Have you ever wondered what makes Burger King’s burgers so irresistibly delicious? The secret lies in their signature Royal Sauce, also known as Stacker Sauce. This creamy, smoky condiment has been the crown jewel of countless BK burgers, elevating every bite with its perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Creating your own Burger King Royal Sauce recipe at home is easier than you might think. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can recreate this restaurant-quality sauce in your own kitchen. Whether you’re craving that authentic BK taste or simply want to upgrade your homemade burgers, this copycat recipe delivers the exact flavor profile you’re looking for.
The best part about making homemade Royal Sauce is the control you have over ingredients and freshness. Plus, you’ll always have this versatile condiment on hand whenever those burger cravings strike.
Why You Will Love This Burger King Royal Sauce
Burger King’s Royal Sauce offers a complex flavor profile that perfectly balances creamy richness with smoky depth. The base of mayonnaise provides a smooth, velvety texture that coats your palate, while the ketchup adds a subtle sweetness and familiar tomato tang that everyone loves.
The liquid smoke is the true star ingredient, delivering that distinctive BBQ-inspired smokiness that sets this sauce apart from ordinary burger condiments. Combined with the sharp bite of Worcestershire sauce and the aromatic warmth of garlic powder, each component works harmoniously to create depth and complexity.
The pickle relish and mustard provide the perfect finishing touches, adding tiny bursts of tangy crunch and zesty sharpness. Together, these elements create a sauce that’s simultaneously familiar yet uniquely special – it’s creamy like mayo, tangy like thousand island, but with that signature smoky kick that makes it unmistakably Royal Sauce.
Ingredients Used in This Burger King Royal Sauce Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Burger King Royal Sauce
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 teaspoon Pickle Relish
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Mustard
Essential Kitchen Equipment Required
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
- Refrigerator space
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: Makes approximately ½ cup of sauce
How To Make Burger King Royal Sauce?
1. Combine the base ingredients
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of ketchup until well combined and smooth.
2. Add the liquid smoke
Pour ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke into the bowl and mix thoroughly to distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
3. Incorporate the garlic powder
Add ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture and stir well to ensure no clumps remain and the flavor is evenly distributed.
4. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce
Add ¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the bowl and mix well to combine all the savory elements.
5. Fold in the pickle relish
Add 1 teaspoon of pickle relish to the sauce and gently fold it in, ensuring the pickle pieces are evenly distributed throughout.
6. Add the final touch
Stir in ½ teaspoon of mustard, mixing well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
7. Chill and meld
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together and develop their full potential.
8. Serve and enjoy
Remove from the refrigerator and give a final stir before serving with burgers, sandwiches, or any dish that needs a smoky flavor boost.
Notable Tips to Make This BK Royal Sauce Perfect
Here are some notable tips, that can help you to make this recipe perfect in the very first attempt. Check below
Tip 1: Use real mayo, not the light kind. Real mayo makes your sauce taste way better and creamier.
Tip 2: Mix slow and steady. Don’t rush when you stir. Take your time to make it smooth.
Tip 3: Can’t find liquid smoke? No problem! Add a tiny bit of BBQ sauce instead. It works great too.
Tip 4: Taste as you go. Try a little bit on a spoon. Add more of what you like best.
Tip 5: Let it sit in the fridge. The sauce gets much better after it sits for 30 minutes. Trust me on this one!
Tip 6: Use sweet pickle relish. It tastes just like the real Burger King sauce. Dill pickles are too sour.
Tip 7: Yellow mustard works best. Don’t use fancy mustard. Plain yellow mustard is perfect for this recipe.
Tip 8: Make it ahead of time. This sauce is even better the next day. Make it before your party!
Tip 9: Double the recipe if you love it. This sauce goes fast. Make extra and keep it in the fridge.
Tip 10: Try it on everything! Use it on fries, chicken, and sandwiches. It makes everything taste amazing.
Some Delicious Ways to Enjoy This Burger King Royal Sauce
Whether it’s a party, family function or you are enjoying this Burger King Royal Sauce at your home, the following serving ideas can make your meal more comfortable and delicious to enjoy.
