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!

Of course, you can’t have big mac sauce and not put it on our Copycat Big Mac!

This homemade Big Mac sauce is absolutely incredible on our Big Mac Salad! It has all the flavors of the classic burger layered into a low-carb bowl that’s just as satisfying without the bun, and then you add the sauce on top? Perfection.

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. It couldn’t be more simple to make this easy Big Mac sauce recipe! 

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 (I like to use sesame buns for my Big Mac burger)
• Big Mac sauce
• Diced onions
• Shredded Lettuce (romaine lettuce is my preferred option, but iceberg lettuce works great, too)
• American cheese
• Ground beef patty
• Bottom bun number two
• Another round of mac sauce
• More onion
• Lettuce too
• Sliced dill pickles (some people like to use dill pickle relish instead)
• 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

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Simple Condiments

🍔 Copycat Creations Vol 1
Craving your favorite restaurant meals at home? This exclusive ebook has the boldest, most requested copycat recipes — from fast food faves to sit-down classics.

👉 Buy your copy now and start cooking the meals you love!

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Big Mac Sauce McDonald’s Copycat Recipe

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!

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Method Mixed

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 5 1 3/4 Cups

Calories 329cal

Author Donna Elick

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

Originally published April 2021. Updated and republished June 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Big Mac Sauce McDonald’s Copycat Recipe appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

I know what you’re thinking…Does this really taste like the real thing? My answer is YES – it’s a great way to get that burger patty with that homemade Big Mac sauce, right at home!

I’ve been making this Big Mac burger for years – and I love that you just need a few simple ingredients. 

And everyone knows that once you learn how fast and simple this copycat Big Mac recipe is, you’ll have to pair your favorite sides with this iconic burger!

I’m all about French fries or fresh onion rings as the best way to round out the meal. All you need is a little bit of time, and a big hunger to make this homemade version! 

Big Mac Recipe

If you’ve been looking for the ultimate Big Mac copycat recipe — one that includes exactly what order to put the ingredients and that special middle bun — you’ve just found it!!

You guys know how much I love my copycat recipes. I seriously get a thrill every time I create one like this Big Mac Salad. 

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a restaurant-quality meal at home for a fraction of the price. Plus, you know EXACTLY what goes into it! 

So, say goodbye to long lines at the drive-thru and mystery ingredients, and hello to this copycat Big Mac! 

Featuring “two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun” it’s super authentic.

And, my Big Mac copycat comes together so quickly and easily — you’ll never need fast food again!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Ground Beef – My Big Mac recipe features 2 burger patties, just like at McDonald’s! 
  
  I typically like an 80/20 mix for burgers — the added higher fat content keeps them nice and juicy as they cook.
  
• Sesame Seed Buns – It’s in the song, so you know I had to serve my Big Mac copycat on a sesame seed bun! I use an extra one to get that added middle bun for authenticity. 
  
• American Cheese – It wouldn’t be a fast food burger without some American cheese. 
  
  You can use the store-bought packs that come wrapped in plastic, or elevate yours with some fresh slices from the deli counter!
  
• Toppings – We’re going with the classics: shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickle slices, and some extra sesame seeds to garnish the bun.
  
  You can also add sweet relish and some extra diced red onions for a pop of flavor, too. 
  
• Special Big Mac Sauce – I have a recipe for Big Mac Sauce up on the site already, but had to share it again here! 
  
  It comes together with some mayo, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, white onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. My taste buds love it! 

Keep in mind that you can easily make this into a Big Mac bowl as well. Just pile the fresh ingredients into a bowl and top with the delicious dream sauce.

Big Mac salad bowls are perfect for anyone making big changes in their diet by cutting out the carbs. 

Tips and Tricks to Make a Perfect Big Mac Copycat

• Season the patties.

Don’t forget to season the burger patties generously with salt and pepper before you cook them! 

These small but mighty flavor makers do so much to bring out the natural flavors of the ground beef. 

