You don’t have to run to a drive-thru to enjoy the tangy, creamy magic of McDonald’s most iconic burger sauce. This Homemade Big Mac Sauce delivers all the nostalgia and flavor of the real thing, using simple pantry ingredients. It’s rich, zesty, and packed with layers of flavor that elevate burgers, fries, sandwiches, and even salads.

What makes this copycat sauce so addictive? The balance. Sweet relish meets the sharp bite of mustard and vinegar, while creamy mayo holds everything together with a silky finish. Whether you’re hosting a burger night or just craving something extra on your next meal, this sauce will be your new go-to.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before mixing up your Homemade Big Mac Sauce, you’ll want to gather a few kitchen tools that make the prep seamless:

Mixing Bowl – A medium-sized bowl is essential for stirring the sauce evenly without spilling ingredients.
Whisk or Silicone Spatula – A whisk helps blend the components into a smooth, creamy texture. A spatula is great for scraping down the sides to ensure every bit is well-mixed.
Measuring Spoons – Accuracy matters here. Even a little too much vinegar or mustard can throw off the sauce’s balance.

Glass Jar or Airtight Container – This sauce tastes even better after chilling for a few hours. Store it in a glass jar to maintain freshness and flavor.

Having the right tools not only speeds up the process but ensures a consistent, well-emulsified sauce every time.

Ingredients for the Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Mayonnaise – The creamy base that brings all the flavors together.

Sweet Pickle Relish – Adds a bit of sweetness and tang, mimicking that iconic zing.
Yellow Mustard – Gives the sauce its signature bite.
White Vinegar – Cuts through the richness for a balanced finish.

Paprika – Brings a subtle warmth and color.
Garlic Powder – Adds savory depth.
Onion Powder – For a hint of onion without the crunch.

Sugar – Just a touch to round out the acidity.

Each ingredient is essential to creating the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and savory. Don’t skip or substitute if you want that classic Big Mac flavor.

How To Make the Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Step 1: Measure and Add

Start by adding all your ingredients into a mixing bowl: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and a pinch of sugar.

Step 2: Whisk Until Smooth

Using a whisk, mix everything until the sauce is fully blended and creamy. Make sure there are no clumps of spice or relish pockets.

Step 3: Chill the Sauce

Transfer the sauce into a glass jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This step helps the flavors meld and develop.

Step 4: Serve with Everything

Once chilled, use the sauce generously on burgers, sandwiches, fries, or even as a tangy salad dressing.

Serving and Storing Your Big Mac Sauce

This sauce is incredibly versatile. Spoon it on burgers, use it as a fry dip, drizzle over loaded fries, or add to wraps for a creamy twist. You can even stir a spoonful into egg salad for a zippy upgrade.

Store your Homemade Big Mac Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to one week. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is this to McDonald’s Big Mac sauce?

Very close! While McDonald’s keeps its recipe secret, this version captures the creamy, sweet-tangy profile with spot-on flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Just use a dairy-free mayonnaise and double-check the labels on your other ingredients.

Is it gluten-free?

It can be, depending on the brand of mayonnaise and mustard. Always check the labels to be sure.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Not recommended. Mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when frozen and thawed.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Stored properly, the sauce stays good for up to one week.

Can I use dill relish instead of sweet relish?

You can, but it will change the flavor profile significantly. Sweet relish is what gives the sauce its signature taste.

Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you’re loving the vibe of this Homemade Big Mac Sauce, check out these savory sauces and flavor-packed favorites from the blog:

Creamy Boat Dip Rotel Ranch Dip for a bold ranch-style appetizer.
Mississippi Sin Quiche if you want something dippable and baked.
Taco Ranch Bites for game day grazing.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta to use your leftover sauce.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Wraps where this sauce shines as a creamy spread.

For even more delicious ideas, follow along on my Pinterest where I share recipes daily: Life With Olivia on Pinterest

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how you used it. Did it hit the Big Mac spot? Try it with turkey burgers or use it as a dipping sauce for sweet potato fries.

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other dip, drizzle, and dunk smarter.

Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 5 minutes (plus 1 hour chill)
Yield: About ¾ cup

Print Recipe

Description

This Homemade Big Mac Sauce is a spot-on copycat of the iconic McDonald’s burger sauce. Creamy, zesty, slightly sweet, and tangy—it’s the perfect condiment for burgers, fries, wraps, and more.