Big Mac Sauce (McDonald's Copycat)
Few sauces are as iconic as McDonald's Big Mac special sauce—that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet dressing that transforms two beef patties into an American legend. This copycat recipe recreates that distinctive flavor using a base of mayonnaise and French dressing, enhanced with sweet pickle relish, minced onion, and a touch of yellow mustard. The secret ingredient? A small amount of white vinegar that provides the characteristic tanginess that sets this sauce apart. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dipping sauce for fries, this homemade version contains no artificial preservatives and tastes fresher than anything from a packet. Once you've mastered this recipe, you'll never look at fast food the same way again—your homemade Big Mac will be the star of every backyard cookout. The sauce keeps refrigerated for up to two weeks, and the flavors actually improve after a day or two as the ingredients meld together beautifully.
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Ingredients
- •Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup
- •Sweet pickle relish - 2 tablespoons
- •Yellow mustard - 1 tablespoon
- •White vinegar - 1 teaspoon
- •Paprika - 1 teaspoon
- •Onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- •Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
- 1
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish. Stir until evenly mixed.
- 2
Add yellow mustard, white vinegar, and paprika. Mix well to combine.
- 3
Sprinkle in onion powder and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and all spices are fully incorporated.
- 4
For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
- 5
Stir well before using. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
Pro Tips
- • Taste and adjust seasoning as you go
- • Use room temperature ingredients for best emulsification
- • Let flavors meld by refrigerating 30 minutes before serving
Storage
- • Refrigerator: Up to 1 week in airtight container
- • Freezer: Up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
Variations
Make it spicier with cayenne, tangier with extra lemon, or creamier with more mayo. Customize to your taste!
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