McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce is the signature creamy sauce used on the famous Big Mac burger. It’s made with mayonnaise as the base, mixed with sweet pickle relish, onion, mustard, vinegar, and spices like paprika and garlic powder.
The flavor is slightly sweet, tangy, and savory all at once. Many people think it’s just Thousand Island dressing, but the taste is lighter and more balanced.
This sauce gives Big Mac burgers their signature flavor. If you’ve ever searched for where to buy McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce or wondered if there’s a Big Mac sauce bottle available, this recipe will save you the trouble.
Why You’ll Love This McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce?
You’ll love this McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce since it tastes just like the one from your favorite drive-thru, yet you control every ingredient. It takes only minutes to mix and doesn’t require cooking.
The texture is creamy, the flavor is tangy with a hint of sweetness, and it works on more than burgers. You can store it in the fridge and use it all week. Once you try this copycat Big Mac sauce, you may skip buying those Big Mac sauce packets again.
How To Prepare McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce?
Recipe Overview
McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce is a quick and easy copycat big mac sauce made with simple pantry ingredients in just minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Calories: Approx. 90 calories per tablespoon
- Servings: 2
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Airtight jar or container
- Fine grater (for onion)
No special tools needed. I just use what’s already in my kitchen drawer.
Ingredients (Big Mac Sauce)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon grated yellow onion (with juices)
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Ingredient Notes
1. Mayonnaise – This is the base of the mac sauce. Use full-fat mayonnaise for the closest taste to the original Big Mac Sauce.
2. Sweet Pickle Relish – Adds sweetness and texture. This gives that classic fast-food flavor.
3. Grated Onion – Fresh onion makes a big difference. I grate it finely so it melts into the sauce.
4. Yellow Mustard – Adds sharp flavor and slight color.
5. White Vinegar – Brings that tangy kick.
6. Paprika – Adds mild warmth and color.
7. Onion Powder & Garlic Powder – These build that layered flavor you taste in the original McDonald’s Big Mac sauce ingredients list.
8. Sea Salt – Balances everything.
How to Make Big Mac Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and grated onion. Stir until combined.
Step 2: Add Flavor
Add the yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Step 3: Stir Well
Mix until smooth and fully combined. I like to whisk it for about 30 seconds to make it extra creamy.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors develop.
My Tip: If you want it slightly sweeter, add a tiny pinch of sugar. If you want more tang, add a few drops of white vinegar.
Big Mac Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 110mg
These big mac sauce calories are close to what you’d find in restaurant servings.
Helpful Tips
✔️ Add a pinch of sugar if you like a sweeter taste.
✔️ Use light mayonnaise to lower the big mac sauce calories.
✔️ Stir in a tiny splash of pickle juice for extra tang.
✔️ Make it spicy by adding a dash of hot sauce.
✔️Double the batch and store it for weekly burger nights.
✔️ You can even use this as a dip, similar to a big mac sauce dip cup served with fries.
How to Serve McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce?
I love spreading this big mac recipe sauce on homemade burgers with shredded lettuce and cheese. It’s great in wraps, sandwiches, and sliders.
You can drizzle it over grilled chicken or use it as a dip for fries. It works well on homemade Big Mac-style burgers stacked with two patties and sesame buns.
You can even serve it in small sauce cups like those McDonald’s Big Mac sauce cups for parties.
Storing Tips (Storage)
✔️ Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
✔️ Keeps fresh for up to 7 days.
✔️ Stir before using if it thickens.
✔️ Do not freeze; texture may change.
✔️ Keep tightly sealed to maintain flavor.
Recipe Notes
- Finely grate the onion for a smooth texture.
- Chill before serving for the best flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Use fresh spices for a stronger flavor.
- Store in a glass container for freshness.
Is Big Mac Sauce Thousand Island Dressing?
Many people wonder if McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce is just Thousand Island dressing, but they are not the same.
Both sauces share a creamy base made with mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish, which is why they taste similar at first.
Traditional Thousand Island dressing usually includes ketchup, giving it a stronger tomato flavor and pink color.
In contrast, Big Mac sauce uses yellow mustard, paprika, onion, and a touch of white vinegar for its signature tang.
The flavor of this copycat Big Mac sauce is less sweet and more balanced than standard Thousand Island. So while they are close cousins, the classic Big Mac sauce recipe has its own distinct taste that sets it apart.
Does Big Mac Sauce Have Ketchup?
No, McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce does not contain ketchup. Many people assume it does since the color looks similar to Thousand Island dressing, but ketchup is not part of the official Big Mac sauce ingredients.
The flavor comes from mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, onion, paprika, and garlic powder. That tangy and slightly sweet taste in this Big Mac sauce recipe is created without any tomato base.
If you’re making homemade Big Mac sauce, you don’t need ketchup to get the classic flavor. Skipping ketchup helps the copycat Big Mac sauce taste closer to the real McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce.
More Sauce Recipes
▶3-Ingredient Honey BBQ Sauce Recipe
▶Perfect Wojapi BBQ Sauce Recipe
FAQs For Mcdonald’s Big Mac Sauce
Is Big Mac Sauce The Same As Thousand Island?
No. Thousand Island has ketchup and chopped pickles. This copycat Big Mac sauce has mustard and a different spice balance.
Where To Buy Big Mac Sauce?
Some locations sell a Big Mac sauce bottle during promotions. Availability changes, and many people search for where they can buy Big Mac sauce or buy it online. Making it at home is easier.
Does McDonald’s Sell Big Mac Sauce Packets?
Some locations offer limited Big Mac sauce packets or cups, but it depends on the store.
How Many Calories In Big Mac Sauce?
One tablespoon has about 90 calories. The exact calories in Big Mac sauce vary by serving size.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes better after resting in the fridge for a few hours.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving that famous McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce, try this homemade version in your kitchen. It’s quick, simple, and packed with that classic tangy flavor we all love. I make it for family burger nights and it always disappears fast.
Give this homemade big mac sauce a try and tell me how you used it — on burgers, fries, or straight from the spoon. I’d love to hear your twist on this classic sauce!
McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and grated onion. Stir until combined.
- Add the yellow mustard, white vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined. I like to whisk it for about 30 seconds to make it extra creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors develop.
- My Tip: If you want it slightly sweeter, add a tiny pinch of sugar. If you want more tang, add a few drops of white vinegar.
Notes
- Finely grate the onion for smooth texture.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Use fresh spices for stronger flavor.
- Store in glass container for freshness.
