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BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe

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Look no further for the BEST copycat Big Mac Sauce recipe!  The perfect balance of sweet and tangy that hits all the right flavor notes, this homemade McDonald’s Special Sauce is delicious slathered on your burgers or used for dipping fries, onions rings and more!

big mac sauce recipe best copycat mcdonald's special sauce from scratch homemade

Homemade Big Mac Sauce

I’m a huge fan of homemade sauces and seasoning blends. Making your own gives you full control over what goes in it (and what stays out), it’s fully customizable to your preferences (less salt, more heat, ingredient swaps for variety), and it is far fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought. Or in the case of this copycat Big Mac Sauce, it’s much better than the stuff at McD’s!

What is Big Mac Sauce?

With roughly 34,000 restaurants serving nearly 70 million people every day in 118 countries, McDonald’s has certainly made its mark on the world.  And no item on its menu is more iconic than the Big Mac that comes slathered with their popular “special sauce,” a sauce made with mayonnaise, pickles, onions, mustard and spices. It shares some similarities with Thousand Island Dressing but has a personality of its own. I’m going to show you how to make your own homemade Big Mac Sauce and chances are you already have everything you need in your pantry!

How to Make Big Mac Sauce

Making your own copycat Big Mac Sauce couldn’t be simpler.  There’s no cooking required, there’s virtually no prep work,  and the only chopping or slicing involved is simply mincing a bit of onion.  But to make the best Big Mac Sauce it’s all about the right ingredients in the right ratios. Then all you have to do is add all the ingredients in a bowl, stir to combine, and that’s it!  This homemade Big Mac Sauce keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge so you can have it on hand whenever that McDonald’s Special Sauce craving comes a-calling!

big mac sauce recipe best copycat mcdonald's special condiment dip dressing

Ingredients for Big Mac Sauce

Although it’s also called secret sauce, we’re revealing that secret right here, right now.  This Big Mac Sauce recipe contains only a few ingredients: 

  • Mayonnaise: this forms the base of the sauce so use a good one.
  • Dill pickle relish: adds some tangy flavor and crunchy texture. Alternatively you can use sweet pickle relish and omit the granulated sugar, but I personally prefer the tangy flavor addition of dill pickle relish.
  • Onion: mince it very fine; adds flavor and texture.
  • Mustard: for a touch of sharpness, tang, and color.
  • White vinegar: cuts through the mayo and adds tangy contrast.
  • Sugar: a touch of sweetness for balance.
  • Garlic powder, onion powder paprika, salt: for some savory, earthy flavor notes and a touch of salt to give everything a flavor boost.
  • Ketchup: I add this one last because it is not included in McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce. However I really like the addition of some ketchup and I think you’ll agree. For a fun smoky flavor variation you can add a dash of barbecue sauce. And if you like a bit of kick you can add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or stir in some cayenne pepper.
big mac sauce recipe best copycat mcdonald's special sauce from scratch

Copycat Big Mac Sauce Recipe

Let’s get started!

To make this sauce simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, preferably overnight to allow the flavors enough time to meld.

Store your sauce covered in the fridge where it will keep for up to 2 weeks.  Give it a shake before serving.

combining the ingredients in a bowl

How to Use It

Beyond its classic application as a burger sauce there are numerous other ways you can use it, including as a dipping sauce and incorporating it into creamy salads. Here are just a few ways that I like to use it:

Enjoy!

homemade big mac sauce recipe best copycat mcdonald's special condiment dip dressing

For more popular homemade sauces be sure to try my:

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big mac sauce recipe best copycat mcdonald's from scratch

BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe

Wonderfully creamy with the perfect balance of sweet tanginess, this world famous sauce is perfect slathered on your burgers or used for dipping fries, onions rings and more!
5 from 394 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Place all of the ingredients in bowl and stir to combine. Can be used immediately but for best flavor results cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Shake or stir before serving. Will keep for up to 2 weeks.
    Makes approximately 3/4 cup of sauce.

Video

Notes

The original McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce does not include ketchup but I think the addition is a big flavor improvement.  You can omit it if you prefer.  For a fun smoky flavor variation you can also add a dash of barbecue sauce. And if you like a bit of kick you can add a splash of your favorite hot sauce or stir in some cayenne pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoonCalories: 68kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 178mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 47IUIron: 1mg
Course condiment, Sauce
Cuisine American
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet June 9, 2020

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

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Recipe Rating




5 from 394 votes (282 ratings without comment)

235 Comments

  1. As someone who is a fast-food junkie, but is on a diet that does not allow a good big mac… This sauce really did the trick for the craving. I use it and make a big mac wrap on a low carb mission tortilla, with lettuce, onion, ground beef and cheese. It is perfect