Want the Best Burger Sauce? Use 3 Tablespoons of This Italian Condiment

I always have a jar of giardiniera relish in my fridge because it’s one of those condiments I reach for all the time. I spoon it onto hot dogs, pizza, sandwiches, and just about anything else that could use a little crunch and tang. So it was only a matter of time before I started stirring it into my burger sauce. Instead of the usual sweet pickle relish, I use giardiniera relish with mayonnaise and ketchup for an easy three-ingredient sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and packed with little bites of pickled vegetables.  

I grew up in Chicago, so giardiniera has always been a staple condiment for me. Traditional Italian giardiniera is typically packed in vinegar, while Chicago-style giardiniera is packed in olive oil and usually has a bigger kick from hot peppers. Giardiniera relish takes those same pickled vegetables and chops them into much smaller pieces, which makes it perfect for burgers because you get a little crunch in every bite. I also like that you can find it in mild, medium, or hot varieties, so it’s easy to make the sauce as mild or as spicy as you want.

1. Mix the sauce. Stir together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of giardiniera relish until combined. Feel free to add more giardiniera relish if you like a chunkier sauce.
2. Build your burgers. Spread the sauce on your cooked burgers, add your favorite toppings, top with the bun, and serve!

• Try it on any style of burger. It’s delicious on Oklahoma onion burgers, smash burgers, Juicy Lucy burgers, or simple grilled burgers.
• Don’t stop at burgers. You can use the sauce as a topping for copycat In-N-Out animal-style fries, as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders, or as a spread for Reuben sandwiches.

This post originally appeared on The Kitchn. See it there: For the Best Burger Sauce, I Always Add 3 Tablespoons of This Italian Condiment