• Toast the buns.

For a true Big Mac copycat experience, make sure to toast all of those buns before you assemble your burger!

I personally like to add a tiny bit of butter and then toast them on my griddle. It adds such a nice crunch and enhances the flavor of the buns!

• Layer in the right order.

I know you all want your copycat Big Mac to look like McDonald’s does it… so you have to layer the ingredients in the right order! 

Start with the bottom bun, then add a layer of the sauce. Next goes shredded lettuce, cheese, a beef patty, and diced onions. 

Add your extra middle bun and then repeat in that order, but don’t forget about the sliced pickles after the second slice of cheese!

• Create the perfect sauce consistency.

After you’ve combined the ingredients in a small bowl, make sure they’re well-mixed and smooth. 

Here you can easily adjust the consistency to your liking: add more mayo if it’s too thin, or a bit more French dressing if it’s too thick. 

Play around with it until it’s perfect for your preference!

Prep Ahead

• Make the sauce
• Toast the buns
• Chop the onions

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Large Skillet, Outdoor, or Countertop Grill for cooking the burgers.

Serving Suggestions 

Enjoy your copycat Big Mac with a side of crispy fries and a cold beverage for the full, nostalgic fast food experience! 

Or, switch things up and pair it with some sweet potato fries or Cottage Fries instead.

You can also get super creative with your toppings. Love cheese? Add a few extra slices! Or, customize your burger with some tomatoes, avocado, or bacon!

As written, my Big Mac recipe yields 1 burger — but it can easily be doubled or tripled depending on your needs.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

I typically only make as many burgers as I know I’ll need, but if you do have leftovers, I recommend that you store each component of your copycat Big Mac separately for the best results. 

Cooked burgers will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge, and the sauce will be good for at least a week.

Sesame seed buns can be kept at room temperature, and all of the other ingredients (like toppings) should be stored in the fridge. 

You can reheat the burger patties in the microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through, or over medium in a skillet on the stove.

Copycat Big Mac FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Copycat Recipes

TGI Fridays Mozzarella Sticks (Copycat Recipe)

Rattlesnake Bites Recipe (Texas Roadhouse Copycat)

Whataburger Patty Melt Copycat Recipe

Easy Wendy’s Copycat Chili (30 Minute Recipe) + Video

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Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe

My Big Mac Recipe is just as good if not better than McDonald’s!! Juicy burgers are piled high with lettuce, onion, pickles, and cheese.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Method Stovetop

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Calories 1704cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• mixing bowl
• whisk
• large skillet

Ingredients

Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons French dressing
• 4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon finely minced white onion
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Burger:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 sesame seed bun halved
• 2 slices American cheese
• shredded lettuce
• diced onions
• pickle slices
• sesame seeds for garnish
• 1 additional sesame seed bun for the middle layer

Instructions

• Prepare Special Sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
• Form and Cook Patties: Divide ground beef into two thin patties, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet or grill to your desired doneness.
• Assemble Burger: Start with the bottom bun, add a layer of special sauce, shredded lettuce, one slice of American cheese, one beef patty, and diced onions. Place an additional bottom bun on top, spread more special sauce, shredded lettuce, another slice of american cheese, pickles, add the second beef patty, top with diced onions, and finally, cap with the top bun.

Notes

This Big Mac recipe recreates the McDonald’s classic with an added middle bun for authenticity.

Get creative by adding tomatoes, extra cheese, or bacon to customize your burger further.

Enjoy your homemade Big Mac with a side of fries and a cold beverage for the full fast-food experience. Dive into the nostalgia of this iconic burger!

This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled depending on your needs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 1704cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 55g | Fat: 145g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 243mg | Sodium: 2438mg | Sugar: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 555mg | Iron: 7mg

Originally published June 2024, updated and republished May 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

This low carb Big Mac salad is one of my go-to dishes! It really does taste like a traditional Big Mac and curbs any fast food craving that I might be having.

