Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With everyday kitchen ingredients, you’ll capture the beloved flavor of McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce at home. It’s quick to whip up, surprisingly versatile perfect as a burger topping, dipping sauce, or salad dressing and actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled.
(Total prep time: about 5 minutes, plus chilling for better flavor.)
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons bottled French salad dressing
- 1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1½ tablespoons white onion, finely minced
- 1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
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In a small mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, French salad dressing, sweet pickle relish, finely minced white onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until uniformly smooth.
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Transfer the sauce into a small, lidded container (a half‑pint mason jar works well) or cover your mixing bowl.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to deepen and meld the flavors. Stir before using.
(Pro tips: Measure carefully for authentic balance; whisk well to avoid lumps; and letting it sit overnight enriches the flavor.)
Servings and timing
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Yield: About 1 cup of sauce (enough for several burgers or servings).
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Prep time: ~5 minutes
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Chill time: At least 2 hours, ideally overnight
Variations
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Substitute low‑fat or vegan mayo to lighten it up.
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Swap in ketchup for French dressing if needed (tangy‑sweet flavor).
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Use dill pickle relish or finely chopped pickles when sweet relish isn’t available.
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Yellow onion works too—adds subtle sweetness.
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Replace apple cider vinegar with white vinegar—but reduce the quantity (start with less) and add an extra teaspoon of sugar to balance.
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Honey works in place of granulated sugar (use sparingly—it’s sweeter).
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Add smoked paprika for more warmth.
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Amp up the heat with a splash of hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1–2 weeks.
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Freeze: Not recommended—mayo‑based sauces may separate and get grainy when thawed. If separation occurs after storage, simply whisk or stir it smooth again.
FAQs
1. What if the sauce is too thick?
Add a teaspoon of water at a time, whisking until you reach the desired consistency.
2. What if the sauce is too runny?
Stir in a bit more mayonnaise gradually until it thickens to your preference.
3. If the sauce is too tangy, how can I balance it?
Add sugar in ½‑teaspoon increments until the tang mellows to your liking.
4. What if the sauce tastes bland?
A pinch more salt and pepper can enhance flavor. For deeper taste, a dash of mustard or an extra splash of vinegar helps.
5. Can I still use it even if separated?
Yes. just whisk it again to recombine, and it’ll be good as new.
6. Is sweet relish necessary?
Sweet relish gives the signature flavor, but you can use dill relish or finely chopped pickles in a pinch.
7. What can I use the sauce for besides burgers?
Use it as a dip for fries or veggie sticks, a spread for sandwiches or wraps, or thined as a salad dressing. It also works beautifully on canapés.
8. Can the recipe be made lighter or dairy‑free?
Yes, swap in low‑fat or vegan mayonnaise for a lighter or dairy‑free version.
9. How can I make a spicier version?
Add your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper to taste.
10. Can I prepare it in advance for a party?
Definitely, making it a day ahead improves the flavor and gives you more time to focus on the rest of your menu.
Conclusion
This homemade Big Mac Sauce is a fast, flavorful way to elevate your meals. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll enjoy that classic creamy, tangy taste right at home. Whether you’re spreading it on burgers, dunking fries, or dressing a salad, it’s a versatile condiment to keep in your fridge. Make a batch ahead—you (and your taste buds) are thank you in advance.
Print
Big Mac Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes + chill
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy homemade Big Mac Sauce recipe is creamy, tangy, and sweet—just like McDonald’s but better. Made in 5 minutes with pantry ingredients, it’s the perfect burger sauce, dip, or salad dressing.
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons bottled French salad dressing
1½ tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1½ tablespoons white onion, finely minced
1½ teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Combine mayonnaise, French dressing, relish, onion, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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Stir until smooth and uniform.
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Transfer to a lidded container.
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Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
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Chill for best flavor.
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Use vegan mayo for dairy-free.
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Replace French dressing with ketchup if needed.
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Keeps in fridge up to 1–2 weeks.
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Do not freeze.
