When that Big Mac craving hits, but you don’t want to leave home or settle for fast food quality, this Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac recipe is your new best friend. It has all the iconic layers—two juicy beef patties, shredded lettuce, tangy pickles, chopped onions, melty cheese, and of course, that legendary creamy Big Mac sauce—all stacked between a sesame seed bun (plus an extra center bun layer for authenticity).

The beauty of this homemade version is that you get to control the ingredients, customize the flavors, and skip the drive-thru. It’s fun to assemble and even more satisfying to bite into. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping game-day sliders, this DIY Big Mac guarantees smiles.

What Kind of Buns Should I Use?

To get the full Big Mac experience, go with sesame seed burger buns. A classic Big Mac uses a three-part bun—a bottom, a top, and a middle “club” bun. You can slice an extra bottom bun in half horizontally to mimic the center layer. Toast them lightly for structure and that signature fast-food texture.

Ingredients for the Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 sesame seed hamburger buns (plus 2 extra bottom buns for middle layers)
4 slices American cheese
1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup finely diced white onion
12 dill pickle chips
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons French dressing
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

How To Make the Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined and creamy. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Beef Patties

Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions and flatten into thin, wide patties (about 4 inches). Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook on a hot skillet or griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Buns

Separate buns and create middle buns by halving the extra bottom buns. Lightly toast all bun halves on a skillet or toaster until golden.

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac

Spread Big Mac sauce on the bottom bun, add a few onions, lettuce, a cheese slice, and a beef patty. Add the middle bun layer and repeat with sauce, onions, lettuce, pickles, another beef patty, and top with the top bun. Press gently and serve.

Serving and Storing Your Big Mac

These Big Macs are best served hot off the skillet, while the cheese is melty and the sauce is fresh. Pair them with homemade fries or crispy potato wedges for the full experience.

If you have leftovers, store components separately. Cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet. The sauce keeps well in the fridge for a week in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the patties taste more like McDonald’s?

Keep the patties thin and smash them while cooking. Use minimal seasoning and cook on high heat for a caramelized crust.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free buns and ensure your condiments (especially the French dressing and relish) are gluten-free certified.

Can I prep these in advance for a party?

Absolutely. Make the sauce and cook the patties ahead of time. Reheat and assemble just before serving for best results.

Is the Big Mac sauce just Thousand Island dressing?

It’s similar but not the same. This version uses sweet relish and spices that create a closer match to the McDonald’s flavor.

What if I don’t eat beef?

You can swap in turkey patties, plant-based burgers, or even chicken patties for a fun twist.

Want More Burger Ideas?

If you love this homemade Big Mac, here are more juicy recipes worth flipping over:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for burger night inspiration!

And when you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go all-in with three buns? Add bacon or jalapeños for a twist?

Let’s talk burger hacks in the comments. For more daily recipe inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 burgers

Print Recipe

Description

This Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac brings the fast-food legend right to your kitchen. Two juicy beef patties, creamy tangy sauce, crisp lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions stacked high on a three-layer sesame bun—just like the original but better and made with love.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well and refrigerate.

2. Divide ground beef into 8 thin patties, about 4 inches wide. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Cook patties on a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

4. Slice extra bottom buns horizontally to create the middle bun layer. Lightly toast all bun parts until golden.

5. Assemble burgers: Bottom bun + sauce + onions + lettuce + cheese + patty + middle bun + sauce + onions + lettuce + pickles + patty + top bun. Press gently and serve.