Best Foods Tartar Sauce Recipe: Zesty Cream Spread for Mini Burgers

This tangy, creamy spread elevates any seafood dish or mini burger with its perfect balance of flavors. The secret lies in combining high-quality mayonnaise with finely chopped pickles and capers for that signature zesty kick.

What makes this version stand out is its smooth texture and bold taste, achieved through precise ingredient ratios. It’s versatile enough for dipping, spreading, or drizzling, and always delivers restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients for Best Foods Tartar Sauce

Nine ingredients create this tangy, creamy spread with bold flavor and smooth texture.

The mayonnaise base is critical—Best Foods delivers the ideal creaminess and neutral backdrop for the other flavors. For pickles, seek out firm, crisp dill pickles (like Vlasic or Heinz) rather than soft refrigerator varieties. Capers in brine, not oil, provide the necessary briny punch. Most major supermarkets carry these in the condiment aisle or near the olives.

Out of capers? Chopped green olives at half the amount work in a pinch. No fresh dill? Use dried dill at one-third the quantity. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, garlic powder at one-fourth teaspoon substitutes well. The white onion can be swapped for shallots if you want a more delicate flavor (use the same amount).

This sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week. The flavors actually deepen over time. Not suitable for freezing—mayonnaise separates. For best texture, give it a good stir before each use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Zesty Cream Spread

Master this technique for a perfectly balanced, restaurant-quality condiment with vibrant flavor layers.

Step 1: Prepare and Drain the Briny Components

Begin by finely chopping the 0.5 cup Dill Pickles and draining them thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve. Press with a spoon to extract all excess liquid—this prevents your sauce from becoming watery. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl.

Next, drain and rinse the 2 tbsp Capers under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry with a paper towel. I’ve found this step crucial—unrinsed capers can overpower the delicate balance of flavors in the finished product.

Step 2: Mince and Combine Aromatics

Finely mince the 2 tbsp White Onion and the 1 clove Garlic Cloves until they’re nearly paste-like in consistency. This ensures even distribution throughout the sauce without noticeable chunks. Add these to the bowl with the pickles and capers.

Chop the 2 tbsp Fresh Dill and add it to the mixture. The fresh dill provides a bright, herbal note that complements the tangy elements. If using dried dill, reduce to 2 tsp as specified in the ingredients list to maintain proper flavor intensity.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients for Emulsion

In a separate bowl, combine the 1.5 cups Mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice, 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard, 1 tbsp White Wine Vinegar, and 0.5 tsp Worcestershire Sauce. Whisk vigorously for 30-45 seconds until fully homogeneous.

The acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar will slightly thicken the mayonnaise base while brightening its flavor. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness, and the Worcestershire sauce contributes umami depth that elevates the entire mixture.

Step 4: Fold Components Together and Rest

Pour the wet mixture over the chopped ingredients in the first bowl. Using a silicone spatula, fold everything together gently but thoroughly for 1-2 minutes until uniformly combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can break the emulsion.

The sauce should have a thick, creamy consistency with visible flecks of pickle, capers, and herbs. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and develop their full potential.

Serve chilled as a spread for mini burgers or as a dipping sauce for seafood. The flavors will continue to deepen over 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Best Sauces and Condiments for This Recipe

Classic Seafood Pairing

This creation shines alongside crispy fish and chips or grilled salmon. The tangy brightness cuts through the richness of fried foods beautifully. I always serve it with beer-battered cod for that authentic pub-style experience. 💫

Mini Burger Enhancer

As the name suggests, this spread transforms mini burgers into gourmet bites. Slather it on slider buns before adding your patty. The creamy texture pairs especially well with beef or crab patties.

Sandwich Superstar

Elevate your sandwich game by spreading this on toasted sourdough for a tuna melt or shrimp po’ boy. The acidity balances the richness of the fish perfectly. I love it with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning on top.

Dip for Veggies

Thin it slightly with 1-2 tsp lemon juice for a perfect veggie dip. It’s fantastic with celery sticks, carrot batons, or endive leaves. The crunch of fresh veggies contrasts wonderfully with the creamy texture.

Salad Dressing Twist

Whisk in 1-2 tbsp buttermilk to create a creamy salad dressing. Drizzle over iceberg wedge or use as a potato salad binder. The added tang makes it irresistible. 🥗

Seafood Tacos

Drizzle over grilled shrimp or fish tacos for a flavor boost. It complements the smoky char of grilled seafood and adds moisture to the filling. I always add extra fresh dill on top for garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions