Big Mac Sauce Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Big Mac Sauce Ingredients
2. Big Mac Sauce Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make Big Mac Sauce
4. Troubleshooting Homemade Mac Sauce
5. How To Serve Big Mac Sauce
6. When To Serve Big Mac Sauce Copycat
7. How To Store Leftover Big Mac Sauce
8. Why This Big Mac Sauce Copycat Recipe Is The Best
9. Big Mac Sauce Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE
12. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

You’ve found the BEST Big Mac Sauce recipe that will let you turn all your homemade burgers into Big Macs, right in your own kitchen. Made with mayo, French dressing, relish, and other simple ingredients, it tastes just like the original formula for McDonald’s ‘secret sauce.

It doesn’t even take very long to make this delectable copycat Big Mac sauce recipe. A mere five minutes of prep followed by a short chill in the fridge and you’re all set to enjoy this creamy dressing on burgers and fried chicken sandwiches.

What makes this sauce so special? The secret lies in its perfect balance of sweet tanginess — it’s a little tangy, a touch sweet, and beautifully creamy, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as it is delicious.

Big Mac Sauce Ingredients

As it turns out, the ingredients for this ‘secret’ Big Mac Sauce aren’t actually much of a secret after all. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen to make this tonight! So fire up the grill and whisk up a bowl of this famous dressing just in time for dinner.

Big Mac Sauce Substitutions and Additions

Sometimes, you might need to tweak a recipe based on what’s available in your pantry or for dietary preferences, so here are some simple swaps and additions for the Big Mac Sauce:

Mayonnaise: For a lighter version, you can use low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise. If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, vegan mayonnaise works well too, but real mayo is what gives the original Big Mac Sauce that perfect creamy base.

Bottled French Salad Dressing: You can make this Big Mac Sauce recipe without French dressing if it isn’t your thing or it’s not available. Try ketchup for a similar tangy-sweet flavor.

Sweet Pickle Relish: No sweet relish? No problem! You can use dill pickle relish instead, Other options are to chop up dill, sweet, or bread and butter pickles into very small pieces.

White Onion: Yellow onion can be used in place of white onion if that’s what you have. It’s slightly sweeter, so it can add a different flavor to the sauce.

Apple Cider Vinegar: If apple cider vinegar is missing from your pantry, white vinegar is a suitable substitute. Start 1 teaspoon and add to taste, as it’s sharper than apple cider vinegar. You’ll also want to add an extra teaspoon of sugar.

Granulated Sugar: If you’re out of granulated sugar, honey is a great substitute. It’s sweeter, so you might want to use a little less.

Salt and Black Pepper: These are pretty straightforward, but if you want to add a little extra kick, a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the pepper’s warmth.

Hot Sauce: If you want to add a bit of heat to your dressing, try adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce.

Keep in mind, the more you adjust the recipe, the less your sauce will taste like the original.

How To Make Big Mac Sauce

Got a craving for a Big Mac? With this simple, 5-minute recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a bowl of homemade Big Mac Sauce anytime you’d like! There’s no cooking and very little prep. All you need to do is chop up onion really fine and stir everything else together. Here’s how to do it:

STEP ONE: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, bottled French salad dressing, sweet pickle relish, finely minced white onion, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

PRO TIP: We recommend measuring carefully, as the balance of ingredients contributes to the making sure the sauce tastes just like the original.

PRO TIP: Use a whisk to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly blended into a smooth consistency. This helps prevent any lumps and ensures the flavors meld perfectly.

STEP TWO: Once mixed, transfer your Big Mac sauce to a small lidded container. A half-pint size mason jar is ideal for this amount of sauce.

STEP THREE: Refrigerate the Big Mac sauce for at least two hours or up to overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to develop fully and meld together, enhancing the sauce’s overall taste.

PRO TIP: For the best flavor, let the sauce sit overnight. This extended chilling time allows the flavors to marry more deeply, resulting in a richer and more familiar taste.

Troubleshooting Homemade Mac Sauce

Did something go wrong? Here are some ways to prevent common errors or fix mistakes that may have been made during the preparation of the sauce.

The sauce is too thick.

If the sauce turns out thicker than desired, you can thin it by whisking in a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the preferred consistency.

The sauce is too runny.

To thicken a runny sauce, you can gradually mix in a small amount of additional mayonnaise until the desired thickness is achieved.

The flavor is too tangy.

If the sauce is too tangy, balance it out by adding a little more sugar, ½ teaspoon at a time, until the flavors are more balanced.

The sauce lacks flavor or is too bland.

Enhance a bland sauce by adding a pinch more salt and pepper. You can also add a small amount of yellow mustard or extra vinegar for depth.

The sauce separates after storage.

