sauce Recipe
  • Smashburger Sauce Recipe ingredients
  • How to Make Smash Burger Sauce
  • Smash Sauce Tips
  • Smashburger Sauce Variations
  • Storing Smash Burger Sauce
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • How to Build the Perfect Smash Burger
  • How to use Smashburger Sauce
  • Best Sides to Serve with Smash Burger Sauce
  • More Delicious Dips & Dressing
  • Smashburger Sauce Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger Sauce Recipe

I love recreating our favorite restaurant sauces at home—because let’s be real, the sauce makes the burger! This Smash Burger Sauce comes together in minutes with everyday ingredients and delivers that delicious tangy-sweet kick we all love.

The secret? Patience! Letting the ingredients hang out makes all the difference, so give it a little time (if you can wait). It’s the easiest way to turn a homemade burger into something amazing—without any mystery ingredients or preservatives. Homemade, fresh tasting, and free from loads of ingredients you can’t pronounce, this sauce is so much better than anything from the store.

And really, who doesn’t love a juicy Smash Burger smothered in the perfect sauce? Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking on the stovetop, this sauce will be your new go-to for burgers, fries, and even sandwiches. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain ketchup and mayo again!

Smash burger with grilled onions and cheese and smash sauce made on blackstone griddle.

Smashburger Sauce Recipe ingredients

  • Mayonnaise – I like to use Chosen Foods Avocado Mayo for a healthier alternative and better flavor. However, you may use whatever mayo is your favorite.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish – Adds a sweet taste and a subtle tanginess, or chop up bread and butter pickles or even use dill pickle relish.
  • Dijon Mustard – Tangy and sharp dijon gives a kick to this sauce.
  • Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed for the freshest flavor.
  • Seasoning Salt – Enhances the flavor of any dish. I like this organic one without any MSG.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

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How to Make Smash Burger Sauce

  1. This easy recipe makes the best burger sauce to pair with my Smash Burger Recipe.
  2. Measure and add your mayo, sweet pickle relish, dijon mustard, and lemon juice into a small bowl.
  3. Add a pinch of seasoning salt and lemon juice. Blend until well combined. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. And that’s all folks! 
Smash sauce ingredients in bowl, ready to mix.
Combine ingredients in small bowl
Smash sauce in bowl all mixed.
Mix until creamy

Smash Sauce Tips

  • This secret sauce is SO good; and it easily doubles for a crowd.
  • Use good quality ingredients to make the most flavorful sauce.
  • Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes for best results to allow the flavors to meld together.

Try my other homemade sauces and dressings, like this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce with just the right amount of tangy sweetness. Or, try this sweet and smokey Hot Honey that can be used anywhere you normally use honey but is especially delicious drizzled on pizza!

Bowl filled with smashburger sauce recipe topped with a few chopped pickles.

Smashburger Sauce Variations

  • Dairy-Free Smash Sauce: Most mayos are dairy-free; mayo gets that creaminess from emulsifying the oil and mayo. Check your ingredients first.
  • Keto Smash Sauce: To make a low-carb smash sauce, use a quality Keto mayonnaise.
  • Make it Sweeter: Add a pinch of sugar or sugar substitute for a slightly sweeter sauce.
  • Not a fan of Dijon?  Substitute yellow mustard instead.
  • Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to turn-up the heat.
  • Love ​Dill Pickles? Add an extra dash of pickle juice or chop some dill pickles.
  • Be Bold: Add a drop or two of Worcestershire sauce to add depth to the sauce.
  • Dips Dip Dips: Use as a delicious dip for veggies, onion rings, tater tots, sweet potato or regular fries. Try it with my Air Fryer Steak Fries for a WOW!

Storing Smash Burger Sauce

  • Refrigerate – Store this dressing in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
  • Freeze – I would not recommend it. Once thawed, you may not like the looks or taste of it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make this sauce and store it in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe with less fat?

Yes! If you wish to limit the fat in this dressing, try fat-free mayo and Greek yogurt.

Can I use this sauce on other foods?

