Introduction
Did you know the Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe is one of the most mysteriously addictive creations? With its creamy texture, bold smoky zing, and just the right touch of sweetness, you can recreate it at home!
As a fast-food blogger and home-cooking enthusiast, I’ve spent hours testing and tasting to crack the code on this majestic sauce. And now, I’m thrilled to share my 2025 copycat Burger King Stacker Sauce recipe with you! It’s fast, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
And trust me, this one’s worth it. Whether you want to upgrade your homemade burgers or dip your fries in something next-level, this Stacker Sauce copycat recipe will hit the spot.
Let’s break it down step-by-step — no preservatives and weird chemicals, just flavor magic!
Let’s get started!
The Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe is a creamy, smoky, and slightly tangy condiment that brings fast-food flavor right to your kitchen. Made with mayo, mustard, relish, and spices, it’s quick to mix, budget-friendly, and perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or dipping!
What Is Burger King’s Stacker Sauce?
Burger King’s Stacker Sauce was first introduced as part of the Stacker Burger lineup — layered beef patties with cheese and bacon, topped with this secret sauce that fans quickly fell in love with.
What makes it special?
- Creamy base (like mayo)
- Tangy and sweet from ketchup and other spices
- Smoky hint (that’s the secret twist!)
- Smooth texture and rich aftertaste
It’s not your average burger sauce — it’s a signature blend that keeps people returning for more. And the best part? You can make it at home in under 10 minutes!
Is Burger King Stacker Sauce spicy?
It has a mild kick from cayenne pepper and paprika, but it’s not overly spicy.
Burger King Stacker Sauce Ingredients (Copycat Style)
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this saucy masterpiece:
✅ Basic Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s are the best options)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for that smoky flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke (take it easy — it’s strong!)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (optional, but adds tang)
- A pinch of salt and pepper
What does Burger King Stacker Sauce taste like?
It’s creamy, smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet, with hints of spice. Think of it as a BBQ-inspired twist on burger sauce with a bold, savory flavor.
How to Make Burger King Stacker Sauce (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Create the Base
In a bowl, combine mayonnaise and yellow mustard. Mix it well until you get a smooth and consistent & thick texture.
✅ Step 2: Add the Sweet Relish
Stir in the sweet pickle relish. Make sure it’s evenly distributed to infuse sweetness throughout the sauce.
✅ Step 3: Mix in the Acidity
Add some white vinegar and lemon juice, stir it well to mix it up smoothly into the creamy base.
✅ Step 4: Spice It Up
Now add the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well — this is where the sauce gets its signature flavor punch!
✅ Step 5: Whisk to Perfection
Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. You shouldn’t see any separate ingredients.
✅ Step 6: Let It Rest
Now store the sauce in an air-tight container in the fridge for at least 1 hour to get the exact flavors. My recommendation is to store it in the fridge, and it can last up to 7 days!
✅ Taste test. Want more tang?
Add a touch more mustard or pickle juice. Too smoky? Here, you need to add a little mayo to balance the taste of the stacker sauce.
Can I make Stacker Sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise and ensure all other ingredients (like mustard and relish) are plant-based.
⭐ Tips for the Perfect Stacker Sauce
Want that chef’s kiss flavor? These tips will take your homemade stacker sauce from good to “holy wow!”
- 1. Use High-Quality Mayonnaise
The mayo is the main ingredient, so quality matters. Use a rich, creamy brand like Duke’s or Hellmann’s for the best texture and flavor.
- 2. Let It Chill
Store the Burger King Sauce for at least 1 hour or more to get a more flavorful taste. In my opinion, staying overnight is the better option.
- 3. Whisk, Don’t Just Stir
Using a whisk helps fully blend the spices and emulsify the mixture for a smooth, silky sauce.
- 4. Balance the Smoke
If you’re using liquid smoke, a little goes a long way! Start with a small amount (½ tsp or less) and taste before adding more — it can quickly overpower the other flavors.
- 5. Taste and Adjust
Always do a taste test before chilling. Want it spicier? Add cayenne. Need more zing? A pinch more vinegar or mustard can do the magic.
🍟Best Ways to Serve with Burger King Stacker Sauce
This sauce is versatile and pairs with much more than just burgers. Here’s how to get creative:
🍟 Classic Fast Food Pairings
- Burgers & Cheeseburgers – Recreate the full Stacker experience!
- French Fries & Onion Rings – Use it as a creamy dip.
- Chicken Tenders/Nuggets – Deliciously indulgent.
🍳 Breakfast Ideas
- Breakfast Sandwiches – Swap in place of ketchup or mayo.
- Hash Browns – A spicy-sweet twist on your morning dip.
