Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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updated Jun 4, 2024
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

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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Jump to Recipe
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Post 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 burger 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 Big Mac sauce.

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.

Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s the perfect sauce for burgers. Big Mac sauce is incredibly creamy, with a sweet tang that adds just the right balance to a meaty griddled burger.
  • It uses pantry-friendly ingredients. That’s right – you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry right now.

What’s the Difference between Big Mac Sauce and Thousand Island Dressing?

It turns out that despite tasting similar to Thousand Island dressing, ketchup is nowhere to be found in Big Mac sauce. 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.

Key Ingredients in Big Mac Sauce

  • Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise.
  • Yellow mustard: No need for fancy gourmet mustard – classic yellow mustard works perfectly here.
  • Sweet pickle relish: Sweet pickle relish is a must! It’s sweet and tangy, and gives the sauce its signature flavor.
  • Granulated sugar: The sugar balances out the savory ingredients.
  • White wine vinegar: The vinegar gives the sauce a bit of tang.
  • Spices: Season the sauce with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

More Copycat Recipes to Try

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Copycat McDonald's Big Mac Sauce Recipe

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

Makes 1 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 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, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder in a medium bowl. Whisk to combine.

Recipe Notes

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

Filed in:
condiments
Dairy-Free
easy
Gluten-Free
Keeps Well
Make Ahead