It’s hard to beat a classic burger slathered in mayonnaise with all the fixings, but did you know that the beloved condiment can be used as more than just a spread? From being the ultimate secret ingredient in your burger patties to yielding the most perfectly toasted buns, there’s a reason why Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is the only condiment you need when it comes to grilling and BBQing—it can do everything! Plus, it’s made in Canada and just so happens to be Canada’s favourite mayonnaise, which is why it tastes just as good at your local burger bar as it does when you’re grilling at home.
Read on for all of our favourite ways to use Hellmann’s on burgers—some of them might just surprise you.
Related: Our Favourite Burgers Across Canada
Hellmann’s
1. For an Extra Tasty Binder
We’re going to let you in on a little secret: the key to the absolute best burger recipe is to incorporate Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise into the patties themselves. When you’re mixing up your burger meat with all your favourite seasonings, add in ¼ cup of mayonnaise per pound of meat—it’ll create the juiciest, tastiest burger because it adds both moisture and fat to your patties. Not only will the mayonnaise prevent the burgers from going dry on the grill, but it’ll also give them a rich and creamy taste.
For a fun twist on classic burgers, try swapping in Hellmann’s Chipotle Mayonnaise Dressing or Garlic Aioli for an extra bold hit of flavour.
2. For a Tangy Marinade
Planning on making grilled chicken burgers? Try adding a generous dollop of Hellmann’s Spicy Mayonnaise to your marinade and thank us later. Not only will the spicy mayo give your burger a rich umami flavour and a touch of heat, but it’ll also seal in moisture while creating a gorgeous crust on the outside of the meat (hello, picture-perfect grill marks!).
If you’re looking for a non-spicy and kid-friendly alternative, the Hellmann’s Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Wing Mayonnaise Style Dip is another favourite marinade because it perfectly complements the mild flavours of the chicken.
Related: This Chicken Caesar Salad Burger is the Best of Both Worlds
3. For Perfectly Toasted Buns
You know how your favourite burger joint always seems to have the lightest, fluffiest buns that are perfectly toasted on the inside? You can achieve that at home with one simple trick: spreading your buns with Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise before toasting them on the grill! Mayo is the best choice for this because it actually has a higher smoke point than butter, so it’s less likely to burn or stick to the grill and more likely to lend you that gorgeous golden brown colour. Plus, it’ll add a touch of moisture to your buns, which will prevent them from drying out while toasting.
4. For a Fun Dip on The Side
Whether you’re catering to picky eaters or guests with dietary restrictions, serving mayonnaise on the side as a dip for your burgers can be an easy way to make sure everyone is accommodated. For the kiddos, you can keep it classic with Hellmann’s Original, especially the Hellmann’s Real 750ml squeeze bottle that eliminates a mess, or serve up some kid-friendly Hellmann’s Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Wing Mayonnaise Style Dip. For those who are plant-based or lactose intolerant, Hellmann’s Plant Based makes for a great substitute that totally delivers on that beloved Hellmann’s flavour. For the rest of your guests, offering up a variety of different mayonnaise options like Chipotle Mayo and Garlic Aioli will make for a fun choose-your-own-adventure style burger experience.
Bonus: If you’re serving French fries or veggie sticks on the side, your mayo dips can do double duty and serve as a tasty dip for those as well.
Hellmann’s
5. For Your Very Own Secret Sauce
If you’re really looking to elevate your burger game, try creating your own signature sauce using Hellmann’s mayonnaise as the base. If you didn’t already know, the “secret sauce” at all of your favourite burger restaurants is usually mayonnaise-based, with additions like finely chopped onions, pickles and spices mixed in. To develop your own, experiment with adding your favourite condiments and seasonings to classic Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise to come up with the perfect recipe. The key is to make sure your secret sauce is predominantly mayonnaise, as that’ll yield the perfect consistency and crave-worthy flavour.
Read more: How to Recreate the Viral Flying Dutchman Burger With Secret Sauce