How to Make a Big Mac

Ready to learn how to make a Big Mac? This copycat Big Mac sauce is bang on and you’ll love your newfound ability to make homemade Big Macs whenever you like! Stop spending your time sitting in drive-thrus and try this simple Big Mac sliders and sauce recipe instead. Did I mention how easy it is to whip up homemade Big Mac sauce?

Growing up, my sister and I competed in various sports and after EVERY competition we always went to McDonalds and had a Big Mac Combo.

A Big Mac, french fries and a drink, usually a milkshake.

We thought that we were in heaven and enjoyed every single bite. That is why I LOVE this recipe so much. Thinking about some happy childhood memories every time I make it.

I’m smiling right now just thinking about it.

These homemade Big Mac sliders are super easy. So easy I actually stopped making entire imitation Big Mac burgers and now I just make this amazing Big Mac sliders recipe.

Wait until you taste this homemade Big Mac sauce. There is simply nothing like it.

Perfect for hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches and so much more. I usually have some in our fridge because my husband puts it on everything.

You will too. I can almost guarantee it.

This copycat Big Mac sauce is even better than the original and you can modify it totally to suit your personal tastes. How cool is that?

So here you go. Two incredible recipes, the homemade Big Mac and the homemade Big Mac sauce, that you will keep and make over and over again.

Believe it or not I almost forgot to mention the Big Mac salad. Think about it. Serve everything inside your Big Mac chopped up into the best salad ever. A Big Mac salad.

You can skip the bun of course and eat everything chopped up on top. Including the burger. All of it.

And don’t forget to serve your Big Mac salad with a drizzle of secret sauce. I’m telling you you’re going to love this Big Mac salad as much as we do.

What is a Big Mac?

For those of you that don’t know, Big Macs are hamburgers sold by the international fast food giant McDonald’s. They’ve been around since 1968 and these burgers have always been one of the most popular items on their menu.

What is on a Big Mac?

Big Macs are so popular that most are aware of what comes on them, but for those that don’t know, here is the list!

Big Macs contain two beef patties covered in Big Mac sauce, inside a three-layer sesame seed bun with shredded iceberg lettuce, pickles, diced onion and a slice of American cheese.

Nowadays you can add bacon and a host of other toppings, including ketchup, tomatoes, and barbecue sauce, to name a few. Depending on where you’re located, Big Macs also come as double Big Macs and minis too.

Currently, there are no rules as to what comes on a Big Mac! It’s super easy to create your favorite Big Mac ingredients and make your burger your own.

Now you’re going to be able to make your own homemade Big Mac sauce that suits your taste buds perfectly.

What’s in Big Mac Sauce?

Big Mac sauce includes mayo, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and kosher salt.

Big Mac sauce has long been thought of as a modified version of Thousand Island dressing, but in reality it is a modified French dressing.

Regardless, this iconic copycat Big Mac sauce recipe is delicious and so good on so many things like hot dogs, sandwiches and more.

Just wait until you taste it.

How to Make Copycat Big Mac Sauce

Copycat Big Mac sauce is so simple! Blend the ingredients together with a whisk and refrigerate inside an airtight container until needed. Homemade Big Mac sauce could not be easier to make.

What Makes a Big Mac so Special?

Is it all about the homemade Big Mac sauce? I think so! The Big Mac sauce is what makes “the meal” and gives it a genuinely delicious taste. Everyone knows that the secret sauce is the best part—and this recipe makes it not so secret anymore!

It should come as no shock that the Big Mac is popular worldwide and has been for more than 50 years. It’s just that good. It’s not a menu item that I ever see going away so it just makes sense that I’m able to make it at home to save me some money.

Is Eating Big Macs healthy?

Well…that depends on how you want to look at it. I’m a firm believer that everything in moderation can be healthy, but moderation is the key. While there is a lot of fat content and carbs to the sandwich, don’t overlook the fact that you are also getting protein and veggies.

For me to consider something healthy, it does need to have that balance between ingredients that provide nutrients while not going over the top on sugars are other items.

Can You Make a Low-Carb Big Mac Option?

You bet. Ditch the bun and you’ll knock out a ton of carbs right there. This simple act will immediately make your dish a lower carb option to help you stay on track.

Another fun idea is to create a Big Mac salad instead of a sandwich.

Big Mac Salad Recipe

Another low carb or gluten free option is to serve your Big Mac burger on a bed of lettuce, without the bun and have a Big Mac salad, which also tastes great!

All you have to do is cut out the bun or serve it on the side of your Big Mac salad recipe, if you still want the bun.

Next, add the ingredients to a bowl of lettuce. You’ll still get that flavor and taste of a Big Mac without the need or the guilt of the bread if you’re trying to avoid it.

You still satisfy your craving for a Big Mac without the carbs or gluten and Big Mac salads are absolutely DELICIOUS! I urge you to try one at least once if you’re a salad kind of person!

