Big Mac Sauce… just like McDonald’s! This sauce is made with a handful of simple ingredients and tastes just like the real deal. The perfect topping for any of your favorite sandwiches or burgers, and equally delicious as a dip!
What is Big Mac Sauce?
If you’ve ever had a McDonald’s Big Mac, you know the unmistakable flavor of that secret sauce on top. It’s a distinct blend of tangy, creamy, and sweet… and some might argue that it’s actually the SAUCE that makes the burger! A unique combination of mayo, french dressing, pickle relish, and seasonings, it really is the sauce that has it all… including just the right amount of crunch!
Is Big Mac Sauce the same as Thousand Island?
Although Big Mac Sauce is similar to Thousand Island Dressing, the two are NOT exactly the same. Thousand Island is made with ketchup, while most Big Mac Sauce recipes contain French dressing for a tangier flavor. And it’s actually believed that the original Big Mac Sauce was made without any ketchup OR French dressing, and instead got its pinkish hue from the addition of paprika.
What you’ll need for this recipe
Mayo – Mayo creates the creamy base in this sauce. I used 1/2 cup Hellman’s Mayo, but you can substitute any brand you prefer.
French dressing – 2 Tablespoons of French dressing adds just the right amount of both tanginess and sweetness to this sauce. I used homemade dressing, but any of your favorite bottled brands will work as well.
Pickle relish – I added 4 teaspoons of dill pickle relish, both for the flavor and the crunch that Big Mac Sauce is known for. You can also substitute sweet pickle relish, which will give the sauce an overall sweeter flavor.
Vinegar – 1 teaspoon of white vinegar adds a touch of acid to this recipe to cut the creaminess just slightly without adding much actual flavor to the sauce.
Spices – Finally, we used a simple combination of onion powder, sugar, and salt to round out the other ingredients.
How to make Big Mac Sauce
Making Big Mac Sauce couldn’t be easier. Simply combine the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until completely blended. The sauce is ready to be used immediately or it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later.
Storage tips
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and used as a dressing, sauce, or dip.
What to eat with Big Mac Sauce
- Big Mac in a Bowl
- Air Fryer Pickles
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Air Fryer Mushrooms

Big Mac Sauce
Big Mac Sauce... just like McDonald's! This sauce is made with a handful of simple ingredients and tastes just like the real deal. The perfect topping for any of your favorite sandwiches or burgers, and equally delicious as a dip!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 Tablespoons French dressing
- 4 teaspoons dill pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Mix well using a small whisk or spoon.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Matt says
it’s not a common belief that big mac sauce is made without tomatoes. It’s a fact. https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/big-mac-sauce.html#accordion-c921f9207b-item-283bee7dbd
“Big Mac Sauce
Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Sweet Relish (diced Pickles, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Corn Syrup, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride, Spice Extractives), Water, Egg Yolks, Distilled Vinegar, Spices, Onion Powder, Salt, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Garlic Powder, Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed Corn, Soy And Wheat), Sugar, Caramel Color, Turmeric, Extractives Of Paprika, Soy Lecithin.
Contains: Egg, Soy, Wheat.”
Michaela says
Would love the special sauce recipe..and any others that you haave.