This easy recipe is a quick lunch, or a great way to make a low carb dinner. The whole family will agree that each bite gives flavors of a Big Mac, but on a bed of lettuce! 

All you need are a few simple ingredients to make this hamburger salad. I’ve been whipping up this keto Big Mac salad for years – and I’ve yet to tire of it!

That’s because this hearty salad is totally versatile in all the toppings that you can add. While little variations will change the flavor, I still recommend trying.

Diced white onions, juicy tomatoes, dill pickles, sesame seeds, crisp lettuce, cooked beef or ground turkey, sweet relish – all great options! 

The Big Mac flavors are not only addictive, but they’re also a great recipe for a gluten-free diet, too!

For all the detailed instructions on how to get the flavors of the classic burger on a bed of fresh lettuce, check out the recipe card below. You’re going to be hooked on this Big Mac bowl recipe! 

Big Mac Salad

You guys know how much I love my copycat recipes — I’ve got a couple dozen of them and I’m adding to my collection almost every week! 

Something else I love doing is taking some of my restaurant or fast food favorites and creating something totally new. 

I’ve already created a Big Mac Pasta Salad, Big Mac Bombs, and of course the main start itself, the Copycat Big Mac… but next up on my list was something a little bit lighter. And so this Big Mac salad was born!!

It features everything you’ll find on a Big Mac: iceberg lettuce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, onion, pickles, and yes, even ground beef! 

The result is a recipe for Big Mac salad that will please any McDonald’s lover in your life. And even those who don’t really like the fast-food chain!

I love serving this at cookouts and barbecues — everyone is always so impressed, and there are never any leftovers. My Big Mac salad recipe is about to become your new go-to!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

It couldn’t be easier to make your own perfect Big Mac salad! 

• Ground Beef – This is a recipe for Big Mac salad, after all, so you know I’m including ground beef! You can use your favorite — I’m partial to 80/20 mixes.
  
• Lettuce – I like standard iceberg lettuce here. It’s sturdier than other greens and is also what you find on a real Big Mac!
  
• Tomatoes – I like grape tomatoes. I cut them in half before adding them to the salad to make them more manageable to bite into. Fresh tomatoes are a must. 
  
• Pickles – To make this Big Mac salad recipe even more authentic… what’s a burger without pickles?! I usually dice up about 3 spears because I LOVE crunchy pickles. 
  
• Red Onion – For a bit of bite and color! You’ll typically find white onion on Big Macs, but I do really love the pop of bright purple these add to the mix.
  
• Cheese – I like shredded mild cheddar cheese, but you could use Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or American cheese if you’d like.
  
• Seasonings – Just those OGs you know I love: salt, pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion.
  
• Dressing – You’ll need mayo, ketchup, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, white onion, salt, and pepper.
  
  It’s really similar to my Big Mac sauce! Making your own homemade dressing is a breeze and really gives the flavor of a Big Mac! 

Tips and Tricks to Make the Perfect Recipe for Big Mac Salad

• Drain any excess grease from the ground beef.

After you’ve cooked the ground beef and before you add it to the other ingredients, it’s very important to drain any excess grease from the pan.

The last thing you want is a soggy and greasy salad! Remember to let the meat cool a bit too. If you rush the process, you’ll end up with hot lettuce and melted cheese… yuck!

• Slice your grape tomatoes the easy way!

Have you heard of the tomato-slicing method that involves two lids yet? 

I mapped it out for you in this post, but it’s super simple: all you need to do is place several grape tomatoes on top of a plastic lid and then add another lid on top of the tomatoes. 

Secure the top lid with your hand and use a sharp knife (watch your fingers!) to slice through all of the tomatoes at the same time. Such a helpful kitchen hack!

• Get creative with your toppings.

While the ingredients listed feature everything you’d find on a real Big Mac from McDonald’s, nothing’s stopping you from adding some yummy extras!

