Craving that iconic tangy-sweet Big Mac flavor without the drive-thru? This Homemade Big Mac Sauce captures every creamy, zesty, and savory element of the fast-food classic—and takes it to the next level. Whether you’re drizzling it over burgers, using it as a dip for fries, or spooning it onto your favorite sandwiches, this sauce is your new go-to for big, bold flavor.

What makes this version even better than the original? It skips preservatives and unnecessary fillers, letting fresh ingredients shine. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a small batch in minutes and keep it on hand for everything from cheeseburgers to loaded fries to grain bowls.

Can I Really Make Big Mac Sauce at Home?

Absolutely! The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity. While McDonald’s keeps their “special sauce” formula under wraps, home cooks have cracked the code with a combination of mayonnaise, relish, mustard, and a few bold spices. The real magic happens when these flavors meld together—so giving it a little chill time in the fridge makes a big difference.

Ingredients for the Homemade Big Mac Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)

How To Make the Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add a small pinch of sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

Step 2: Chill for Best Flavor

Transfer the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors fully develop and gives the sauce its signature tang.

Step 3: Serve It Up!

Use as a spread for burgers, sandwiches, or wraps. It also works perfectly as a dip for fries, onion rings, or chicken tenders.

How to Store and Serve Homemade Big Mac Sauce

This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight jar or container. Before serving, give it a quick stir to revive its creamy texture. It pairs brilliantly with grilled burgers, but don’t stop there—try it with roasted potatoes, veggie wraps, or even as a bold salad dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dill relish instead of sweet?

Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. Sweet pickle relish gives that signature Big Mac sweetness. Dill makes it more tart.

Is this sauce keto-friendly?

It can be! Swap the sweet relish with chopped dill pickles and skip the sugar for a low-carb version.

How long does homemade Big Mac sauce last?

Up to 1 week in the fridge, stored in a sealed container.

Can I freeze Big Mac sauce?

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the mayonnaise base may separate when thawed.

What if I want it spicier?

Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.

Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you’re all about bold sauces that elevate every bite, don’t miss these:

Candied Jalapeños: The Perfect Sweet and Spicy Treat
Authentic 7-Layer Mexican Dip
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe (perfect with a drizzle of this sauce!)
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can whip it up any time the craving hits.

And tell me how you used it! Did you go classic with burgers or try it on something creative like grain bowls or tacos? I’m always inspired by how you make these recipes your own.

For more daily flavor inspiration, follow along on Pinterest: Nina Dishes.

Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 3/4 cup
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Big Mac Sauce is the ultimate burger topping—creamy, tangy, and loaded with nostalgic flavor. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no preservatives, it’s perfect for burgers, sandwiches, fries, and more. A quick stir and a little chill time transform everyday meals into crave-worthy bites.

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

1 teaspoon white vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 pinch sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add a small pinch of sugar if you prefer a touch of sweetness.

2. Transfer the sauce to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.

3. Serve as a burger spread, sandwich sauce, or dipping sauce for fries and tenders.