🥪 Everyday Dishes
- Grilled Chicken Wraps or Sandwiches
- Club Sandwiches
- Loaded Fries or Tater Tot Nachos
🥗 Bonus: Salad Drizzle
- Thin the sauce out with a little water or vinegar and use it as a creamy dressing on BBQ chicken salads!
It’s a versatile, all-star sauce!
Best Ingredient Substitutes for Burger King Stacker Sauce
1. Mayonnaise
Original Purpose: Forms the creamy base, adds richness, and binds all ingredients.
✅ Substitutes:
- Greek Yogurt: Offers a tangy, lighter option with added protein. Great for a healthier version.
- Sour Cream: Creamy and tangy; slightly thinner than mayo but blends well.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: For plant-based or egg-free diets, it still provides the same consistency and mild taste.
- Avocado Mayo: A Healthier fat alternative with a subtle flavor.
Note: If using Greek yogurt or sour cream, the sauce may be tangier, so reduce the vinegar slightly.
2. Yellow Mustard
Original Purpose: Adds tang and a slight kick to the sauce.
✅ Substitutes:
- Dijon Mustard: Milder and smoother with a slight spice. Try if you want a more gourmet flavored sauce.
- Spicy Brown Mustard: Adds more depth and heat — ideal for bold palates.
- Honey Mustard: Brings in sweetness and mild spice; reduces the need for added sugar.
Tip: Dijon is the best 1:1 replacement if you want to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
3. Sweet Pickle Relish
Original Purpose: Provides sweetness, acidity, and texture.
✅ Substitutes:
- Finely Chopped Bread & Butter Pickles: A perfect flavor match — just chop them small.
- Dill Pickle Relish plus A pinch of Sugar or Honey: Reduce sweetness for a more sour bite
- Chopped Gherkins: Mildly sweet, crunchy — great if you want a chunkier texture.
Pro Tip: Let chopped pickles sit in a bit of sugar before adding for a quick sweet-pickle hack.
4. White Vinegar
Original Purpose: Adds acidity and sharpness to cut through the richness.
✅ Substitutes:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Slightly sweeter and more fruity — ideal for balance.
- Rice Vinegar: Milder and smoother — works well if you want less tang.
- Lemon Juice: Already part of the recipe — you can slightly increase the amount if needed.
5. Lemon Juice
Original Purpose: Freshens up the sauce with citrus acidity.
✅ Substitutes:
- Lime Juice: Offers a zestier, slightly more tropical twist.
- More Vinegar (White or ACV): Less bright than lemon, but still acidic.
- Flavor Note: Lime will add more bite; vinegar makes it sharper, but less citrusy.
6. Garlic Powder
Original Purpose: Adds a savory, umami depth.
✅ Substitutes:
- Minced Fresh Garlic: Use about 1 clove per ½ tsp garlic powder.
- Garlic Paste: Smooth and potent — use sparingly.
- Roasted Garlic: Sweeter and milder — ideal for gourmet upgrades.
7. Onion Powder
Purpose: It provides more background flavors and balances the sweetness in the sauce.
✅ Substitutes:
- Finely Grated Fresh Onion: Adds stronger flavor — use in small amounts to avoid overpowering.
- Onion Paste: Use for a smoother texture and deep flavor.
- Shallot Powder: Milder and slightly sweeter than onion powder.
8. Paprika
Original Purpose: Adds mild warmth, color, and a slight smoky taste.
✅ Substitutes:
- Smoked Paprika: Adds bolder, BBQ-like smokiness — excellent for extra depth.
- Chili Powder: Slightly hotter and earthier — adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Chipotle Powder: For a smoky, spicy flavor boost.
9. Cayenne Pepper
Original Purpose: Adds heat and a spicy kick.
✅ Substitutes:
- Red Pepper Flakes: More textured heat — let them soak a few minutes in the base for flavor.
- Hot Sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha): Adds both heat and acidity — go easy!
- Chipotle Powder: Smoky and spicy — use less for a more complex heat.
10. (Optional) Liquid Smoke
Original Purpose: Mimics grilled, smoky burger flavors.
✅ Substitutes:
- Smoked Paprika: Best substitute — adds a natural smokiness.
- Chipotle Sauce: Smoky and tangy, but use sparingly due to the heat.
- BBQ Sauce (just a touch): It adds some smokiness with a pinch of sweetness.
Caution: Liquid smoke is very strong — always start with a few drops or skip if unsure.
11. (Optional) Worcestershire Sauce
Original Purpose: Adds umami and a savory-sweet layer.
✅ Substitutes:
- Soy Sauce + Pinch of Sugar: Replaces the excess flavor of sweetness.
- Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
- Vegan Worcestershire: For those avoiding anchovies or animal products.
