The McDonalds signature sauce recipe, once a closely guarded secret, is now in high demand. And due to its popularity, some of us have figured out how to make it.

I highly recommend reading this entire post before you begin preparing the recipe. However, if all you want is the list of ingredients with full directions, please either click on the jump-to-recipe button above or scroll to the bottom of this post.

If you’re a fan of this delicious sauce, you’ve probably noticed how similar it is to thousand island dressing. In fact, many people say that’s exactly what it is. And although I concur, I make it slightly different.

However, if you want to use the homemade version of thousand island dressing that’s left over from the salad you had the night before, go right ahead.

You might not be able to tell the difference between this sauce and the real thing. Or even if there’s a slight difference, you will probably still like it.

As is the case with all of my recipes, please feel free to adjust the ingredients of this homemade Big Mac sauce to suit your personal taste. 

Fast Food at Home with McDonalds Signature Sauce Recipe

Whether you cook your hamburger on the grill, fry it in the pan, or bring one home from a different fast food restaurant, you can still enjoy this delicious sauce to make your own Big Macs. Or if you like the flavor but want something a little smaller, add it to a quarter pounder.

The original Big Mac was served with two all beef patties on a sesame seed bun with lettuce and cheese nestled inside and the sauce drizzled liberally over all of it. You can copy this McDonalds signature sauce recipe, or you can add whatever you like to your hamburger.

Copycat recipes free you up to use them however you like. Although it’s made to put on burgers, it also makes a delicious dipping sauce for veggies, chips, or whatever you like to dip.

Serve your homemade Big Mac with delicious French fries or waffle fries. Or if you prefer, serve potato chips to add crunch to the meal.

Big Mac Sauce Ingredients

You probably have most of the items for this McDonalds signature sauce recipe in your fridge or pantry. These simple ingredients are also available at most grocery stores. Here’s the ingredient list:

• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Sweet pickle relish (or dill pickle relish)
• Finely chopped onion
• Vinegar (distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar)
• Sugar
• Salt

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

If you want to experiment, swap out the ketchup for French dressing. I’ve done that, and it’s delicious. The flavor is actually almost the same. But depending on the brand, it can have an extra kick.

I’ve also used Catalina or Russian dressing.

Another thing you can do is add hot sauce or cayenne for a extra little heat. If you want to give it more zing, add a little bit of yellow mustard.

You can also add a little onion powder or garlic powder to this famous sauce. Both deliver a powerful punch of flavor to this famous sauce.

Remember that this is your sauce, so make it the way you want. Easy recipes like this are always fun to alter.

If you’re only making one or two burgers, you can cut this awesome sauce recipe into fourths or eights for a single recipe.

Big Mac Sauce Recipe – How to Make It

This McDonald’s Big Mac sauce is super easy to make, and it tastes as good as—if not better than—the original recipe. This is great news for those times when you’re craving a Big Mac and can’t get to McDonald’s to buy one.

First, measure out all of the ingredients in a small bowl. Mix them well.

I used frozen onions that were chopped but not enough.

So I poured them into my manual food chopper, pulled the string a few times, and they came out perfect!

After you mix the ingredients, cover the bowl. Now stick it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better but not necessary.

Before you drizzle the sauce over your burger, give it a good stir to mix any of the ingredients that may have separated.

When I’m making several burgers with McDonald’s Big Mac sauce, I start by spreading some of it on the bottom buns. That way, you get even more of the flavor. 

Now enjoy the deliciousness of your homemade McDonald’s special sauce. Assemble it however you like with whatever you want inside.

This time, I made the burgers with lettuce, tomato, and pickle. But it’s also good with a slice or two of American cheese. I’ve found that this awesome Big Mac sauce takes any hamburger to a whole new level of yumminess.

I normally add pickles because those are some of the normal Big Mac toppings. However, I forgot. I’m surprised my husband didn’t remind me because he loves pickles.

Since I have to be gluten-free, I spread some over the burger without buns. It’s the perfect sauce to make this simple meal taste special.

More Ways to Enjoy McDonald’s Signature Sauce Recipe

There are so many other things you can enjoy this yummy tangy creamy sauce. Here are a few of them:

Dip chicken McNuggets into the sauce.

Drizzle some over your French fries or these yummy waffle fries.

Use it as a salad dressing … because it tastes a lot like thousand island dressing. You can even break up the meat over lettuce and tomatoes for a homemade Big Mac salad.

Dip your veggies in this tangy sauce. It’s delicious on carrots, celery, and broccoli florets.

You can also use McDonald’s secret sauce in place of barbecue sauce on any meat.

Try it on a variety of foods. You’ll discover some delicious ways to enjoy this yummy sauce.

More Delicious Recipes

Here are more of our recent favorite recipes:

Chicken and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes – You’ll love this delicious comfort food you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation.

Slow Cooker Chicken Pepper Pot – Put all of the ingredients into your Crockpot, turn it on, and come back later to a delicious meal.

Homemade Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff – This yummy dinner from Back to My Southern Roots is so easy to make!

Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole – Packed with flavor, this is a one-pan meal that the whole family will love.

3-Ingredient Sausage Balls – These little balls of deliciousness are always welcome on the snack table. They’re also good when dipped in the McDonald’s signature sauce.

Balsamic Glaze Without Sugar – If you’re like me and enjoy a variety of sauces, try this delicious balsamic glaze. I make it without sugar, but if you want it sweet, you can add some.

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