It’s the legendary burger condiment that turned a double-decker sandwich into a fast-food icon. That creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and addictively savory sauce has mystified fans for years. But the truth is, you don’t need a secret McDonald’s connection or a dip cup from a viral promotion to taste it again.
This Copycat Big Mac Sauce Recipe recreates that familiar magic right at home. No artificial preservatives. No hidden powders. Just real pantry ingredients blended in a few minutes flat. Spoon it on burgers, sandwiches, fries, or even salads. You might find yourself making a jar weekly. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
How to make Copycat Big Mac Sauce
This homemade version uses mayo as the base and gets its signature flavor from sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion and garlic powder, vinegar, and paprika. There’s no ketchup here, just a balanced blend that hits sweet, sour, and umami perfectly.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 1 cup (8 servings)
Calories: Approx. 120 per serving (2 tablespoons)
Ingredients, tools, instructions, and tips
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)
Tools needed
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk or fork
- Airtight jar or container for storage
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and mustard.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a small pinch of sugar.
- Whisk until smooth: Use a whisk or fork to combine everything until the sauce is creamy and uniform in color.
- Chill before serving: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the spices to blend and mellow.
Tips
- Use very cold mayonnaise for a thicker sauce.
- If your relish is too chunky, pulse it once or twice in a food processor for a smoother blend.
- Taste before chilling. Add more paprika or vinegar if you prefer a spicier or tangier profile.
- This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed jar.
What to serve with the sauce
This Copycat Big Mac Sauce is way more than a burger topping. Try it as a:
- Dip for fries, onion rings, or chicken nuggets
- Spread for grilled chicken wraps or deli sandwiches
- Drizzle over cheeseburger salads or taco bowls
- Sauce for smash burgers or sliders
- Quick dressing for slaw or pasta salad
You can even swirl it into ground beef before cooking patties for a built-in flavor upgrade.
Ingredient substitutes
- Mayonnaise
Original Ingredient: Full-fat mayonnaise
Substitutes:- Greek Yogurt: For a tangier, lower-fat version
- Vegan Mayo: Keeps it dairy-free and egg-free
- Sour Cream: Offers a similar creamy texture with more tang
- Sweet Pickle Relish
Original Ingredient: Store-bought sweet relish
Substitutes:- Finely chopped bread-and-butter pickles
- Homemade sweet relish with cucumber, vinegar, and sugar
- Dill pickle relish plus a pinch of sugar
- Yellow Mustard
Original Ingredient: Classic yellow mustard
Substitutes:- Dijon Mustard: Adds more spice and less sweetness
- Honey Mustard: If you prefer a sweeter profile
- Stone-Ground Mustard: For a grainier texture
- White Vinegar
Original Ingredient: Distilled white vinegar
Substitutes:- Apple Cider Vinegar: Milder and fruitier
- Lemon Juice: Adds freshness
- Rice Vinegar: Slightly sweeter, great for a gentler finish
- Paprika
Original Ingredient: Standard sweet paprika
Substitutes:- Smoked Paprika: For a bold twist
- Chili Powder: Adds heat, so use sparingly
- Cayenne (a pinch): For spice lovers only
- Onion Powder & Garlic Powder
Original Ingredients: Pantry staples
Substitutes:- Fresh minced garlic or shallot (1 clove or 1 tsp)
- Granulated onion or garlic for stronger flavor
- Roasted garlic paste for a gourmet version
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
Pinch of sugar (optional, for balance)
Instructions
Mix the base: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and mustard.
Add seasonings: Stir in the vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a small pinch of sugar.
Whisk until smooth: Use a whisk or fork to combine everything until the sauce is creamy and uniform in color.
Chill before serving: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using. This allows the spices to blend and mellow.
