Big Mac Sauce McDonald’s Copycat Recipe

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!! 

I’m all about using this homemade sauce for dipping french fries, onion rings, chicken nuggets, sweet potato fries, tater tots, or anything else that I can dip into it.

Since you can make it with such simple ingredients, this copycat sauce is one of my go-to recipes. 

People always wonder what the Big Mac sauce ingredients are – and now you know!

I really like to make the homemade version because that means that I can have my own big mac sauce when the craving strikes. For me, I just can’t get enough of that tangy flavor. 

It’s not only good with beef patties, but this copycat Big Mac sauce recipe makes the perfect creamy base for a dipping sauce, drizzle on burger bowls, and more.

Check out the recipe card for details on how to make Mcdonald’s special sauce right at home. 

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 sweet 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!

As you can see, even homemade burgers can now become a copycat recipe at home – down to the tangy sauce! 

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.

Now that you know how to make this easy recipe – it’s time to get started! It’s one of the best copycat recipes and the perfect sauce to add a tangy kick to some of your favorite foods. 

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Originally published April 2021. Updated and republished August 2024

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