This Big Mac salad recipe is both kid friendly and husband approved!

You’ll be so glad you tried this recipe. Knowing you always have the option to make your Big Mac sliders into a Big Mac salad recipe is important for me to know.

Side Dishes to Pair With a Big Mac

You can easily eat these Big Mac sliders on their own but why waste the perfect chance to pair up some yummy sides? Some great side dish options are:

• Air Fryer Crispy Roasted Little Mini Baby Potatoes
• French Fries
• Greek Pasta Salad

These are just a few options that pair perfectly with this simple copycat Big Mac recipe. Side dishes can really make a meal complete so don’t hold back!

How Long Can You Store Homemade Big Mac Sauce in the Fridge?

I would try and eat it within a few days if you have leftovers. I never seem to have sauce leftover because I think it’s also a great dip for my french fries as well!

If you have a small jar with a lid, you can always store the leftover sauce in that. Just be certain that you don’t dip a spoon in it that has saliva on it or you’re going to contaminate the whole jar.

Can You Freeze the Sauce Used on Big Macs?

I wouldn’t. The ingredients in copycat Big Mac sauce are delicious, but combined it’s not going to freeze very well. Just make it up fresh and give yourself some extra time to do so.

Other Fun Topping Ideas for Big Macs

Even though this might make it stray a bit from the original Big Mac, you can always add tomatoes, onions, and anything else that you’d like to this sandwich. Have fun making it taste just like you want!

Keep in mind that the more toppings that you add, the further you’re going to get away from the original Big Mac flavor and taste.

Fun Ways to Serve a Big Mac

These mini Big Mac sandwiches are great for a weekend at home or are the perfect addition to a football tailgate party. They can easily be an entire meal or can be a simple appetizer for family and friends to nosh on as well.

You can even have these at baby showers, or as a fun wedding finger food. The sky’s the limit when you’re wanting to share this delicious recipe with family and friends in a creative way.

Tips to Make this Sandwich Even More Unique

While I love this recipe as it is, you can try different ways to make it stand out even more.

One of the best things that you can do is toast the bun. I don’t know why but a toasted bun makes any sandwich over the top delicious. There’s something about that crisp outer crust with the soft center paired up with the burger and ingredients that will have you longing for more.

Just be careful that you don’t burn the bun because this is something that I’m known for. I toast my buns on the stovetop with a bit of butter which produces a great flavor but you have to really watch so that you don’t burn it.

And if you do burn it, you can just scrape off the burnt part with a butter knife carefully—such an easy hack to know! All you have to do is hold the burnt bun over the sink and use the butter knife at an angle to slide across the bread. It will flake off the burnt part of the bread, saving it to still eat and enjoy!

Homemade Big Mac Recipe

Servings: 6 to 8

Prep: 20 Minute

Cook: 25 Minute

Total: 45 Minutes

Big Mac Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Minced dried onion
• Slider buns, depending on size
• American cheese singles
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Melted butter
• Dill pickle chips, for serving
• Shredded lettuce, for serving
• Optional, pinch of dried oregano for garnish
• Cooking spray

Big Mac Sauce Recipe

• ½ cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• Mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika

How to Make a Big Mac

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Mix together sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef and minced onion until well combined. Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish.

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through. Add six slices of cheese and return the pan to the oven for another two to three minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

To prepare the sliders, spread the hamburger sauce over the bottom of the buns.

Using a spatula, remove the large burger patty and place over the bottom buns.

*Note: depending on your bun size you may need to trim the patty.

Top with a layer of pickles, followed by the shredded lettuce.

Place the bun tops onto the lettuce and brush lightly with the melted butter. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and dried oregano (optional). Serve immediately with a side of fries or chips.

Enjoy!

NOTES

Store leftovers in an airtight container for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Hawaiian buns work great with this recipe and add a touch of sweetness!

You can also opt to make this with a single patty or try it with a triple patty!

Homemade french fries are the best pairing with this but if you have frozen, just pop them in the air fryer to give them a delicious crisp. You can even then dip the fries in some of the leftover copycat Big Mac sauce for even more of that delicious flavor and taste.

Ever since I’ve been making this recipe, I’ve never had a craving to go and buy one from the restaurant. I promise you that it’s as good as the real deal, if not better!

The freshness of the meat and veggies are what really does take the flavor and taste over the top. Once you create this fun Big Mac recipe once, it’s going to be a regular on your meal planning radar every single time.

I still get requests from people who ask me to make this when they’re coming to visit and I’ll happily do so since I get to partake and eat it, too!

If you like this simple burger recipe, make certain to check out some other fun ideas:

• How to Cook Hamburgers in Air Fryer
• How to Smoke Hamburgers
• Jalapeno Cheeseburger Sliders with Spicy Mayo