Creamy and decadent, this homemade Big Mac sauce is the recreation of one of McDonald’s signature condiments. Made with simple ingredients, it tastes BETTER than the original.
Everyone knows the best part of the McDonald’s Big Mac burger is the creamy and dreamy sauce. It’s so good that my family used to ask for it as a dipping sauce on the side.
This copycat Big Mac sauce recipe tastes even better than the original and is good; you’ll be adding it to anything and everything!
Table of Contents
- What is Big Mac sauce?
- Ingredients needed
- How to make Big Mac sauce
- How to use this sauce
- Storage instructions
- More delicious sauces you’ll enjoy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Big Mac Sauce (Recipe Card)
What is Big Mac sauce?
Also known as the ‘Secret Sauce’, McDonald’s Big Mac sauce is made up of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and Thousand Island dressing, This sauce is the signature sweet and tangy element in the iconic Big Mac Burgers.
It’s actually one of the easiest sauces to make at home! Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:
- It’s ready in seconds. All you do is add everything into a bowl, mix it together, and enjoy.
- Tastes like McDonald’s. Even die-hard fans can’t taste the difference between this homemade version and the classic from the Golden Arches!
- Easy to customize. If you love some spice or want the sauce a little sweeter, you can adjust it to suit your taste buds.
- Better ingredients. Let’s face it: McDonald’s isn’t known to use the best ingredients in their food, and the sauce is no exception. In our homemade version, we use just FIVE ingredients.
Ingredients needed
As mentioned above, all you need are five pantry staples to create this seriously flavorful sauce. Here is everything you will need:
- Mayonnaise. Provides a creamy base. I recommend using a full-fat yolk-based mayo, which has the best flavor and thicker texture.
- Pickle relish. A key ingredient in the burger sauce.It adds the perfect sweetness to the and creates a nice texture. If you don’t like sweet pickle relish, use dill pickle relish or gherkin relish instead.
- Vinegar. Adding a small amount of vinegar to the sauce will brighten up all flavors and make them come together nicely. I prefer using white vinegar for a more delicate flavor.
- Mustard. You’ve got the sweet, you’ve got the creaminess, and now you need the tartness. Stick with mild or yellow mustard.
- Smoked paprika. A little smokiness is what you need to bring all the tart, tangy, sweet, and savory flavors together.
- Optional spices. While not essential, you can add some garlic powder and onion powder to amp up the savory notes.
How to make Big Mac sauce
What I love about this recipe is just how easily it comes together. I often whip it up WHILE I’m making the burgers.
Step 1- Combine: Add all ingredients into a bowl and whisk until fully combined.
Step 2- Adjust: Taste the sauce. Add more mustard if it’s too sweet or more relish if it’s too tangy.
Step 3- Serve: Slather the sauce over your burgers (in this order- bottom bun, beef patties, American cheese, sauce, iceberg lettuce, top bun), or store away to enjoy later.
How to use this sauce
Serving McDonald’s special sauce on burgers alone isn’t the only way to use this. Here are some ideas:
- In burgers: Perhaps the most obvious way, but slather it on air fryer hamburgers, wagyu burgers (a personal favorite), or veggie burgers too.
- As a dipping sauce: Confession- we prefer to use this sauce as a fry dip for French fries or sweet potato fries. You can try other foods too, like popcorn chicken, onion rings, chicken nuggets, and crispy chicken tenders.
- Salad dressing: Make our favorite Big Mac Salad and thin out this sauce with 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk. Toss it through the salad and drizzle over the top.
- Sandwich spread: Thanks to the mayonnaise in it, you can swap out the layer of mayo in your sandwiches with this sauce for something sweet and tangy. Try it in a sandwich with grilled chicken or roast beef. You can also balance out the spice in a spicy chicken sandwich with it too.
Storage instructions
To store: Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to two weeks.
To freeze: Place the sauce in a shallow container or glass jar and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
More delicious sauces you’ll enjoy
- Katsu sauce
- Eel sauce
- Potsticker sauce
- Fry sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Mac sauce the same as Thousand Island Dressing?
While similar, the main difference between these two is that Thousand Island dressing contains ketchup and diced onions, whereas the Big Mac sauce doesn’t.
Can you buy this sauce bottled?
At this stage, McDonald’s has not released any of their sauces for purchase in any grocery store or online.
Big Mac sauce calories
There are 40 calories in each two-tablespoon serving of burger sauce.
Big Mac Sauce
5 from 255 votes
The Big Mac sauce recipe is a beloved and iconic condiment that tastes exactly like the one from McDonald's!
Servings: 24 servings
Prep: 1 minute min
Cook: 1 minute min
Total: 2 minutes mins
Rate This Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk the ingredients until combined.
Transfer the sauce into a serving dish and use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
TO STORE: Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to two weeks.
TO FREEZE: Place the sauce in a shallow container or glass jar and store it in the freezer for up to two months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 0.3gProtein: 1gFat: 4.7gSodium: 119mgPotassium: 5mgFiber: 0.1gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 0.01mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 0.05mg
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!
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