Please do! This sauce is great on sandwiches, BLT’s, wraps, and even a dipping sauce for fries….chicken nuggets, or fingers!

What is a smash burger?

Experience the culinary sensation of a smash burger—popularized by Shake Shack and Smashburger. Made by smashing ground beef onto a hot skillet (medium-high heat), cast iron pan or griddle, this technique triggers the cooking technique known as the Maillard reaction, creating a flavorful, aromatic delight. With a thin, crispy patty and a juicy interior, it’s the ultimate burger experience you won’t want to miss.

If you want to explore more smash burgers, give this recipe book a try, it’s got some great recipes!

Spoon in bowl of creamy smashburger sauce.

How to Build the Perfect Smash Burger

For perfect smash burgers; toast a soft Brioche bun, add your cooked smashed burger patty and top with your favorite toppings such as Smashburger sauce, melty cheese, dill pickles, crisp iceberg lettuce, tomatoes and more.

Once you’ve tried this delicious burger, you may never want to go back to a traditional burger again! Don’t forget, the key to creating a delicious smash burger is using a cast-iron skillet, Blackstone style griddle or griddle with a flat surface to smash your burger patty.

Before adding your sweet pickle relish to the sauce, finely chop it. This helps distribute the flavor evenly so you get a little bit of pickle flavor in every bite! 

Stacked smashburger with layers of smash sauce, burgers, lettuce, tomatoes and grilled onions.

How to use Smashburger Sauce

Is there anything better than a juicy burger with crispy browned edges, smashed to perfection in a cast iron skillet, slathering this creamy, tangy smash sauce on the bottom bun (or both the top bun and bottom)?

The absolute best reason to make this delicious sauce is to use it on this Smash Burger recipe!

Smashburger recipe with onions made on blackstone griddle.

Best Smash Burger Recipe with Onions on a Blackstone 

Delicious Smashburger Recipe: Juicy patties sizzling on a Blackstone griddle, topped with caramelized onions. Your taste buds will thank you!

Read more
Easy Korean Fried Chicken piece held between fingers.

Easy Korean Fried Chicken Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven)

Korean Fried Chicken is perfectly crisp and smothered in a spicy-sweet and tangy barbecue sauce. Our version is made in the air fryer with chicken thighs! Tastier and more juicy than wings!

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Air fryer pigs in a blanket on a plate with sauces.

Easy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven)

This easy Pigs in a Blanket Recipe includes savory cocktail sausages wrapped in buttery crescent rolls cooked quickly in the air fryer or oven. Plus, we have three different dipping sauces for you to try!

Read more

Best Sides to Serve with Smash Burger Sauce

I think of delicious things you can make to dip in this sauce! Like these zucchini corn fritters would be delish or this veggie crudite dip! Or slather or dip these Philly Cheesesteak sliders below. YUM!

Philly cheesesteak sliders in pan with row removed revealing melty cheese, tender shaved steak and veggies.

Philly Cheesesteak Sliders Recipe

A sensational twist on a much-loved classic, this Philly Cheesesteak Sliders recipe packs all the savory and cheesy flavors of a traditional Philly sandwich into just a couple of bites! Kick up your game day menu with these easy shaved steak sliders.

Read more
Zucchini Corn Fritters main image, three zucchini corn fritters stacked on one another with fresh veggies behind and cilantro beside.

Zucchini Corn Fritters

Enjoy the bounty of summer veggies with this scrumptious appetizer for Zucchini Corn Fritters. These sweet corn fritters are loaded with healthy, fresh vegetables, in a simple buttermilk batter, briefly fried and finished in the oven. They are light, easy and you can make them gluten free. These Zucchini Corn Fritters are chock full of

Read more

More Delicious Dips & Dressing

  • Easy Queso Cheese Dip Recipe (without Velveeta)
  • 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Recipe (Crock pot)
  • 3 Ingredient Sausage Dip
  • Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
  • Cowboy Crack Dip
  • Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
  • Green Goddess Salad Dressing

Get out there and make this amazing copycat, secret Shake Shack Smashburger sauce!