I’ve included avocado, crumbled bacon, and hardboiled eggs in the past, and it was a big hit. Mix and match and use your favorites.

• Make extra dressing to keep in the fridge for leftovers.

My Big Mac salad dressing is so insanely delicious that you’re going to want to start putting it on all of your salads!

Make a double batch to keep in the fridge for any leftovers — or for other meals. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Prep Ahead

• Wash and chop the lettuce
• Halve the tomatoes
• Slice the onion and pickles
• Shred the cheese
• Make the dressing

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Skillet – This is my go-to pan that I’ve had for over a decade! It heats evenly and cleans up beautifully with a little baking soda so it still looks brand new.
• Quality Knives and a big solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.
• Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Mason Jar – I absolutely love these and use them for storing and prepping, as drinking glasses, and especially for canning.

Serving Suggestions

Big Mac salad is best served fresh! 

It’s a pretty substantial meal on its own — especially for lunch — but you could always serve it with hot and crispy fries for a true fast food-inspired experience!

I’ve got quite the McDonald’s copycat collection going these days! 

Try pairing your salad with fried apple pies and a Shamrock shake for dessert to round everything out. Oh, and make some Big Mac Sauce to pair with those fries too.

Storing Leftovers

As mentioned, this recipe for Big Mac salad is best enjoyed fresh — but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. 

Keep in mind that the lettuce might wilt and lose its crispiness after some time in the fridge.

The salad dressing will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator by itself. Share or stir well before using!

Big Mac Salad Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Salad Recipes

Chick Fil A Market Salad Recipe

Strawberry Spinach Salad (Homemade Dressing) + Video

Best Ever Panzanella Salad Recipe with Strawberries

Panera Green Goddess Salad Copycat Recipe with Chicken

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Big Mac Salad Recipe (McDonalds Inspired)

Big Mac Salad is inspired by the McDonald’s classic! A lot lighter than the burgers, you’re going to want to make this recipe on repeat!!

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Method Mixed

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 604cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• large skillet
• large mixing bowl
• small bow

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 large head iceberg lettuce chopped and washed
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 3 pickle spears roughly chopped
• 1/2 red onion sliced
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 2 teaspoon finely minced white onion
• pinch of kosher salt or to taste
• pinch of black pepper or to taste

Instructions

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the kosher salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, and granulated onion. Break the meat apart as it cooks until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary. Set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine the chopped iceberg lettuce, grape tomatoes, chopped pickles, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Toss gently to mix.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, white vinegar, sweet pickle relish, minced white onion, salt and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
• Add the ground beef to the salad and toss to combine, transfer the salad to a large serving bowl or platter if desired.
• Drizzle on the homemade salad dressing, serve and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or American cheese.

For added texture and flavor additional toppings such as avocado, crumbled bacon, or hard boiled eggs can be added to the salad.

The homemade dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, shake or stir well before using.

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note, the lettuce might wilt and lose its crispness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 604cal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1518mg | Sugar: 8g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 283mg | Iron: 3mg

Originally published July 2024, updated and republished May 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Big Mac Salad Recipe (McDonalds Inspired) appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Cheeseburger Bites

Add a fun twist to weeknight dinners or serve up a platter of these Big Mac bites the next time you host the big game. Don’t forget the special sauce for dunking!

For a lighter twist of big mac flavors, our Big Mac Salad turns it into a crisp, satisfying bowl with low-carbs and maximum crunch!

If handheld cheeseburger bites are your thing, our Bacon Cheeseburger Cups bake up in a muffin tin and pack all that bacon double cheeseburger flavor into the perfect party bite.

And if you love these Big Mac Bombs, our Bacon Burger Bombs are another must-try! They’re stuffed with a classic bacon cheeseburger filling and it’s borderline impossible to eat just one!

Need a make-ahead option? Capture all of those same iconic flavors in a big bowl of pasta salad instead.

Prep everything in the morning, then toss it together and chill before everyone arrives.

