Burger fans are crazy about McDonald’s Big Mac sauce. While the exact recipe for this flavorful topping is a well-kept secret, this homemade burger sauce tastes almost exactly like the original.
Few recipes in the world are as closely guarded as the Big Mac sauce from McDonald’s. Burger lovers crave its unmistakably spicy and creamy taste—but the ingredients remain a mystery, known only to a select few employees.
No surprise then that countless ingredient lists for the legendary fast-food giant’s burger sauce can be found online and in home cookbooks. If you want to make your own burger sauce inspired by McDonald’s Big Mac sauce, be sure to try the recipe below. Unlike many other sauces, this one contains no preservatives or flavor enhancers—and it tastes almost like the real thing!
Smarter Burger Choices
Of course, burgers aren’t the healthiest option when it comes to a balanced diet. The burger sauce, in particular, adds a hefty dose of calories due to the mayonnaise. However, with a few clever tricks, you can turn your homemade burger meal into a smarter choice. Opt for:
- Whole grain buns instead of white flour buns
- Spelt flour instead of wheat flour
- Plenty of vegetable toppings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or lettuce
- Oven-baked potatoes or wedges instead of deep-fried fries
- Salad with sugar-free dressing instead of fatty side dishes
- Spritzers instead of soft drinks
Tip: Eat your burger slowly. This can help you consume fewer calories, as you’ll notice more easily when you’re full. Also, chew thoroughly—this helps your digestive system, as the enzymes in your saliva start breaking down carbohydrates right away.
Recipe: Big Mac-Style Burger Sauce
Ingredients:
- 150 g mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 2 tbsp pickle-onion relish (2 pickles + ½ small onion, pureed)
- ½ tsp white wine vinegar
- ½ tsp paprika powder (hot)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and let it sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to develop. Alternatively, chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Take the finished burger sauce out of the fridge about ten minutes before assembling the burgers and let it reach room temperature.
