Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet—this homemade Big Mac sauce nails the iconic taste of that legendary fast food burger. I like using it not just on burgers, but also in wraps, sandwiches, or even as a dip for fries. It’s simple, fast, and absolutely delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy this Big Mac sauce is to make with ingredients I usually already have on hand. It’s a no-cook recipe that comes together in minutes and transforms anything I put it on. It’s not just a copycat—it’s a flavor bomb that rivals the real thing. Plus, when I make it at home, I can tweak the flavor to suit my taste, whether I want it tangier, sweeter, or more savory.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to taste)
Directions
I whisk the mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sugar together in a small bowl until the mixture is completely smooth.
Then I taste and adjust—maybe a little more relish if I want it sweeter, more mustard for zing, or a splash more vinegar for boldness.
I cover it and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let all the flavors come together.
Once it’s ready, I serve it on burgers, use it in wraps, or just dip fries right into it.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 (about 2 tablespoons each)
Calories per serving: 90 kcal
Variations
I sometimes use dill relish instead of sweet for a more tangy version.
When I want a spicier twist, I add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
For a healthier version, I swap in Greek yogurt for half the mayo.
If I don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine—but the smoky flavor does add something extra.
Storage/Reheating
I store my Big Mac sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays good for up to 1 week. I always give it a stir before using it again. Since it’s mayo-based, I avoid leaving it out at room temperature for long periods. This sauce doesn’t need reheating—it’s ready straight from the fridge.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How close is this sauce to the real Big Mac sauce?
It’s incredibly close—I think it nails the flavor. The relish, mustard, and mayo base create that familiar taste, and with the right balance, I can barely tell the difference.
Can I use this sauce for anything other than burgers?
Absolutely. I put it on wraps, sandwiches, use it as a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders, and sometimes even drizzle it over salads.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, the basic ingredients are gluten-free, but I always double-check the labels—especially on the relish and mustard—to be safe.
Can I freeze Big Mac sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of mayo-based sauces tends to separate after thawing, and the consistency just won’t be the same.
How can I make this sauce healthier?
I sometimes swap out half the mayo for Greek yogurt or a lighter mayo alternative. I also go easy on the sugar or skip it entirely depending on what I’m using it for.
Conclusion
This homemade Big Mac sauce is my go-to when I want to take a regular burger or sandwich to the next level. It’s fast, customizable, and brings that nostalgic fast-food flavor right into my kitchen. Once I tried it, I stopped buying bottled versions—because nothing beats making it fresh at home.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Big Mac Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (about 2 tablespoons each)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this homemade Big Mac Sauce perfectly recreates the iconic flavor of the famous fast food burger. It’s quick to make, no-cook, and versatile enough for burgers, wraps, sandwiches, or dipping fries.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sugar until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: add more relish for sweetness, more mustard for tanginess, or more vinegar for boldness.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Serve on burgers, in wraps, on sandwiches, or as a dip for fries or chicken tenders.
Notes
Use dill relish for a tangier version.
Add hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Smoked paprika adds depth, but regular paprika works too.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Stir before using and do not leave out at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
