Spicy Dill Pickle Burger Sauce Recipe
Try this Spicy Dill Pickle Burger Sauce Recipe loaded with dill pickles, mayo, mustard, and smoky spices for easy homemade burgers.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Small airtight container or jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup dill pickles finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of salt
Optional additions:
- Diced jalapeños
- Fresh dill
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Honey for a sweet-spicy version
Instructions
Step 1: Chop the Pickles
- Start by finely chopping the dill pickles.
- You want small pieces instead of huge chunks so the sauce spreads easily on burgers. I usually pat the pickles lightly with a paper towel first because too much moisture can make the sauce thinner than expected.
- The first time I made this Spicy Dill Pickle Burger Sauce Recipe, I chopped the pickles way too big. The flavor was still good, but half the pickles slid right out of the burger.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and pickle juice.
- Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. At this point the sauce will look pale orange with a slightly loose texture.
- The pickle juice makes a bigger difference than you’d think. It gives the sauce that tangy burger-joint flavor.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
- Add the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Mix well so the spices blend evenly into the sauce.
- You should start smelling the smoky paprika and pickle combination right away. It honestly smells like backyard cookouts.
Step 4: Add the Pickles
- Fold the chopped pickles into the sauce.
- Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
- At this stage, taste the sauce before adjusting the spice level. Sometimes the hot sauce alone gives enough heat, especially if you’re using a stronger brand.
Step 5: Chill the Sauce
- Cover the bowl or transfer the sauce into a jar.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- I noticed the texture thickens slightly as it chills, and the flavor gets better too.
Step 6: Serve
- Spread the sauce generously onto burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or fries.
- This sauce especially works well on smash burgers with crispy edges.
Notes
- Use refrigerated deli pickles for the best crunch and flavor.
- Let the sauce chill before serving.
- Add extra hot sauce if serving with grilled burgers.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for deeper flavor.
- Finely chop the pickles so the sauce spreads evenly.
- If the sauce gets too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of pickle juice.