For more fast food favorites, try a homemade version of Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza or a spicy chicken sandwich like the one from Chick Fil A or the White Castle burgers!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Frozen Rolls – I use Rhodes for all of my bomb recipes! Any brand will work, as long as it’s yeasted roll dough.
  
  In a pinch, you could probably use refrigerated pizza or biscuit dough too, though the flavor will be a bit different.
  
• Ground Beef – Choose a leaner blend (I prefer 80/20) to limit the amount of grease that forms underneath the dough.
  
• Cheese – American cheese adds that classic flavor to each cheeseburger bomb, but you could use a mild or medium cheddar instead.
  
  Keep in mind that cheddar won’t ooze as much as the American.
  
• Onions and Pickles – Be sure to chop these as small as possible so they don’t prevent the meat mixture from forming nicely around the cheese.
  
  Plus, smaller pieces of onion will still cook through in the relatively short cook time.
  
• Egg – Feel free to skip this if allergies are a concern. It just helps to brown the tops of the cheeseburger bombs.

Tips and Tricks to Make Perfect Big Mac Bites

• Form and cook the filling first.

Like many of my bomb recipes, you’ll be sealing a tasty filling inside of thawed dinner roll dough.

For the best results, pan-fry the stuffed meatballs before wrapping them in the dough.

This helps seal the meat around the cheese, reduces some of the liquid that would make the Big Mac bites soggy, and adds another layer of flavor.

Plus, having the center of the cheeseburger bombs warm from the start helps them cook a bit more evenly!

• Seal the dough really well.

Because the cheese is already sealed inside the meat mixture, there’s very little chance it will ooze out.

However, you still don’t want your burger bites to fall apart! Be sure to wrap the dough all the way around each meatball and pinch it to seal.

Then, place each stuffed bread roll seam-side down on the baking sheet.

• Beat an egg and brush it over the top before baking.

Once all of the Big Mac bombs are sealed, brush the tops with egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

This helps them brown better in the oven and gives you that classic sesame seed bun flavor!

Prep Ahead

• Thaw dinner rolls
• Chop onion and pickles
• Slice cheese into cubes
• Line baking sheet with parchment

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Baking Sheets lined with Parchment Paper – Used for anything from cookies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
• Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
• Skillet – This is my go-to pan that I’ve had for over a decade! It heats evenly and cleans up beautifully with a little baking soda so it still looks brand new.
• Small Wooden Dowel Rolling Pin – Perfect for small jobs like making TSRI’s bombs! It’s also great for noodles, dumplings, and turnovers, and it even has a ruler on the side.
• Basting Brush – I like this one over the silicone ones.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Big Mac bombs the same way you’d enjoy a regular burger! I usually toss some French fries in the air fryer and maybe toss together a quick salad.

For true Big Mac flavor, you’ll want plenty of special sauce for dunking them in, and my homemade recipe is easy to make.

If you have more time on your hands, make a potato salad and a big bowl of fresh fruit!

You can also serve this Big Mac bites recipe as finger food for parties and game days. They’d go great with jalapeno poppers and fried pickles.

Big Mac Bites Recipe FAQ

Storing and Reheating Cheeseburger Bomb Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.

Reheat in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.

Cheeseburger bombs also freeze really well! Flash freeze them on a sheet pan until firm, then store in a Ziploc storage bag for up to 6 months.

Thaw as many as you’d like in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, or bake from frozen for 15-20 minutes at 350°F.

