Sauces & Condiments
Applebee's Whole Lotta Bacon Burger Sauce delivers that signature smoky, creamy, slightly spicy kick that turns a simple burger into an unforgettable meal. 🔥 The secret lies in balancing chipotle heat with tangy mayo and a hint of BBQ sauce, then adding that signature celery crown crunch for texture that lasts through every bite.
I've recreated this restaurant-quality sauce at home with simple ingredients and a foolproof mixing technique.
The sauce starts with a creamy base of mayonnaise and sour cream, where the real magic happens. Chipotle peppers in adobo add that signature smoky heat, while a touch of BBQ sauce brings the tangy depth.
The celery crown gives it that signature crunch that makes this sauce stand out from ordinary burger sauces. What sets this apart is how the flavors meld together—sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy all at once.
Once you've blended everything together, you'll have a sauce that's rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for drizzling over burgers, fries, or even as a dipping sauce. The best part?
It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. This isn't just a burger sauce; it's the kind of sauce that makes people ask for the recipe.
Ready to elevate your burgers and fries with this restaurant-quality sauce? Let's get started—your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredients for applebee's whole lotta bacon burger sauce
Eight simple ingredients blend into that iconic smoky, creamy, crunchy sauce you crave.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise 🥫 | ¾ cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Sour Cream 🥛 | ½ cup | Full-fat preferred |
| Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce 🌶️ | 2 tbsp | Mince finely for smooth sauce |
| BBQ Sauce 🍯 | ½ cup | Sweet and tangy preferred |
| Celery Crowns 🥬 | ½ cup | Finely chopped for crunch |
| Ketchup 🍅 | 1 tbsp | For subtle sweetness |
| Worcestershire Sauce 🥄 | 1 tbsp | Adds umami depth |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 2 cloves | Minced for flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground |
The chipotle peppers in adobo are the heart of this sauce—look for the canned kind at Mexican markets or the Latin foods aisle. Penzeys carries great quality if you want to splurge. Don't skip the mincing—you want it smooth, not chunky. The celery crowns? Trader Joe's sells them pre-chopped in a bag, which saves time. For the mayo and sour cream, full-fat versions give that rich, creamy texture Applebee's sauce is known for. If you're using store-brand BBQ sauce, check the sugar content—some brands are sweeter than others, so you might want to cut back on the ketchup if needed.
No chipotle peppers? Substitute smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne—it won't be identical, but it'll get you close. Running low on celery crowns? Finely chopped celery stalks work in a pinch, though they won't have the same crunch. Skip the Worcestershire? Extra soy sauce plus a dash of vinegar mimics the tang. Want to make this ahead? Store the sauce without the celery crowns—add them fresh when serving to keep that signature crunch. The sauce thickens as it sits, so add a splash of milk or water if it gets too stiff.
This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 1 week—just store it in an airtight container. The celery crowns lose their crunch over time, so add them fresh when ready to serve. For extra flavor, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before using. Freezes for up to 3 months, though the texture might separate slightly. If that happens, just give it a good stir before using. Pro tip: Double the batch—it disappears fast, especially when burger season hits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Five-Ingredient Magic: I swear, this sauce comes together with stuff you already have—no fancy shopping trips. Just mayo, sour cream, a little chipotle heat, BBQ sauce, and those celery crowns for texture. Honestly, it’s the kind of recipe where you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought sauce.
- Smoky-Sweet Heat: That chipotle in adobo gives it a slow-smoked depth, while the BBQ sauce rounds it out with caramelized sweetness. The sour cream keeps it creamy, not greasy, and the celery crowns add a tiny crunch that makes every bite feel special. Between us, it’s the kind of sauce that turns a regular burger into a moment.
- Game for Any Occasion: Slather it on burgers, fries, or even grilled chicken—it’s my go-to for tailgates, lazy Sundays, or when I’m craving that Applebee’s vibe without the wait. I’ll be real: my kids ask for it on pizza crusts now, and I’m not complaining.
- Leftovers That Don’t Let You Down: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week—it only gets better as the flavors meld. Plus, it’s cheap to replicate; a jar of adobo, a tub of mayo, and a bottle of BBQ sauce stretch far. My secret weapon for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Step-by-step instructions for Applebee's Whole Lotta Bacon burger sauce
This smoky, creamy sauce comes together in minutes with just a few simple steps.
🍳 Step 1: Combine the Creamy Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 0.75 cup mayonnaise and 0.5 cup sour cream until completely smooth. I like to use a silicone spatula for this step to make sure everything blends evenly without creating any lumps. The mixture should look thick and pale yellow—this is your creamy foundation.
Here's the thing—don't rush this step. Giving these ingredients a good 30-second whisk creates that perfect, velvety texture that makes the sauce so addictive. If you notice any lumps, press them through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky finish.
🔪 Step 2: Add the Smoky and Sweet Elements
To the mayo-sour cream mixture, add the 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 0.5 cup BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp ketchup, and 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. The sauce will start to develop that signature smoky-sweet flavor right away—you'll notice the color deepen slightly as the chipotle peppers infuse their heat.
I always use a fork for this step because it helps break down any remaining lumps while ensuring even distribution. The chipotle peppers might seem like a small amount, but trust me—they pack a punch of smoky flavor that balances perfectly with the sweet BBQ sauce.
👨🍳 Step 3: Incorporate the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the 2 minced garlic cloves, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together until the garlic is fully distributed and the seasonings are evenly incorporated. The sauce should now have a rich, aromatic smell—like a campfire meeting a sweet barbecue.
