McDonald’s Copycat Big Mac Sauce

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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!!

titled: big mac sauce (shown in glass jar)


 

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.

bowls of ingredients for homemade big mac sauce

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.

mac sauce ingredients in bowl with spatula

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.
mixing big mac sauce

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!
jar of mac sauce next to Big Mac sandwich

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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big mac burger next to jar of special sauce

big mac sauce in glass jar

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 4 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
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!
titled image (and shown): big mac sauce recipe

Originally published April 2021. Updated and republished September 2023

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12 Comments

      1. Hi Diana,
        We don’t recommend freezing Big Mac sauce because the mayonnaise and sour cream will separate as they thaw, causing the consistency of the sauce to become watery and “broken”. This is because the eggs and oil in mayo are emulsified and are unable to be stirred back together.

        TSRI Team member,
        Becca

  1. Why do you say it’ll last a week in the fridge? It seems to me that all ingredients, except maybe onion, last a lot longer than that in fridge. I could never use all that in 1 week.

  2. I also wouldn’t be able to use this up in within a week as mentioned, so when I make this, I make just enough for 1 meal; ( enough for 2-4 hamburgers)

  3. 5 stars
    Wow, this Big Mac Sauce recipe is absolutely amazing! It’s so easy to whip up, and the flavors are spot on. Thanks to Donna and Chad’s recipes for always delivering perfection! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  4. 5 stars
    Donna’s Big Mac Sauce recipe is a winner! I followed it exactly, and it tasted just like the restaurant version. Easy-peasy and delicious. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  5. 5 stars
    I tried Donna’s Big Mac Sauce recipe, and it was fantastic! I added a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist, and it turned out amazing. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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