Big Mac Sauce
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If you’ve ever wished you could drizzle that famous burger sauce on everything, this Copycat Big Mac Sauce Recipe is about to make your dreams come true. Creamy, tangy, and packed with that signature fast-food flavor, this homemade version is ridiculously easy to whip up with just a few simple ingredients. Spoiler alert: it’s even better than the original!
This sauce isn’t just for burgers—it’s a versatile condiment that takes so many dishes to the next level! Here are some delicious ways to use it: burgers, nuggets, sandwiches, or wraps!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: Just mix a few ingredients, and you’re done. No special skills required!
- Uses simple pantry staples: You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch and keep it in the fridge for burgers, sandwiches, and dipping all week long.
- Cheaper than takeout: Skip the drive-thru and get that same great flavor at home for a fraction of the price.
I tested over 10 versions of Big Mac sauce from around the internet, and none of them were quite right—too sweet, too tangy, or just missing something. So, I got to work, tweaking and taste-testing until I landed on the perfect homemade version. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with that signature fast-food flavor we all love.
And it’s not just for burgers! This mac sauce recipe is a game-changer for fries, sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for nuggets. Best of all, it’s super easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. After all that testing, I can confidently say this is the only copycat recipe you’ll ever need!
Big Mac Sauce Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples to recreate that iconic Big Mac sauce at home. The best part? You probably already have everything on hand!
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that brings everything together. Go for a good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
- Sweet relish: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness and a little texture. Dill relish won’t give the same signature taste, so stick with sweet.
- Mustard: A little zing goes a long way! Classic yellow mustard is the way to go here.
- Vinegar: A splash of acidity balances out the richness and keeps the sauce from tasting too heavy.
- Paprika: Adds color and just a hint of warmth. Regular paprika works, but smoked can add a deeper flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder: These give the sauce that extra savory depth and mimic the flavors of the original.
Letting the sauce sit in the fridge for at least an hour before using gives the flavors time to meld, making it taste even more like the real deal. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Substitutions and Variations
Want to put your own spin on this homemade mac sauce? There’s plenty of room to tweak it to your taste!
- No sweet relish? Swap it for finely chopped pickles with a touch of honey or sugar. Dill pickles work too, but they’ll give the sauce a tangier bite.
- Prefer a little heat? A dash of cayenne or a squirt of sriracha can add a spicy kick without overpowering the classic flavor.
- Lighter option? Use Greek yogurt or light mayo instead of full-fat mayonnaise for a slightly healthier version.
- Bolder flavor? Smoked paprika instead of regular will add a deeper, more complex taste.
However you tweak it, this sauce will still bring that irresistible, burger-worthy flavor to whatever you drizzle it on!
Homemade Big Mac Sauce
Making your own Copycat Big Mac Sauce is ridiculously simple and takes just minutes. A quick stir, a little patience, and you’ll have the perfect creamy, tangy topping for burgers, fries, and more.
- Mix it up: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Let it rest: Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.
- Serve & enjoy: Slather it on your favorite burgers, sandwiches, or even use it as a dip!
The longer it sits, the better it gets—so if you can, make it ahead of time for the best flavor!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This Copycat Big Mac Sauce is perfect for meal prep since the flavors only get better with time!
- Storage: Keep the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using, as some separation may occur.
- Make-Ahead: For the best flavor, make the sauce at least a few hours in advance, or even the night before. This allows all the ingredients to meld together, giving it that signature taste.
- Freezing: Mayo-based sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best to make a fresh batch when needed.
Whip up a double batch and have it ready for burgers, fries, and sandwiches all week long!
Tips for Success:
Let it rest! The flavors get so much better after a few hours in the fridge. If you can, make it the night before for that classic taste.
Use the right relish. Sweet relish is key—dill relish will give it a totally different flavor that won’t match the original.
Whisk it well. Make sure everything is fully combined for a smooth, creamy consistency. No one wants a clump of mustard in their bite!
Taste and adjust. Want it tangier? Add a little more vinegar. Prefer it sweeter? A touch more relish will do the trick.
Use quality mayo. Since it’s the base of the sauce, a good-quality mayonnaise makes a huge difference in the final flavor.
Make it ahead. This sauce gets better with time, so prepping it in advance is the easiest way to level up your burgers.
Not just for burgers! Drizzle it on fries, sandwiches, wraps, or even use it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets.
Recipe FAQs
You can, but it will change the flavor. Sweet relish is what gives this sauce its signature taste, while dill relish makes it tangier. If you only have dill relish, try adding a pinch of sugar to balance it out.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to one week. Just give it a stir before using!
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors need time to meld for that perfect fast-food taste.
McDonald’s keeps their official recipe under wraps, but this is as close as it gets! It has the same creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor that makes their burgers so addictive.
Yes! It’s amazing on fries, sandwiches, wraps, and even as a dip for chicken nuggets or veggies. Try it anywhere you’d use a tangy, creamy sauce.
Unfortunately, no. Mayo-based sauces don’t freeze well and can separate when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh and store it in the fridge.
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Big Mac Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
- Taste and adjust if needed—adding more relish for sweetness, mustard for tang, or a pinch of paprika for extra depth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before using to allow the flavors to develop.
- Give it a quick stir before serving, then spread it on burgers, sandwiches, or use it as a dip for fries.
Video
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
