Bursting with creamy tang and a subtle sweetness, the BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe is your ticket to genuine burger bliss at home. This legendary sauce turns the simplest burgers, fries, or even onion rings into an experience that rivals the golden arches, all made in just minutes with pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just want to liven up a weeknight dinner, this sauce is the secret weapon you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe is in how each ingredient plays its part—bright, crunchy pickles for tang, creamy mayo for richness, and a gentle kick from mustard and spices. Gather these simple ingredients and watch their magic unfold!
- Mayonnaise: This is the rich, creamy base that holds the sauce together and gives it its signature texture.
- Dill pickle relish: Brings zippy tang and a bit of crunch; feel free to use sweet relish for a different twist.
- Finely minced onion: Adds gentle sharpness and freshness that brighten the sauce.
- Ketchup: Offers sweet and tomatoey depth; use a natural ketchup for clean flavor.
- Yellow mustard: Boosts the tartness and gives a pop of color.
- White vinegar: A splash of this ramps up the tang and keeps the flavor lively.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance all the sharpness with a touch of sweetness.
- Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a pretty rosy hue.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and providing savory balance.
- Garlic powder: Provides mellow depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder: For that classic, craveable Big Mac flavor profile.
How to Make BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Measure and Prep Your Ingredients
Take a moment to measure out all your ingredients before combining them. This gives you a smooth workflow and ensures that each flavor shines through at just the right level. Finely mince your onion for maximum flavor distribution and minimal crunch.
Step 2: Combine Everything in One Bowl
Reach for a medium-sized bowl and add the mayonnaise, dill or sweet pickle relish, minced onion, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. The moment these hit the bowl together, you’ll notice the familiar aroma of that crave-worthy sauce!
Step 3: Mix Until Perfectly Even
Using a sturdy spoon or small whisk, stir everything together until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color. Take care to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl so no pockets of spice or relish remain unmixed. The transformation to the BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe is almost instant!
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
While you can serve the sauce right away, covering your bowl and chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours lets all those unique flavors mingle and intensify. It’s absolutely worth the wait for the boldest Big Mac-style flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Give the sauce a quick stir before serving—this ensures everything is well blended. Spoon, spread, or drizzle it on your favorite burgers, use as an irresistible fry dip, or even get creative beyond the basics!
How to Serve BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or parsley not only makes your burgers look stunning, but it complements the tangy bite of the sauce. If you want to go full classic, a few extra minced onions or sliced pickles on top provide a satisfying crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe instantly elevates a side of golden, crispy French fries or onion rings. It’s equally at home as a dip for sweet potato fries, chicken nuggets, or even shatteringly crisp tater tots! The creamy tang makes every bite next-level.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill small ramekins or mini jars with the sauce for a fun DIY build-your-own slider bar, or drizzle artfully over burger patties for a restaurant-style flourish. Stir a little sauce into coleslaw or use it as a spread on wraps and sandwiches—the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keeps like a charm! Store any leftover BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in your refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to two weeks, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to dip and slather away.
Freezing
Mayo-based sauces like this one generally don’t freeze well, as the texture can break once thawed. For best results, just make what you’ll use within a couple of weeks and enjoy the ultra-fresh flavor.
Reheating
The good news: there’s no reheating necessary! If your sauce has thickened a bit in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a good stir. If preferred, a tablespoon or two of milk can be mixed in to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I make this BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe without ketchup?
Absolutely! While the touch of ketchup rounds out the sweetness and color, you can simply leave it out for a more old-school Big Mac flavor reminiscent of the original. Either way, it’s delicious!
Is there a way to make this sauce spicier?
Definitely! Stir in a little hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of your favorite BBQ sauce to add heat or smokiness. Start small and taste as you go for your perfect custom kick.
Can I use light mayonnaise for a lighter version?
Yes, light mayo works well and will still deliver that irresistible creaminess, just with less fat and fewer calories. Just be sure to use one you enjoy the flavor of, since it’s such a core ingredient.
How do I keep the onions from being too sharp?
If raw onion is a bit bold for your taste, rinse the minced onion under cold water and pat dry before adding it to the sauce. This tames the sharpness while keeping that lovely crunch and bite.
What else can I use this BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe on besides burgers?
Oh, so much! It’s delicious as a spread for wraps, grilled cheese, bagels with deli meats, or even stirred into pasta or potato salads. Use it wherever you want a creamy, tangy punch.
Final Thoughts
Once you whip up a batch of this incredible sauce, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in our kitchen. I truly hope you’ll give the BEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe a try—it might just become the secret ingredient your friends and family beg you to share!
PrintBEST Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Wonderfully creamy with the perfect balance of sweet tanginess, this world famous sauce is perfect slathered on your burgers or used for dipping fries, onions rings and more!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3/4 cup of sauce
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quality mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
- 2 tablespoons natural ketchup
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Big Mac Sauce:
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate: For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve: Shake or stir before serving. Will keep for up to 2 weeks. Makes approximately 3/4 cup of sauce.
Notes
- The original McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce does not include ketchup but the addition is a big flavor improvement.
- You can omit the ketchup if preferred.
- For a smoky flavor variation, add a dash of barbecue sauce.
- For a spicy kick, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 68 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 178mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 4mg