Big Boy Sauce Recipe | Creamy & Tangy
Craving that classic Big Boy restaurant flavour at home? This homemade Big Boy Sauce is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, the perfect secret sauce for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for fries. With just a few pantry staples like mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, and a hint of spice, you’ll have a sauce that tastes just like your favourite diner-style dressing.
Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic Big Boy burger or want to elevate your next cookout, this easy copycat Big Boy sauce recipe will become a must-have condiment in your kitchen.
Sauce Preparation
Making Big Boy Sauce is super simple, no cooking required! Here’s how to whip it up:
Mixing the Ingredients
- Add the mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika into a mixing bowl.
- Using a whisk or spoon, stir until everything is thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed – a little more relish for tang, or extra paprika for a smoky kick.
Chilling the Sauce
Once mixed, cover the bowl or transfer the sauce into an airtight container. Chill it in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours before serving. This allows the flavours to meld together for that signature Big Boy taste.
Serving Suggestions
Big Boy Sauce is more than just a burger topping; it’s a versatile condiment that pairs perfectly with so many dishes. Here are my favourite ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Big Boy Burger – Spread a generous layer on both buns before stacking your beef patties, cheese, lettuce, and pickles.
- Sandwiches & Wraps – Add creaminess and tang to turkey, chicken, or veggie sandwiches.
- Dip for Fries & Onion Rings – Skip the ketchup and dip into this flavorful sauce instead.
- Grilled Meats – Works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken strips, steak bites, or even fish.
- Salad Dressing Base – Thin it out with a splash of milk or buttermilk to turn it into a tangy salad drizzle.
Extra Tips & Variations
- Consistency Matters: If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of vinegar or water. If too runny, let it chill longer or stir in an extra spoonful of mayo.
- Pickle Swap: Try sweet relish instead of dill relish if you prefer a sweeter profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper, chilli powder, or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- SmokFlavourr: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika to give the sauce a BBQ-style depth.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Big Boy Sauce Fresh
After preparing your sauce, store it in an airtight container or a mason jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Always give it a quick stir before using, as the ingredients may settle slightly.
Freezing Big Boy Sauce
Freezing isn’t recommended for mayonnaise-based sauces like this one since the texture can separate once thawed. It’s best to make it fresh and enjoy it within the week.
Big Boy Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Big Boy Sauce at home, you don’t need anything fancy. Just a few simple tools will help you mix and store the sauce with ease:- Mixing Bowl – Medium-sized, perfect for combining all the ingredients.
- Whisk or Spoon – To blend everything into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Measuring Spoons & Cups – For accuracy in balancing flavours.
- Spatula – Helps scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Airtight Container or Jar – For chilling and storing your sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Big Boy Sauce made of?
Big Boy Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made with mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. It’s similar to a burger “secret sauce” with a slightly zesty flavour.
Is Big Boy Sauce the same as Thousand Island dressing?
They are similar, but not exactly the same. Thousand Island often contains ketchup and is sweeter, while Big Boy Sauce is tangier and has more of a pickle-forward flavour thanks to dill relish.
How long does homemade Big Boy Sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Big Boy Sauce will stay fresh for up to 1 week. Constantly stir before using.
Can I make Big Boy Sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can substitute Greek yoghurt or sour cream for a lighter version, though the flavour will be slightly different.
Can I use sweet pickle relish instead of dill relish?
Absolutely. Sweet relish will give the sauce a sweeter, more Thousand-Island-like taste, while dill relish keeps it tangy and savoury.
What can I serve Big Boy Sauce with besides burgers?
It’s delicious as a dip for fries, onion rings, and chicken tenders. You can also spread it on wraps, use it as a sandwich dressing, or thin it out for a salad drizzle.
Can I make Big Boy Sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it ahead and letting it chill for 2–3 hours enhances the flavour as the ingredients meld together.
Conclusion
This homemade Big Boy Sauce recipe is the ultimate copycat condiment that brings diner-style flavour right to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and no cooking required, you can recreate that creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce you know and love.
Whether you’re dressing up a burger, dipping fries, or spreading it on your favourite sandwich, this sauce adds an irresistible punch of flavour. It’s customizable and made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, let it chill, and taste the magic of this Big Boy classic at home. Once you try it, you’ll never want a burger night without it!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
