BK Stacker: If you’ve ever bitten into a Burger King Stacker and thought, “What’s in this sauce that makes it so darn good?” you’re not alone. That creamy, tangy, slightly smoky goodness ties the whole burger together.
Today, I’m spilling the beans (or rather, the sauce) on how to whip up your own Burger King Stacker sauce recipe right in your kitchen. No fast-food run needed, just a few simple ingredients and a little know-how. Let’s dive in and get that flavor dripping onto your homemade burgers.
Table of Contents
What Makes the Stacker Sauce Special?
Burger King’s Stacker sauce isn’t just some random condiment slathered on a bun. It’s the star of the show, balancing the juicy beef patties and melty cheese with a punch of personality.
Think of it as a souped-up Thousand Island dressing with a smoky twist, a flavor bomb that keeps you coming back bite after bite.
This sauce has a creamy base, a tangy kick, and a hint of sweetness that dances on your tongue. It’s not too spicy, not too mild, just right. After some taste-testing and kitchen tinkering, I’ve cracked the code. Ready to see what’s behind the magic?
The Flavor Profile Breakdown
The Stacker sauce leans on a mix of mayonnaise for creaminess, ketchup for sweetness, and a splash of vinegar for that zing. Then there’s the smoky secret, likely a touch of liquid smoke or smoked paprika, that gives it that Burger King edge. It’s simple but bold, and that’s why it works so well.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep this easy. You probably have most of these in your fridge already. Here’s what you’ll need to make about a cup of Burger King Stacker sauce, enough for a few burgers or some serious dipping.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (this is your creamy foundation)
- Ketchup: ¼ cup (brings sweetness and a little color)
- White vinegar: 1 tablespoon (for that tangy bite)
- Sweet pickle relish: 2 tablespoons (adds texture and a hint of pickle flavor)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (just a touch to balance the tang)
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (the smoky kick)
- Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon (for subtle depth)
- Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon (rounds out the flavor)
- Salt: a pinch (to taste)
- Black pepper: a dash (optional, for a tiny edge)
No fancy stuff here, just everyday items. If you don’t have smoked paprika, a drop of liquid smoke works too. Adjust to your taste as you go.
How to Make Burger King Stacker Sauce
Making this sauce is as easy as tossing a burger on the grill. No cooking required, just mix and chill. Follow these steps, and you’ll have that fast-food flavor ready in minutes.
- Grab a bowl. Use a medium-sized one so you’ve got room to stir without making a mess.
- Add the base. Scoop in ½ cup of mayonnaise and ¼ cup of ketchup. Stir them together until they’re smooth and pinkish.
- Pour in the vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and mix it well. You’ll see the sauce loosen up a bit.
- Spoon in the relish. Drop in 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish. Stir it up, this adds little bursts of flavor and crunch.
- Sweeten it slightly. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix until it dissolves completely.
- Bring the smoke. Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This is where that Burger King vibe kicks in, stir it evenly.
- Season it up. Toss in ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper if you like. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste and tweak. Dip a spoon in and give it a try. Too tangy? Add a pinch more sugar. Not smoky enough? Sprinkle in a bit more paprika.
- Chill it out. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to a jar. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve it. Slather it on your burger, use it as a fry dip, or drizzle it on whatever you’re craving.
That’s it, ten steps to sauce heaven. The chilling part is key; it lets everything come together like a happy family reunion.
Why This Recipe Works
This Burger King Stacker sauce recipe nails the balance of flavors without overcomplicating things. The mayo keeps it rich, the ketchup and sugar tame the vinegar’s sharpness, and the smoked paprika delivers that signature fast-food flair. Plus, the relish adds a little texture so it’s not just a smooth blob.
I’ve tried it on homemade burgers, and it’s a dead ringer for the real deal. Friends couldn’t tell the difference, they thought I’d hit the drive-thru. That’s when you know you’ve got a winner.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sauce
Want to make it your own? Play with the ratios. If you like it tangier, up the vinegar to 1½ tablespoons. Love smoke? Double the paprika. Just don’t go overboard, keep it simple so the flavors shine. And always taste as you go; your tongue knows best.