1. Grilled Chicken Sandwich Spread
We slather this on toasted brioche buns with grilled chicken breast, crispy lettuce, and tomato. The smoky flavor complements the char from the grill perfectly.
2. French Fry Dipping Sauce
Honestly, this has become our go-to fry dip. The creamy texture with that hint of smoke beats ketchup every time. We’ve served it at game day parties and it’s always the first condiment to disappear.
3. Fish Taco Drizzle
We discovered this by accident when making fish tacos one Tuesday night. A light drizzle over crispy fish with cabbage slaw creates an amazing flavor combination that our family requests weekly.
4. Loaded Baked Potato Topping
Mixed with some chives and bacon bits, this sauce transforms a simple baked potato into restaurant-quality comfort food. We’ve made this for dinner parties and guests always ask for the recipe.
5. Grilled Vegetable Dip
The smoky notes pair beautifully with charred zucchini, bell peppers, and Brussel Sprouts. We often serve this as an appetizer at summer BBQs.
6. Turkey Club Enhancement
Instead of plain mayo, we use this Royal Sauce in our turkey clubs. The pickle relish adds extra crunch while the smoke flavor elevates the entire sandwich experience.
7. Roasted Chicken Marinade Base
We thin it out with a bit of olive oil and use it as a marinade for whole roasted chicken. The results are incredibly flavorful and juicy.
8. Coleslaw Dressing
Mixed with a splash of apple cider vinegar, this creates the most unique coleslaw we’ve ever tasted. It’s become our signature side dish at family gatherings.
9. Breakfast Hash Topping
A dollop on top of crispy breakfast potatoes with eggs creates an unexpectedly delicious morning meal. The smoky flavor works surprisingly well with breakfast foods.
10. Pretzel Bread Dip
We warm it slightly and serve it alongside soft pretzel bread at parties. The combination of the tangy sauce with salty, warm bread is absolutely addictive.
How to Store This Burger King Royal Sauce Properly
Store your homemade Burger King Royal Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce tastes best when chilled and doesn’t require reheating – simply remove from the fridge and use directly. Give it a quick stir before each use as ingredients may naturally separate during storage.

Burger King Royal Sauce Recipe
Have you ever wondered what makes Burger King’s burgers so irresistibly delicious? The secret lies in their signature Royal Sauce, also known as Stacker Sauce. This creamy, smoky condiment has been the crown jewel of countless BK burgers, elevating every bite with its perfect balance of tangy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Liquid Smoke
- 1 teaspoon Pickle Relish
- ¼ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Mustard
Instructions
1. Combine the base ingredients
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of ketchup until well combined and smooth.
2. Add the liquid smoke
Pour ½ teaspoon of liquid smoke into the bowl and mix thoroughly to distribute the smoky flavor evenly throughout the sauce.
3. Incorporate the garlic powder
Add ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder to the mixture and stir well to ensure no clumps remain and the flavor is evenly distributed.
4. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce
Add ¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the bowl and mix well to combine all the savory elements.
5. Fold in the pickle relish
Add 1 teaspoon of pickle relish to the sauce and gently fold it in, ensuring the pickle pieces are evenly distributed throughout.
6. Add the final touch
Stir in ½ teaspoon of mustard, mixing well to combine all ingredients into a smooth, cohesive sauce.
7. Chill and meld
Cover the sauce with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together and develop their full potential.
8. Serve and enjoy
Remove from the refrigerator and give a final stir before serving with burgers, sandwiches, or any dish that needs a smoky flavor boost.
Notes
Store your homemade Burger King Royal Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The sauce tastes best when chilled and doesn’t require reheating – simply remove from the fridge and use directly. Give it a quick stir before each use as ingredients may naturally separate during storage.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124
FAQs on This Burger King Royal Sauce Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Burger King Royal Sauce that people often ask.