💡Customize It Like a Pro
Love spice? Want a healthier version? You can try this recipe according to your craving & liking:
- Spicy version: You can also add some hot sauce or chipotle powder to enhance the spiciness.
- Sweeter version: Add ½ teaspoon of honey or brown sugar.
- Low-calorie: Use light mayo or Greek yogurt.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based mayo and skip the Worcestershire (or use a vegan one).
Important Notes For Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
- Use Full-Fat Mayonnaise for Best Flavor
Light or low-fat mayo can alter the taste and texture. For the closest copycat result, use full-fat mayonnaise.
- Resting Time Is Key
Letting the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour helps the flavors meld. Overnight chilling gives an even better taste.
- Customize the Heat
Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance.
- Texture Tip
If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the relish before adding it. For a chunkier texture, leave it as-is.
- Make It Vegan
Swap mayo for vegan mayonnaise to make the sauce completely plant-based without compromising flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Acid
The vinegar and lemon juice balance the creaminess. Skipping them can make the sauce too heavy or flat.
- Taste and Adjust
After resting, taste the sauce and feel free to tweak the seasoning—add a dash of salt, more paprika, or even a little honey if desired.
- Multiplying the Recipe
Need more? Double or triple the ingredients with the same proportions—perfect for cookouts or meal prep.
- Serve at Room Temperature
Let the sauce sit out for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor impact.
Burger King Stacker sauce vs Royal Sauce
Let’s break down the Burger King Stacker Sauce vs. Royal Sauce showdown — these two sauces both pack bold flavor, but they’re crafted for different taste experiences and menu items.
🔍 Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Stacker Sauce | Royal Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Mayonnaise, mustard, relish | Mayonnaise-based |
| Flavor | Sweet, smoky, spicy | Creamy, mild, slightly tangy |
| Texture | Thick Tangy | Smooth & creamy |
| Use Case | Beefy, layered burgers | Chicken sandwiches, bacon burgers |
| Comparisons | Like Big Mac + BBQ sauce | Like garlic mayo or lemon aioli |
| Boldness | Bold and rich | Subtle and creamy |
📝 Final Verdict: Which One Should You Try?
♥ Love smoky, spicy, bold sauces? → Go for Stacker Sauce
♥ Prefer a mild, creamy balance on your sandwich? → Choose Royal Sauce
♥ Both have their place — Stacker Sauce is your go-to for a BBQ-style flavor explosion, while Royal Sauce keeps things creamy and balanced.
Print Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
Burger King Stacker Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix the Base: Combine mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl until smooth.
- Add Relish: Stir in sweet pickle relish for sweetness and texture.
- Blend Acids: Add white vinegar and lemon juice; mix well to balance the flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne. Stir thoroughly.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Mix until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Refrigerate: Cover and chill for at least 1 hour to enhance flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is liquid smoke necessary?
No, liquid smoke isn’t essential, but it enhances the smoky flavor in Stacker sauce. You can skip it or substitute with smoked paprika or a bit of BBQ sauce for a similar depth.
Is Stacker Sauce gluten-free?
Yes, it can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free mayonnaise and mustard. Always check ingredient labels to ensure no hidden gluten in packaged items.
What is BK Stacker sauce made of?
Burger King Stacker sauce is made with mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, lemon juice, and spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Can I freeze homemade Stacker Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as the mayo-based sauce may separate and change texture. It’s best made fresh and stored in the fridge for short-term use.
Is this the original Burger King Stacker sauce?
This copycat recipe is based on known ingredients and taste tests. While Burger King doesn’t publish the exact formula, this version comes very close in flavor and texture.
What sauce does Burger King put on their burgers?
Burger King uses different sauces depending on the burger — common ones include mayonnaise, ketchup, BBQ sauce, zesty sauce, and signature sauces like Stacker sauce or Royal sauce on specialty burgers.
Can I make Burger King Stacker Sauce without relish?
You can omit relish, but the sauce will lose some sweetness and texture. Try substituting with some sugar and finely chopped pickles for a similar flavor.
How long does homemade Stacker Sauce last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, homemade Stacker Sauce lasts up to one week in the refrigerator. Always use a clean spoon to preserve freshness.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be real — something is exciting about recreating your favorite fast food at home. Now that you’ve got the secret to Burger King’s Stacker Sauce, you can turn any burger night into a fast-food-style feast.
Burger King’s Stacker Sauce recipe is proof that a good burger isn’t just about the patty — it’s about the sauce that seals the deal. Now that you’ve got the secret recipe, nothing is stopping you from bringing that flame-grilled flavor home.
Try it today, tweak it to your liking, and share it with fellow sauce lovers. Trust me — your fries will never be lonely again. 🍟🔥
Give it a Try – I’d love to hear the magic at your home!
Until next time — keep it saucy!