Burger with smashburgers, smash sauce. Smash sauce in bowls, to pin.

I hope you loved this Smash Burger Sauce Recipe – if you did, would you share your creation on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest? And be sure to comment below!

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Recipe Card
Easy smash burger sauce with spoon dipping in and cheeseburger with sauce in background.

Smashburger Sauce Recipe

5 from 7 readers
Author: Kathleen Pope
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 10 servings (1 tablespoon)
Print Pin SaveSaved!
This easy Smashburger sauce recipe is the perfect balance of creamy and tangy. But this sauce isn’t just for burgers! Try it on fries, sandwiches, onion rings, veggies…anything your heart desires.

Equipment

  • To-Go Dressing and Sauce Containers

Ingredients 
US Customary – Metric

  • ยฝ cup mayonnaise use a good quality, I like Avocado oil mayo myself
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh is best
  • ยฝ teaspoon seasoning salt I like this Organic, no-MSG type
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients in a small mixing bowl until combined and creamy.
Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

Notes

Storage
Refrigerate – Store this dressing in an airtight container for up to two weeks. I do not recommend freezing this sauce. 
This recipe easily doubles to serve more. 
Variations & Substitutions
    • Dairy-Free Smash Sauce: Most mayos are dairy-free; it gets that creaminess from emulsifying the oil and mayo. 
    • Keto Smash Sauce: Use a keto-friendly mayo and you are all set. 
    • Add a sugar or sugar substitute pinch for a slightly sweeter sauce.
    • Substitute yellow mustard instead.
    • Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
    • Add an extra dash of pickle juice or use dill pickle relish, or chopped bread and butter pickles.
    • Add a drop or two of Worcestershire sauce to add depth to the sauce.
    • Use as a delicious dip for veggies, onion rings, tater tots, sweet potato, or regular fries. Try it with my Air Fryer Steak Fries for a WOW!
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Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 79kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 216mg | Potassium: 5mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 27IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Easy smash burger sauce with spoon dipping in and cheeseburger with sauce in background.
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Kathleen Pope

Meet Kathleen

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Tony Hemmele

    Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    Very easy and fast to make, to be honest it is much better if refrigerated for a few hours before serving! The whole family loved this on our smash burgers. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Mon, Jun 2, 2025 at 6:38 pm

      Thank you so much Tony! And for that tip on refrigerating!!

      Reply
  2. Holly

    Sat, Aug 26, 2023 at 4:36 pm

    5 stars
    This sauce made a great addition to the burgers we grilled the other night and it was SUPER easy to throw together.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, Aug 27, 2023 at 7:37 am

      Thank you, Holly! Appreciate your kind comment!

      Reply
  3. Elizabeth

    Wed, May 31, 2023 at 11:52 am

    5 stars
    The combination of flavors in the sauce is amazing, especially the relish and dijon! Can’t wait to use it the next time we have a cookout.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:42 pm

      Glad you liked it!

      Reply
  4. Kate

    Wed, May 31, 2023 at 10:58 am

    5 stars
    I made a double batch of this sauce for spreading on ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders for my daughter’s lacrosse banquette. It is so yummy. I told my husband this was going to be the sauce of the season because I can see that it will be my new go-to for all sorts of uses!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:43 pm

      Perfect!! Love your twist on it!

      Reply
  5. Suja md

    Wed, May 31, 2023 at 10:20 am

    5 stars
    I love how versatile this recipe is! So delicious!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:43 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Dana

    Wed, May 31, 2023 at 9:46 am

    5 stars
    We just got a Blackstone and have been making smashburgers galore. This sauce was the perfect addition and is absolutely a necessity at the condiment table now!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:43 pm

      Yay!!

      Reply
  7. Kate

    Wed, May 31, 2023 at 9:13 am

    5 stars
    So easy and just like at Smashburger! Game-changing to be able to make this at home for cookouts.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Wed, May 31, 2023 at 7:43 pm

      Yes, it really is!!

      Reply

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Kathleen Pope

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Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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