Name: Homemade Big Mac Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Pinch of salt (to taste)

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A creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that replicates the famous McDonald’s Big Mac sauce. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce, this homemade version gives me that classic flavor with a fresher, more customizable twist. Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how incredibly simple and fast this Big Mac sauce is to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and no cooking required, I can whip it up in minutes. It tastes nearly identical to the original, but I get to control the sweetness, tanginess, and overall balance. It’s not just for burgers—I put it on sandwiches, use it as a dip for fries, or drizzle it over grilled chicken. It’s also a great way to impress guests at a cookout with a familiar flavor they weren’t expecting to find homemade.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of salt (to taste)

Directions

I start by adding the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard to a small bowl.
Then I mix in the white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.
I stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined.
I always cover the bowl and let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can meld.
After that, it’s ready to use on burgers, sandwiches, or as a dip for fries and nuggets.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce, which is enough for roughly 8 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons

Variations

Spicier version: I add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give it a kick.
Sweeter touch: If I want it a little sweeter, I increase the pickle relish slightly.
Low-fat option: I use low-fat mayonnaise to cut down on calories and fat.
Chunky texture: Sometimes I use finely chopped dill pickles instead of relish for more bite.
Smoky twist: A pinch of smoked paprika replaces regular paprika when I want a deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it stays fresh for up to a week. There’s no need to reheat it since it’s a cold condiment, but I always give it a quick stir before using if it’s been sitting for a few days.

FAQs

What does Big Mac sauce taste like?

It has a creamy base with a balance of tanginess from vinegar and mustard, sweetness from the relish, and a subtle spice from onion and garlic powder.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day ahead—it actually tastes better after resting overnight as the flavors deepen.

Is this sauce the same as Thousand Island dressing?

Not exactly. While they share some ingredients, Big Mac sauce doesn’t contain ketchup and has a different balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Can I freeze Big Mac sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing it. The mayo-based mixture can separate and lose its texture once thawed.

Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, it’s a vegetarian-friendly condiment as long as the mayonnaise used is vegetarian.

Conclusion

This homemade Big Mac sauce hits all the right notes—creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with nostalgic flavor. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly versatile. Whether I’m building the ultimate burger or just looking to spice up my sandwich game, this sauce always delivers.