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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Other Easy Bread Bomb Recipes

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Big Mac Cheeseburger Bombs

Cheeseburger Bombs taste just like the famous burger, but in poppable form! Wrap cheese-stuffed meatballs in dough and bake until golden.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Method Oven

Prep Time 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 24

Calories 85cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• baking sheets
• parchment paper
• mixing bowls
• rolling pin
• basting brush

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup finely minced or grated white onion
• 1/3 cup chopped dill pickles chopped into very small pieces
• 1/2 pound block of American cheese
• 1 package of 24 frozen dinner rolls
• 1 large egg beaten
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

• Thaw roll dough according to package instructions.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion powder, garlic salt, salt and pepper, minced onion, and dill pickles.
• Divide the meat mixture into 24 sections. Slice the cheese into 24 chunks (about ½” square). You may have a little leftover cheese.
• Form a flat circle with each meat section. Place a chunk of cheese in the center and roll the meat up around the cheese to form a ball with the cheese nested in the center.
• When you have formed all of the cheese-stuffed balls, place them in a large skillet and brown them on each side. This is a quick “pre-cook” – the meat doesn’t need to be browned on all sides and it should not be cooked all the way through. Toss them gently in the pan while browning to help maintain their circular shape and prevent the cheese from leaking out.
• On a lightly floured surface, pat or roll one ball of thawed dough into a circle just slightly larger than a ball of meat. Place a ball in the center of the dough and wrap the dough around it, pinching the dough together on the bottom to seal. Place the prepared Big Mac bomb on the lined sheet pan.
• Repeat for all of the rolls – forming 24 Big Mac bombs.
• Brush the tops and sides of the bombs with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes until the tops of the bombs are golden brown.
• Serve immediately with a side of Big Mac special sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For the best results – pan fry the stuffed meat balls before wrapping them in the roll dough – this helps seal the meat around the cheese, reduces some of the liquid that could make the bread soggy, adds some flavor, and gets the center of the bombs warm to help the dough get a good start cooking. You will still lose a little of the cheese on some of the bombs between pan frying and then baking, but this method was the most successful to reduce cheese oozing out. (Other methods I tried included baking the meat balls in the oven before wrapping in dough – I tried various amounts of time and they all had their drawbacks. I also tried wrapping and cooking the raw meat, which was probably my second favorite method, but the dough didn’t cook as well and there was some wetness.

American cheese really gives a true Big Mac taste to the bombs, but you could also use a mild or medium cheddar – cheddar will not ooze as much as the American cheese.

It’s really important to mince the onions quite small so that they cook through in the relatively short cook time.

Keep the chopped pickles small also so they don’t prevent the meat from sticking together and forming a nice ball around the cheese.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 85cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 296mg | Sugar: 1g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 1mg

Originally published December 2021, updated and republished December 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for your support; it allows us to keep creating new recipes.

The post Big Mac Cheeseburger Bombs appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.

Big Mac Pasta Salad

This dish has so many layers of flavor and texture!

It’s like a Big Mac in a bowl, with creamy cheese and homemade sauce, sweet relish, crunchy lettuce and dill pickles, and fresh tomatoes.

Finally, lightly seasoned ground beef and tender noodles make this Big Mac pasta salad recipe savory and plenty hearty as well!

It’s easily one of the best pasta salad recipe ideas to come through my kitchen.

A pasta salad I always love is my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad! It’s bold and refreshing and is always the first thing gone!

Another of my favorites is our Cuban Sandwich Pasta Salad with the tangy flavors of a Cuban sandwich tossed with pasta for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish!

Our Big Mac Salad is the low-carb companion to this pasta version with the same bold Big Mac flavors, with seasoned beef and a homemade dressing over crisp lettuce for a bowl that satisfies every craving without the carbs.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Noodles – I love the shape and texture of cavatappi, but feel free to use other varieties like penne or rotini when making pasta salad with ground beef.
  
• Ground Beef – I like to prepare a large batch in the crockpot and portion it out for future recipes.
  
  You only need salt and pepper for this Big Mac pasta salad recipe, but you can add additional seasonings as needed for the other portions when reheating.
  
• Veggies – We’ve got all the burger classics: romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and dill pickles.
  
  Iceberg is a good lettuce swap, as are sweet pickles, but red onion is the best choice when raw.
  
  I like to use halved grape tomatoes in pasta salad with meat so the bites are more balanced.
  
