This creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced Homemade Big Mac Sauce tastes just like the classic burger spread you crave — but better. Made with pantry staples and a hint of spice, it transforms any burger, sandwich, or fry into a flavor-packed bite. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to skip the drive-thru and whip up a homemade version instead.


Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, meal prepping sandwiches for the week, or just looking to elevate a basic cheeseburger, this sauce delivers. It’s creamy with a slight crunch from relish, tangy from vinegar and mustard, and seasoned to savory perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- Authentic flavor that mimics the real deal but even richer and fresher.
- Versatile: great on burgers, fries, wraps, grilled chicken, and more.
- Quick and easy: made in under 5 minutes with no cooking.
- Customizable to your taste preferences: make it spicy, smoky, or extra tangy.
What Makes Big Mac Sauce So Special?
What truly sets Big Mac Sauce apart is the balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. The creamy mayo base is enhanced with acidic vinegar and mustard, crunchy relish, and a signature seasoning blend that includes paprika and garlic. Unlike ketchup-heavy burger sauces, this one is more nuanced and layered, which is why it pairs so perfectly with meat and vegetables alike.
Ingredients for the Homemade Big Mac Sauce

Each ingredient brings a distinct element that builds the sauce’s iconic flavor:
- Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base and carries the rest of the flavors. Choose full-fat for best results.
- Sweet Pickle Relish – Adds sweetness and texture, the little bursts of tangy crunch mimic the original sauce’s consistency.
- Yellow Mustard – Contributes sharpness and a gentle bite that balances the sweetness.
- White Vinegar – For brightness and tang, which cuts through the creaminess.
- Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
- Garlic Powder – Enhances the savoriness.
- Onion Powder – Brings mild, rounded flavor and depth.
- Salt – Ties everything together, highlighting all the other ingredients.
How To Make the Homemade Big Mac Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Base
In a medium-sized bowl, add ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Add the Tang and Spice
Stir in 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well to incorporate.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Add a pinch of salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Serving and Storing Homemade Big Mac Sauce
This recipe yields about 3/4 cup of sauce, enough to dress 4 to 6 burgers generously.
Keep the sauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.
Use it as a burger spread, sandwich dressing, dip for fries or nuggets, or even as a salad drizzle.
What to Serve With Homemade Big Mac Sauce?
Grilled Cheeseburgers
Perfectly complements any patty, beef or plant-based.
Crispy French Fries
This sauce makes a ridiculously good dipping partner.
Chicken Sandwiches
A dollop of Big Mac Sauce can make grilled or fried chicken sandwiches irresistible.
Veggie Wraps
Adds punch and moisture to any veggie-loaded wrap.
Onion Rings
Dip into this creamy sauce instead of plain ketchup.
Sliders or Mini Burgers
Elevate your party food game.
Roasted Potatoes
Drizzle it over or serve on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the relish with chopped pickles?
Yes! Finely chopped sweet pickles will work just as well. Just make sure they’re sweet, not dill.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegan mayo and ensure your mustard and relish are plant-based.
Does it taste exactly like McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce?
Pretty close — many say it’s even better thanks to fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
How long does homemade Big Mac Sauce last?
Up to 1 week refrigerated in a sealed container. The flavor gets better after a day.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended, as the mayo base can separate. Fresh is best!
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce or condiment board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the spices? Try adding sriracha?
I love hearing your variations! Questions are always welcome — let’s make sauce magic together.
Conclusion
Homemade Big Mac Sauce is the ultimate flavor booster that takes just minutes to whip up. Whether you’re elevating weeknight dinners or prepping for a summer BBQ, this creamy condiment is your secret weapon. For more burger companions, try pairing it with our vegan breakfast quesadillas, fried vegetable egg rolls, or tropical fruit salad with honey lime dressing.
Craving more? Check out more recipes from my Pinterest board at Meals We Share.
Print
Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: ¾ cup
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced Homemade Big Mac Sauce tastes just like the classic burger spread you crave — but better. Made with pantry staples and a hint of spice, it transforms any burger, sandwich, or fry into a flavor-packed bite. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to skip the drive-thru and whip up a homemade version instead.
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. In a medium-sized bowl, add ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of white vinegar, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well to incorporate.
3. Add a pinch of salt, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
5. Use as desired on burgers, sandwiches, fries, or wraps. Stir before serving.
Notes
For a vegan version, substitute with plant-based mayo and ensure other ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Allow the sauce to chill for at least an hour before using for best flavor.
Store in the fridge up to 1 week in a sealed container.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Big Mac Sauce, Burger Sauce, Copycat McDonald’s Sauce