Ways to Use Your Stacker Sauce
This sauce isn’t just for burgers, though it’s killer on a double-stacked patty with cheese and bacon. Spread it on a grilled chicken sandwich for a tangy twist. Dip your fries or onion rings in it for a snack upgrade. I’ve even caught myself sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar (don’t judge).
It’s versatile enough to jazz up a hot dog or smear on a turkey club. Heck, drizzle it over roasted veggies if you’re feeling fancy. Once you’ve got a batch, you’ll find excuses to use it everywhere.
Pairing It with the Perfect Burger
For the full Burger King experience, stack your burger high. Grill some beef patties, two or three if you’re hungry. Melt American cheese on top, crisp up some bacon, and toast a sesame seed bun. Slather that sauce on both sides of the bun, and you’re in business. One bite, and you’ll swear you’re at the King’s table.
How to Store Your Homemade Sauce
Made too much? No problem. This sauce keeps well. Pour it into an airtight container, like a mason jar or a plastic tub, and stash it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about two weeks.
Give it a quick stir before using it again; the ingredients might settle a bit. If it starts smelling off or looking funky, toss it. But trust me, it won’t last that long, you’ll be slathering it on everything.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing’s an option if you want to make a big batch. Spoon it into an ice cube tray for easy portions, then pop the cubes into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it, and stir well. The texture might be slightly less creamy, but the flavor holds up.
Why Make It at Home?
Sure, you could grab a Stacker at Burger King, but there’s something satisfying about doing it yourself. You control the ingredients, no mystery chemicals here. Plus, it’s cheaper than hitting the drive-thru every time you crave that sauce. Whip up a batch, and you’re set for burger night anytime.
It’s also a fun kitchen project. You get to play chef, tweak the recipe, and impress your crew with your skills. Who doesn’t love a homemade win?
Healthier Twists (If You Care)
Want to lighten it up? Swap regular mayo for a low-fat version or even Greek yogurt, though it’ll taste a bit different. Cut the sugar if you’re watching sweetness. The beauty of DIY is you call the shots. Me? I stick to the full-fat, full-flavor vibe, life’s too short for bland sauce.
Done and Dished
There you have it, the Burger King Stacker sauce recipe decoded and ready for your kitchen. It’s creamy, tangy, smoky, and dead simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes, you’ve got a sauce that rivals the fast-food giant’s best. Slather it, dip it, love it, your burgers will never be the same.
Next time you’re firing up the grill, give this a shot. You’ll save a buck and earn some bragging rights. And hey, if you catch yourself licking the spoon like I did, don’t blame me, just enjoy the ride. What’s your go-to burger topping? Maybe it’s time to crown this sauce the new king of your table.

Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (this is your creamy foundation)
- Ketchup: ¼ cup (brings sweetness and a little color)
- White vinegar: 1 tablespoon (for that tangy bite)
- Sweet pickle relish: 2 tablespoons (adds texture and a hint of pickle flavor)
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon (just a touch to balance the tang)
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (the smoky kick)
- Garlic powder: ¼ teaspoon (for subtle depth)
- Onion powder: ¼ teaspoon (rounds out the flavor)
- Salt: a pinch (to taste)
- Black pepper: a dash (optional, for a tiny edge)
Instructions
- Grab a bowl. Use a medium-sized one so you’ve got room to stir without making a mess.
- Add the base. Scoop in ½ cup of mayonnaise and ¼ cup of ketchup. Stir them together until they’re smooth and pinkish.
- Pour in the vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and mix it well. You’ll see the sauce loosen up a bit.
- Spoon in the relish. Drop in 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish. Stir it up, this adds little bursts of flavor and crunch.
- Sweeten it slightly. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sugar. Mix until it dissolves completely.
- Bring the smoke. Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika. This is where that Burger King vibe kicks in, stir it evenly.
- Season it up. Toss in ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Add a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper if you like. Mix thoroughly.
- Taste and tweak. Dip a spoon in and give it a try. Too tangy? Add a pinch more sugar. Not smoky enough? Sprinkle in a bit more paprika.
- Chill it out. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to a jar. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve it. Slather it on your burger, use it as a fry dip, or drizzle it on whatever you’re craving.