  You’ll also want to thinly slice the onion, shred the lettuce, and finely chop the pickles to get the best mix of textures.
  
• Cheese – Cheddar or Colby Jack provides a mild flavor that’s similar to American, which is used on the restaurant burger.
  
  For something with a little more kick, try Pepper Jack instead!
  
• Dressing – The dressing used in this hamburger pasta salad is simply our copycat version of the famous Big Mac sauce!

Tips and Tricks for Making Pasta Salad with Meat

• Pay attention to how you cook the pasta.

Boil in salted water (about 1 ½ teaspoons per 4 quarts of water) according to package directions. The salt makes a big difference in flavor!

I typically cook the noodles to al dente since they will soften a bit as they absorb some of the dressing. Definitely go this route if you plan on having leftovers.

You’ll also want to rinse the noodles in cold water after draining. This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together.

• Multitasking is your friend!

While every component of this Big Mac pasta salad can be prepped ahead of time, there’s plenty of time to get it all going at once.

Get the pot of water on the stove while you brown the ground beef, then work on the cheese and veggies while you boil the pasta.

Whisk together the dressing while you drain and cool the pasta, then combine everything in a large bowl and pop it in the fridge. Voila!

• Customize the ingredients.

The amounts listed in this recipe for pasta salad with meat are balanced so the dish tastes just like the popular cheeseburger.

However, you can certainly make adjustments to any of the ingredients to suit your own flavor preferences.

Swap similar veggies based on what you have on hand, or toss in something new! Avocado, corn kernels, diced red or green bell peppers, and even sautéed mushrooms would be tasty.

Prep Ahead

• Cube cheese
• Slice tomatoes and onion
• Chop pickles
• Shred lettuce

Serving Suggestions

Pasta salad with ground beef, veggies, and cheese covers all the major food groups, so you don’t really need much else!

That said, it’s a great option for potlucks and barbecues when you want something a little different than the same ol’ recipes.

Spoon a smaller amount on your plate with grilled chicken or smoked ribs and some colorful fresh fruit.

Don’t forget the drinks! Have a big pitcher of lemonade or iced tea ready… and maybe even a spiked version for adults!

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Large Pot and Strainer for the pasta
• A Large Skillet to brown the ground beef
• Mixing Bowls – 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. 
• Quality Knives and a solid Cutting Board make prepping a breeze and are well worth the investment.

Storing Leftover Pasta Salad with Ground Beef

Big Mac pasta salad with keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

If you plan on having leftovers, you may want to make a little extra dressing and store it in a jar in the fridge. Use it to freshen up your bowl the next day as the noodles may become a bit dry.

For meal prep, store the lettuce separately — it will start to get soggy after the first day. Simply mix in a handful just before serving.

Hamburger Pasta Salad FAQ

Enjoy!

With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

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More Pasta Salad Recipes

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Big Mac Pasta Salad

Big Mac Pasta Salad combines the flavors of the fast food burger with tender noodles. Take creamy hamburger pasta salad to your next potluck!

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Method Mixed

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 10

Calories 513cal

Author Donna Elick

Equipment

• mixing bowls
• whisk
• serving bowl

Ingredients

Salad

• 16 ounces cavatappi pasta cooked, drained, and rinsed in cool water
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar or Colby-jack cheese cubed
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes halved
• 1 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1 pound ground beef browned
• 1 1/2 cups romaine lettuce shredded
• 1 cup dill pickles chopped

Big Mac Sauce

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons French dressing
• 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish plus 2 tablespoons
• 2 teaspoons classic yellow mustard
• 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 large salad bowl, toss together cooled pasta, cubed cheese, tomatoes, red onion, ground beef, romaine, and pickle chunks.
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all of the Big Mac Sauce ingredients. Pour dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
• Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 513cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 499mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 2g | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 2mg

Originally published June 2021, updated and republished May 2024

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.

The post Big Mac Pasta Salad appeared first on The Slow Roasted Italian.