If the sauce separates in the refrigerator, simply give it a good stir or whisk it again before serving to recombine the ingredients.

By addressing these common issues beforehand, you can help make sure your Big Mac Sauce is a smooth and delicious, just like the sauce you know and love.

How To Serve Big Mac Sauce

Now that you know how to make the famous sauce, make a Big Mac at home! Here’s the classic order:

• Bottom Bun: Start with the bottom bun as the base.
• Big Mac Sauce: Spread a layer of Big Mac sauce over the bottom bun.
• Chopped Onions: Sprinkle finely chopped onions on top of the sauce.
• Shredded Lettuce: Add a layer of shredded lettuce over the onions.
• American Cheese: Place a slice of American cheese on top of the lettuce.
• Beef Patty: Add the first beef patty on top of the cheese.
• Middle Bun: Place the middle bun on top of the first beef patty.
• More Big Mac Sauce: Spread another layer of Big Mac sauce on the middle bun.
• More Chopped Onions: Add more chopped onions over the sauce.
• More Shredded Lettuce: Add additional shredded lettuce.
• Pickles: Place a few pickle slices on top of the lettuce.
• Second Beef Patty: Place the second beef patty on top of the pickles.
• Top Bun: Finish with the top bun, which is typically sprinkled with sesame seeds.

This stacking order is designed to balance the flavors and textures throughout the sandwich, so if you want to recreate the Big Mac at home, you’ll want to try to keep the order as much as possible. 

But this sauce is for more than just burgers. You can’t go wrong slathering it on a grilled beef patty, but don’t stop there!

Dipping Everything in Big Mac Dressing: Turn the sauce into a dip for French fries, wedges, or even veggie sticks. Its creamy and tangy nature makes it a perfect to go with crispy, salty snacks.

Sandwich Spread: Spread it on deli sandwiches or wraps. It pairs wonderfully with cold cuts, grilled chicken, or a veggie-packed wrap, and adds moisture and a burst of fresh flavor.

Salad Dressing: Thin the sauce with a bit of vinegar and use it as a dressing for salads. It’s refreshing flavor pairs especially well with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.

Creative Canapés: Use it as a base on canapés. Apply a thin layer on crackers or small toasts, top with a slice of cucumber or radish, and a sprinkle of dill. These make for yummy appetizers that are easy to assemble but deliver a burst of familiar flavor.

When To Serve Big Mac Sauce Copycat

You can impress your friends and family at every family BBQ or casual get-together with this recipe.

We know you’ll hear the sounds of excitement when they realize there’s McDonalds Big Mac Sauce on the buffet table. Make a double batch so there’s plenty to go around! 

It’s the perfect condiment for burgers and hot dogs and makes a great dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, onion rings, or fried zucchini. 

Set out a bowl of Big Mac Sauce on game day for your guests to use as a dip for homemade potato chips, chicken tenders, or vegetable platters. Its rich and tangy flavor will keep everyone reaching for more.

Tailgate parties are ideal for showcasing this homemade version of Big Mac Sauce. Slather it on burgers, drizzle it over taco bites, or serve it with chicken nuggets or popcorn chicken. Its robust flavor can stand up to hearty, flavorful dishes, so bring plenty!

How To Store Leftover Big Mac Sauce

This mayo-based sauce shouldn’t be kept too long at room temperature. It needs to be stored properly, otherwise, it might spoil. Here’s how to keep this delicious dressing fresh.

MAKE AHEAD: Big Mac Sauce is ideal for making ahead of time. It actually tastes better if you make it a day ahead! Prepare the sauce as directed, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. 

IN THE FRIDGE: Store your Big Mac Sauce in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container to keep it fresh. It will last well for one to two weeks. 

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing isn’t recommended for Big Mac Sauce. Of course, you can try if you’d like, but mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed.

Why This Big Mac Sauce Copycat Recipe Is The Best

Our homemade Mac Sauce recipe captures the essence of the classic fast food favorite. It’s truly a beloved flavor, and your family will thank you for making it.

Here’s why we love this recipe:

Authentic Flavor: This recipe nails the iconic taste that has captivated burger lovers for decades. It’s truly like having a big jar of Big Mac Special Sauce in your fridge!

Versatility: Beyond burgers, this is an incredibly versatile sauce. Whether you’re dressing up a simple sandwich, using it as a salad dressing, or serving it as a dipping sauce at your next party, everyone is going to love it!

Easy to Make: This recipe uses kitchen staples and needs just about five minutes of your time. It’s so quick and easy for something so delicious!

This Big Mac Sauce Recipe quickly brings a classic flavor to your kitchen, perfect for enhancing burgers, sandwiches, and more with its creamy, tangy zest. Enjoy whipping up this simple yet delicious sauce that promises to be a favorite at any meal!

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