This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce is my go-to when I want to recreate that iconic Big Mac flavor at home. It’s smooth, zesty, and packed with punchy notes of relish, mustard, and a blend of spices—perfect for slathering on burgers, dipping fries, or spooning onto sandwiches. Copycat Big Mac Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to make this Big Mac-style sauce at home. With no cooking required, I can whip it up in just minutes using ingredients I usually have in my fridge and pantry. It’s a perfect copycat of the fast-food favorite, but I like that I can adjust the flavor to match my preferences—more tang, more sweetness, or a little kick. Plus, it makes burgers taste like something special, even on a random Tuesday night.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon finely grated yellow onion (with juices)
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
½ teaspoon white vinegar (optional)
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon fine salt

Directions

I start by grating the onion and make sure to include any juice—it really enhances the flavor.
In a mixing bowl, I combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, grated onion with its juice, and mustard. I whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth.
Then I stir in the vinegar (when I want extra tang), along with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. I mix everything until it’s fully blended.
I cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together.
When I’m ready to use it, I give it a quick stir (or a shake, if it’s in a jar) and spread it on burgers or serve it as a dip.

Servings and timing

Copycat Big Mac Sauce

This recipe makes about ¾ cup of sauce, which gives me roughly 6 servings (each about 2 tablespoons).

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes stir in a little ketchup for sweetness or add a pinch of sugar to balance the tang. If I’m feeling health-conscious, I replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt—it still tastes creamy but with fewer calories. And if I don’t have vinegar on hand or want a milder sauce, I just leave it out.

Storage/Reheating

I always store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to 1 week. I never freeze it, as the texture doesn’t hold up well. If it separates slightly after sitting, I just stir it well before using. Since it’s a cold sauce, there’s no need to reheat.

FAQs

What does Big Mac sauce taste like?

It has a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor with hints of mustard, pickle relish, and onion. It’s what gives a Big Mac its signature taste.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I actually prefer making it a day ahead. The flavors deepen and meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I use dill pickle relish instead of sweet?

I’ve tried it with dill relish, and while it’s still good, it changes the flavor. For that classic Big Mac taste, sweet relish works best.

Is the vinegar necessary?

Not really. I sometimes skip it if I’m going for a milder sauce. It adds tang, but the mustard and relish already bring some acidity.

Can I freeze this sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing it. Mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.

Conclusion

This copycat Big Mac sauce is one of my favorite condiments to make at home. It’s quick, delicious, and transforms even a basic burger into something crave-worthy. I keep a jar in the fridge for dipping fries, spreading on sandwiches, or adding a nostalgic twist to my meals. Give it a try—it’s simple, satisfying, and better than takeout.