10 burger sauces you can make in minutes

Bored of plain old mayo? Ketchup bottle unexpectedly empty? Don't despair - dollop something deliciously different on your burger instead. All these recipes serve four and can be easily doubled if you're feeding a crowd.

Maple bacon relish

Fry 100g smoked bacon lardons until very crispy. Turn down the heat, then stir in 3 tbsp red onion marmalade and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Cook for another minute or until glossy and well combined. Leave to cool a little before serving.

Try with our great breakfast burger recipe.

Beer cheese

Put 125ml beer (Belgian blonde style is best) in a pan with 1 tbsp flour and 10g butter. Whisk until the butter melts and the mixture starts bubbling. Whisk for a couple more mins until just thickened, then add 25g grated cheese and 1/4 tsp marmite. Stir well until the cheese has melted. 

Try with our pork & fennel burgers with fennel slaw. 

Jalapeno cheese sauce 

Put 125ml milk in a pan over a medium heat with 1 tbsp flour and 10g butter. Whisk until the butter melts and starts boiling. Whisk for a couple of mins, just until thickened then add 25g grated cheese and 25g chopped pickled jalapeno chillies.

Try with our Tex-Mex burger recipe.  

Harissa yogurt

Mix 1 crushed clove garlic with 2-3 tsp harissa paste, then fold through 150g yogurt to create a ripple effect.

Try with our lamb & chickpea pitta burger recipe.

Classic burger sauce

Stir together 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 25g finely chopped cornichons and 1 tbsp American mustard (we used French’s).

Try with our American-style cheeseburger recipe.

Blue cheese mayo

Crumble 50g blue cheese in a bowl, then fold in 3 tbsp mayonnaise.

Try with our sticky sausage burgers with blue cheese. 

Chipotle feta

Crumble 100g feta cheese in a bowl then mix in 2 tbsp chipotle paste. Mash with a fork until well combined.

Try with our spiced sweet potato burgers with avocado & basil salsa.

Tarragon special sauce

Combine 1/2 small bunch fresh tarragon, chopped, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 1 small finely chopped shallot and 75g mayonnaise.

Try with our salmon & horseradish burgers.

Frenchie

Combine 2 tbsp Dijon mustard with 4 tbsp crème fraiche. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

Try with our crisp chicken burgers with lemon mayo.

Truffle mayo

Whizz up 2 egg yolks and 1 tsp Dijon mustard in a large bowl with an electric hand whisk. Keep the beaters running in the mixture while you drizzle in 160g sunflower oil and 2 tbsp truffle oil. Once smooth, stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1-2 tsp warm water. Stir in 1 sliced black summer truffle and season to taste with salt and black pepper. 

Try with our turkey burgers with sweet potato chips. 

Still after inspiration? We've got plenty more to sink your teeth into...

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How to make the perfect veggie burger

What is your favourite sauce for burgers? Do you have a tried-and-tested recipe to share? Let us know in the comments below!