This is where the magic happens. The garlic adds depth, the salt enhances all the flavors, and the pepper brings a little heat to balance the sweetness. Taste the sauce at this point—it should be tangy, slightly sweet, and just a touch spicy. Adjust the seasoning if needed, but usually, this combination hits the spot perfectly.
🥘 Step 4: Fold in the Celery Crowns
Gently fold in the 0.5 cup finely chopped celery crowns using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep those celery pieces intact for that signature crunch. The sauce should now have a beautiful marbled appearance with little green flecks throughout.
Here's a pro tip: If you're making this sauce ahead of time, save the celery crowns and fold them in just before serving. This keeps the celery extra crispy, which is what gives this sauce its signature texture. If you do this, just add them to the sauce right before you're ready to serve.
⏰ Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. This chilling step is crucial—it allows the heat from the chipotle peppers to mellow slightly and lets the flavors develop fully. When you're ready to serve, give the sauce a good stir to redistribute any settled ingredients.
The sauce should be thick, creamy, and packed with that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Serve it immediately on your Whole Lotta Bacon burger, or store it in the fridge for up to 5 days if you want to make it ahead of time. The flavors will only get better with time!
Pro Tips For Making Applebee'S Whole Lotta Bacon Burger Sauce
- STRAIN THE ADOBO: That chipotle adobo sauce is thick and smoky, but you don’t want chunks in your sauce—trust me, they ruin the texture. Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl first, then measure. I learned this the hard way after finding a stubborn pepper piece in my first bite.
- CHOP CELEERY FINE: Celery crowns are tough, and if you leave them in big chunks, they’ll turn your sauce into a weird, textured mess. Pulse them in a food processor for 2-3 seconds—just until they’re tiny confetti-like pieces. No, they won’t disappear, but they’ll blend in smoothly.
- WHISK IN THE BBQ: Don’t just dump the BBQ sauce at the end and stir. Whisk it in gradually while the mayo and sour cream are still cold—this keeps the sauce from separating. I used to add it last, and half the time, it’d curdle. Now it’s always creamy.
- TASTE AS YOU GO: This sauce is bold, but balance matters. Taste after adding the chipotle, then again after the BBQ—adjust salt or a splash of mayo if it’s too sharp. Skipping this step means you might end up with something that’s either bland or overpowering. (Yes, even if you’re impatient like me.)
Creative variations of this dish
Spicy Kick Variations
If you love heat, add ½ tsp smoked paprika and ¼ tsp cayenne to the base mixture for extra depth. For a milder version, reduce the chipotle peppers to 1 tbsp and swap 1 tbsp of the BBQ sauce for apple cider vinegar to balance the flavors.
I’ve tested both versions—trust me, the smoky heat is addictive! 🌶️
Sweet & Tangy Twist
For a sweeter profile, increase the ketchup to 2 tbsp and add 1 tsp honey or maple syrup. This works especially well if your BBQ sauce is on the tangy side.
If you prefer a tangier sauce, swap 1 tbsp of the mayo for Dijon mustard—it adds a sharp bite that cuts through the richness. 🍯
Herb-Infused Options
Fresh herbs elevate this sauce to new heights. Stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill or cilantro for a bright, herby note. For a garlicky boost, double the garlic to 4 cloves and add ½ tsp onion powder.
I love this version on loaded fries—it’s like Applebee’s but even fresher. 🌿
Crunch Alternatives
No celery crowns? No problem. Swap them for ½ cup finely chopped green onions or crushed potato chips (like Kettle Brand salt & vinegar) for a salty crunch. For a nutty twist, toast ¼ cup pecans and chop them finely—this adds a sophisticated crunch that pairs well with burgers. 🥜
Dairy-Free Adaptation
To make this sauce dairy-free, replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with ½ cup vegan mayo (like Hellmann’s Vegan) and ½ cup coconut yogurt.
The texture stays creamy, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp nutritional yeast—it adds a cheesy depth. 🥥
Make-Ahead Pro Tips
This sauce tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, but hold off on adding the celery crowns until serving to keep that satisfying crunch.
For a smoother texture after refrigeration, whisk in 1 tsp warm water before using. Freeze extras in ice cube trays for easy portioning later! ❄️
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this sauce without chipotle peppers in adobo?
Yes, but the flavor will differ. For a smoky substitute, mix ½ tsp smoked paprika with ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to mimic the chipotle's heat. If you prefer no heat, swap the chipotle for 1 tbsp of the BBQ sauce and add ½ tsp liquid smoke for depth. The sauce will still taste great, just less authentic to Applebee's signature smoky kick.
How long does this sauce keep in the fridge?
The sauce stays fresh for up to 7 days when stored in an airtight container. For best texture, add the celery crowns fresh when serving to maintain that signature crunch. If you notice the sauce thickening after refrigeration, stir in 1 tsp warm water to restore its creamy consistency.
Can I use this sauce on foods other than burgers?
This versatile sauce works beautifully on loaded fries, as a dip for mozzarella sticks, or even as a topping for grilled chicken wings. The smoky-sweet flavor pairs well with almost anything fried or grilled. For a fun twist, drizzle it over mac and cheese or use it as a sandwich spread.
Why does my sauce look too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, it's likely because the ingredients weren't properly mixed or the sauce has been refrigerated too long. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to thicken naturally. If needed, chill the sauce for 30 minutes to help it set. For an immediate fix, mix in 1 tbsp of cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water, then stir until thickened.
Is there a way to make this sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with ½ cup vegan mayo and ½ cup coconut yogurt. For extra richness, stir in 1 tbsp nutritional yeast. The texture will be slightly lighter, but the flavor remains delicious. This version works great for those avoiding dairy while still getting that creamy, smoky goodness.