If you have ever found yourself craving that unmistakable tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor from your favorite burger joint, you are going to absolutely love this Copycat Big Mac Sauce: Make Your Favorite McDonald’s Sauce at Home Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of simple ingredients that come together to create a versatile condiment that instantly elevates any sandwich, burger, or snack. Making this sauce yourself means no more waiting in line or paying extra — you get all the iconic flavor right from your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch, each adding a unique layer of flavor and texture. From the creamy mayo to the sharp kick of mustard, every component in this recipe is essential for capturing that classic Big Mac magic.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides the rich and creamy base that carries all the other flavors so smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: Adds sweetness and a delightful crunch that makes the sauce memorable.
- 1 tablespoon ketchup: Brings a subtle tanginess and color that rounds out the taste.
- 2 teaspoons mustard: Offers a piquant bite that balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar: Gives a slight acidity to brighten the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional): Enhances the sweetness, making the sauce taste just like the original.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a hint of smoky depth and a lovely orange hue.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory undertone that enriches the complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Contributes subtle warmth and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Copycat Big Mac Sauce: Make Your Favorite McDonald’s Sauce at Home Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar if using, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. The goal here is to create a smooth, homogeneous sauce with no lumps and all those flavors happily mingling.
Step 2: Chill and Let the Flavors Develop
Once combined, cover your bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight. This resting time allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, deepening the flavor and giving it that unmistakable Big Mac taste.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Give the sauce a quick stir before serving to redistribute any settled ingredients. Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Copycat Big Mac Sauce on everything from burgers to fries!
How to Serve Copycat Big Mac Sauce: Make Your Favorite McDonald’s Sauce at Home Recipe

Garnishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh garnishes like shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and diced onions to recreate the classic Big Mac experience. These toppings add crunch and freshness that complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Don’t limit yourself to just burgers! Use this sauce as a dip for crispy fries, crunchy veggie sticks, or golden chicken nuggets. It’s a game changer for any snack or side dish, taking your usual spread to a new level.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gatherings, try serving your Copycat Big Mac Sauce in a small bowl alongside mini sliders or as part of a DIY burger bar where guests can customize their meal. Alternatively, drizzle it over grilled chicken sandwiches or mix it into salad dressings for a zesty twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the flavors and texture, so it’s always ready when you need a quick condiment boost.
Freezing
While freezing is not recommended for this sauce due to its creamy mayonnaise base, if you do freeze it, expect some slight separation upon thawing. Stirring well should bring it back together, but fresh is always best.
Reheating
This sauce is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a quick stir if it’s been chilled and you’re ready to serve!
FAQs
Can I make this sauce without mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is the key creamy base that defines this sauce, so substituting it could change the texture and flavor significantly. However, if you prefer a lighter version, try mixing half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a tangier twist.
How long does the sauce keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the sauce will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it ideal for meal prepping or planning ahead for a BBQ.
Is this sauce spicy?
This Copycat Big Mac Sauce has a mild kick thanks to the mustard and paprika, but it is not spicy. If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I use this sauce on non-beef burgers?
Absolutely! This sauce is wonderfully versatile and pairs beautifully with chicken, turkey, veggie burgers, or even as a flavorful addition to sandwiches and wraps.
What if I don’t have sweet pickle relish?
If you can’t find sweet pickle relish, finely chopped dill pickles combined with a bit of honey or sugar can work as a substitute, ensuring you still get that signature sweet and tangy bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about recreating a little taste of your favorite fast food right at home, and this Copycat Big Mac Sauce: Make Your Favorite McDonald’s Sauce at Home Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s easy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. So why not give it a try? Whether you’re making a Big Mac-style burger, dipping fries, or jazzing up a sandwich, this sauce is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
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Copycat Big Mac Sauce: Make Your Favorite McDonald’s Sauce at Home Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Copycat Big Mac Sauce recipe lets you recreate the classic McDonald’s sauce at home with a simple blend of mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, and spices. It’s perfect for adding that iconic tangy and creamy flavor to burgers, fries, sandwiches, or as a versatile dipping sauce. The sauce comes together quickly and improves in flavor after chilling for a couple of hours.
Ingredients
Copycat Big Mac Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar (if using), paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the sauce to a container, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer taste.
- Enjoy: Stir the sauce before serving and enjoy it on burgers, fries, sandwiches, or as a delicious dip for vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar according to your taste or omit it for a less sweet sauce.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- The sauce thickens slightly when chilled but can be thinned with a teaspoon of milk or water if desired.

