Homemade Big Mac Sauce (Easy Copycat)

Name: Homemade Big Mac Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (lite works); 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons grated onion; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (if you use dill pickle relish, skip sugar); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Copycat Big Mac sauce recipe is creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This homemade version uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in just a few minutes. After a short chill in the fridge, the flavors blend together and taste even better than store-bought.

Big Mac sauce in a jar with a spoon in it.

If you haven’t heard of Big Mac Sauce, then you are missing out. Some of you may know it from McDonald’s, or you may have seen it go viral on social media. I started making the copycat version at home because my kids always asked for it whenever I made burgers.

I wanted to create an easy version we could enjoy with our burgers anytime at home, and now it’s a fridge staple we use on burgers, sandwiches, and even as a dip for fries.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level

Beginner

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

0 mins

Ingredients for Big Mac Sauce

If you are looking to make the copycat McDonald’s sauce, these are the ingredients you will need below. Please refer to the recipe card below for the full measurements.

Yellow mustard: Yellow or Dijon mustard works just fine.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat, ready whip, or lite will work. Flavor may change slightly.
Ketchup: Use a low-sugar version or whatever you have on hand.
Sweet pickle relish: This adds a great flavor and can’t be skipped.
White wine vinegar: Adds tanginess to the dip and is highly recommended. If in a pinch, you can use apple cider vinegar, but since it is stronger, use half the recommended amount.
Grated onion: This is also a must-add ingredient. Onion powder is not enough.
Pantry Staples: paprika (not smoked), granulated sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper.

How to make Big Mac Sauce

In a medium bowl, add all of the sauce ingredients.
Using a spoon or spatula, mix until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using. This resting time helps the flavors blend and improves the taste.
Place in a lidded jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks until ready to use.

a spoonful of big mac sauce over the jar with the sauce.

Helpful Tips

Let the sauce chill before serving for the best flavor. If you are in a rush, you can skip this step, but I recommend it if possible.
Adjust the sauce’s sweetness by adding more or less relish. You can add a teaspoon of honey or agave if it is too tangy to your liking.
Use finely chopped relish for a smoother texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning after chilling.

Ways to Use Big Mac Sauce

This sauce is great for more than just burgers. Try it with:

Homemade burgers or sliders. I even use it on these Flying Dutchman Burgers.
French fries or sweet potato fries
Add it to this Big Mac Salad
Chicken sandwiches or wraps like this Chicken Cutlet Sandwich.
As a dip for veggies

I love this sauce so much because it is one of those sauces you will keep reaching for once it is in your fridge. It’s one of those sauces you want to keep in your fridge whenever you want a quick flavor boost.

Storage Recommendations

Storing: Store your Big Mac sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Because it’s mayonnaise-based, it needs to stay cold and should not be left out for long periods.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this sauce.

Common Questions

Is this the exact Mcdonald’s recipe for big mac sauce?

No one knows the official recipe, but this version is very close in flavor and texture, using easy-to-find ingredients that you may already have.

Do I need to add ketchup?

No. The Traditional copycat versions do not use ketchup, but I liked the flavor more with a bit of ketchup. If you would like to skip it, you can. You will still get the orange color and flavor from the paprika and relish.

How Can I make it lighter?

To lighten it, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. The sauce will be slightly tangier but still very good.

Does it taste better the next day?

Yes. Letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to fully blend, making it taste even better.