1. What is Burger King Royal sauce made of?
Based on our extensive testing and recipe development, Burger King Royal sauce is made of mayonnaise as the creamy base, ketchup for sweetness, liquid smoke for that signature smoky flavor, pickle relish for tangy crunch, garlic powder for aromatic depth, Worcestershire sauce for umami richness, and mustard for a sharp finish. We’ve perfected this combination through multiple trials to match the original taste exactly.
2. What is the Burger King special sauce?
The Burger King special sauce, commonly known as Royal Sauce or Stacker Sauce, is their signature condiment that we’ve successfully recreated in our kitchen. From our experience making this sauce dozens of times, it’s essentially a smoky mayo-based sauce that combines the creaminess of mayonnaise with the bold flavor of liquid smoke, creating that distinctive taste that sets BK burgers apart from other fast-food chains.
3. What is a Burger King Royal for?
In our experience using this sauce, Burger King Royal sauce is primarily designed for their premium burgers, particularly the Whopper and specialty stacker burgers. However, we’ve discovered it works incredibly well on homemade burgers, as a dip for fries, spread for sandwiches, and even as a unique salad dressing. We particularly love using it on grilled chicken and pulled pork sandwiches.
4. How long does homemade Royal sauce last?
From our testing, homemade Burger King Royal sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored in an airtight container. We’ve found that the flavors actually improve after the first day as all ingredients meld together. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using, though we’ve never had issues within the week timeframe.
5. Can I make this sauce without liquid smoke?
We’ve experimented with omitting liquid smoke, but it really is the key ingredient that gives the sauce its signature flavor. If you absolutely can’t find it, we recommend adding a tiny amount of smoked paprika (about 1/8 teaspoon) as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as authentic. We always keep liquid smoke in our pantry specifically for this recipe.
6. Is this sauce spicy?
Not at all! From our experience, this Royal sauce is completely mild and family-friendly. The mustard and Worcestershire sauce add tang and depth rather than heat. We’ve served this to kids and spice-sensitive adults with no issues. If you want to add heat, we suggest mixing in a tiny amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
7. Can I double or triple this recipe?
Absolutely! We often make larger batches for parties and BBQs. The recipe scales perfectly – just multiply all ingredients by the same amount. We’ve made batches up to 4 times the original size with consistent results. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl for mixing and proper storage containers.
8. What’s the best brand of liquid smoke to use?
Through our testing, we’ve found that Wright’s Liquid Smoke (hickory flavor) works best and most closely matches the original taste. Colgin Liquid Smoke is also excellent. We avoid mesquite-flavored liquid smoke as it’s too strong and changes the flavor profile. A little goes a long way – we learned this after accidentally using too much in early attempts!
9. Can I use this sauce on other foods besides burgers?
From our culinary experiments, this sauce is incredibly versatile! We use it regularly on grilled chicken, pork chops, fish sandwiches, and as a dip for sweet potato fries. It’s also fantastic mixed into coleslaw or potato salad for a smoky twist. We’ve even used it as a base for salad dressing by thinning it with a little vinegar.
10. Why does my sauce taste different from the restaurant version?
If your homemade version tastes off, we’ve found it’s usually due to ingredient ratios or skipping the chilling time. Make sure you’re measuring accurately – we use actual measuring spoons, not regular spoons. Also, don’t skip the 30-minute refrigeration period, as this allows flavors to meld properly. We’ve also noticed that different mayonnaise brands can slightly affect the taste, so experiment to find your preferred combination.
This homemade Burger King Royal Sauce recipe brings the authentic taste of your favorite fast-food chain right to your kitchen. With its perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and tangy flavors, this versatile sauce will transform any ordinary burger into a restaurant-quality masterpiece. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make it an ideal condiment to keep on hand for impromptu burger nights or BBQ gatherings.
Don’t limit yourself to just burgers – this Royal Sauce works wonderfully as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or even as a unique salad dressing. The smoky flavor profile makes it particularly delicious with grilled meats and roasted vegetables. Once you taste how easy and delicious this copycat recipe is, you’ll never want to be without it.
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