Big Mac Sauce That’s Better Than McDonald’s

updated Sep 6, 2022
Better-than-McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce

A combination of mayo, mustard, and relish give Big Mac sauce its signature creamy tang. Here's the easiest way to make it at home.

Makes1 cup

Prep5 minutes

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

It’s no secret that McDonald’s Big Macs are beloved all over the world, primarily for the sweet and tangy sauce that’s slathered onto the buns. And while there have been plenty of rumors suggesting the special sauce is simply Thousand Island dressing in disguise, McDonald’s says otherwise.

After watching McDonald’s executive chef’s YouTube video on how to make the world-famous sauce, we headed into our own kitchens to nail down the specifics (the video provided the ingredients, but no amounts). Several tweaks and taste-tests later, we came up with the most delicious sauce that will let you skip the drive-thru.

What Makes the Sauce Creamy and Tangy?

Big Mac sauce is incredibly creamy, with a sweet tang that adds just the right balance to a meaty griddled burger. It turns out that despite tasting similar to Thousand Island dressing, ketchup is nowhere to be found on the special sauce’s ingredient list.

Instead, the sauce gets its peachy-pink color from a dash of paprika, and signature creamy tang from a combination of mayo, mustard, and relish. That’s right — you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now. So skip the drive-thru and make a jar of this sauce at home, and you’ll have it ready whenever Big Mac cravings strike.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Better-than-McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce

A combination of mayo, mustard, and relish give Big Mac sauce its signature creamy tang. Here's the easiest way to make it at home.

Prep time 5 minutes

Makes1 cup

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup

    mayonnaise

  • 1 tablespoon

    yellow mustard

  • 2 tablespoons

    sweet pickle relish

  • 2 teaspoons

    granulated sugar

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    white wine vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    paprika

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    onion powder

Instructions

  1. Place all the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk to combine.

Recipe Notes

Storage: The sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

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