Big Mac Sauce

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If you dream about the signature tangy-sweet zing of a McDonald’s Big Mac, this homemade Big Mac Sauce is your ticket to turning any burger night into something legendary. Creamy, zesty, and surprisingly easy to whip up with pantry staples, this sauce isn’t just for burgers—it works magic on fries, sandwiches, and even salads.

This DIY version captures that nostalgic fast-food flavor while letting you tweak it to your liking. Whether you’re meal prepping or just want to impress your cookout crowd, making this sauce at home means you can ditch the drive-thru but keep all the flavor.

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What Makes Big Mac Sauce So Irresistible?

The secret is in the perfect balance. A creamy mayo base meets the sweet tang of relish and ketchup, with a gentle acidity from vinegar and a spice kick from paprika and garlic powder. It hits sweet, savory, tangy, and umami all in one go. And no—there’s no actual mustard or BBQ sauce involved, despite common myths.

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Ingredients for the Big Mac Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

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How To Make the Big Mac Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Flavor Base

In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Spice it Up

Add the white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Add a pinch of salt to taste and give it a final stir. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

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How to Serve and Store Big Mac Sauce

Scoop it onto burgers, drizzle over crispy fries, spread on sandwiches, or use it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets. It’s especially great with homemade fries or even spooned into a breakfast wrap.

To store, keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before each use to revive its creamy texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of mayo works best?

A classic full-fat mayo gives the richest texture and most authentic flavor, but feel free to use light mayo if preferred.

Can I substitute the sweet relish?

Yes, finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles or even a mix of dill pickles and a little sugar will work in a pinch.

Is this the real McDonald’s recipe?

Not officially, but this copycat recipe nails the flavor in a very satisfying way.

Can I make this sauce vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan mayo and check that your relish and mustard are plant-based.

How long does the sauce need to chill?

At least 30 minutes is ideal for the flavors to fully combine.

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Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you’re loving the kick this Big Mac Sauce brings, check out these other flavorful additions for your table:

• Candied Jalapeños – The Perfect Sweet and Spicy Treat if you like a bold contrast.
• Broccoli Salad featuring a creamy dressing for something fresh and crunchy.
• Buffalo Chicken Calzone pairs beautifully with this sauce as a dip.
• Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod if you want to bring this sauce into seafood territory.
• The Ultimate Homemade McGriddle Recipe for a fast-food breakfast done better at home.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce and dip board for your next burger night.

If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out! Did you tweak the spice levels? Add hot sauce? Swap in dill relish? I’m always curious to hear what you come up with.

Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Let’s make every bite better together.

And if you’re looking for more easy everyday favorites, check out my Pinterest page where I share new recipes daily.

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