ByDonna Elick
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Big Mac Sauce is that irresistibly creamy condiment that makes the famous McDonald’s™ sandwich so special. Learn how to make Big Mac sauce at home — it tastes just like the real thing!!
Big Mac Sauce
McDonald’s Mac sauce has just the right amount of tang and zip to dress up grilled burgers, sandwiches, or a variety of vegetables. You can even use it as a dip!
What’s really amazing about this Big Mac sauce recipe is that nobody can taste the difference — even when doing a side-by-side comparison of our homemade Big Mac sauce and the real thing.
But unlike the fast food version, my copycat recipe is completely gluten-free and much healthier!
Knowing how to make Big Mac sauce gives you control over the ingredients. This way, with a few substitutions, you can even create an egg-free or dairy-free version if you want!
Looking for more restaurant copycat sauces and spreads? I’ve got you covered!
You can make copycat versions of the Taco Bell Nacho Cheese Recipe, Chipotle guacamole, and even Olive Garden Italian dressing to serve with your home-cooked meals.
Mac Sauce Ingredient Notes
By looks alone, you may wonder if Big Mac sauce is simply Thousand Island dressing with a different name. The answer is no… but they are similar.
Both of the condiments have a creamy consistency and include pickle relish.
But, McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce includes vinegar and has a bit more pickle relish in it than Thousand Island dressing.
Also, although I haven’t been able to verify this, some people say that the original Big Mac sauce recipe also includes French dressing.
This homemade Big Mac sauce is much tastier than the actual McDonald’s version, which contains a variety of additives and preservatives.
McDonald’s has a complete list of ingredients for their version if you would like to compare.
How to Make Big Mac Sauce
Making this Big Mac sauce recipe is a snap! Just add the ingredients to a bowl and whisk to combine.
Want a different consistency?
You can make a few simple adjustments depending on how you like it, or if you want to use your homemade Big Mac sauce as a dip or salad dressing instead.
- To thicken mac sauce: Decrease the mayo and add some additional sour cream.
- For a thinner sauce: Leave out the sour cream entirely.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Mixing bowl – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Seasoned cooks may try to eyeball the amounts, but I recommend using the proper tools or it won’t taste quite right.
Assembling a Big Mac
You’ve already come this far — why not build yourself the real deal burger while you’re at it?
According to the McDonald’s website, here is the proper order of ingredients for a Big Mac:
- Bottom bun
- Big Mac sauce
- Diced onions
- Shredded Lettuce
- American cheese
- Ground beef patty
- Bottom bun number two
- Another round of mac sauce
- More onion
- Lettuce too
- Sliced dill pickles
- A second ground beef patty
- Finally, top with a sesame seed bun!
Big Mac Sauce Recipe FAQ
How long does the secret sauce last in the refrigerator?
When kept in a sealed jar or container, our copycat McDonald’s Big Mac sauce should be good for up to 1 week. Be sure to give it a good stir before each use.
The color changed — is that normal?
Yes! The longer it sits, the darker the color will become because it contains turmeric.
Homemade Big Mac sauce is still safe to eat, and the difference in color won’t affect the overall flavor.
Fun Fact!
When the Big Mac sandwich was first introduced in the 1960s, it was known as the “Blue Ribbon Burger”.
That name didn’t go over too well, so in the mid-’70s, the restaurant chain launched a new advertising campaign. That’s when the Big Mac sandwich and that special sauce became famous.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Simple Condiments
McDonald’s Copycat Big Mac Sauce
Donna Elick
Big Mac Sauce is the creamy condiment that makes the McDonald's sandwich so special. This copycat recipe for mac sauce is so easy to make!
5 stars from 5 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Method Mixed
Servings 5 1 3/4 Cups
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons French/Catalina dressing
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, plus 2 tablespoons
- 2 teaspoons classic yellow mustard, the condiment
- 1 tablespoon onion, finely minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
In a medium bowl, add all ingredients. Stir to combine.
Cover and place in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours or overnight to bring out the flavors. Spread as a condiment on hamburgers, or enjoy as desired!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 329cal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 475mg | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published April 2021. Updated and republished September 2023
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.
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