Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe

Introduction

The Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac is a fun and satisfying way to enjoy this fast-food classic at home. With its signature sauce, fresh toppings, and perfectly cooked patties, it delivers all the familiar flavors in a homemade version. Ready in just a few steps, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and nostalgia.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 sesame seed buns (1 top, 1 bottom, 1 extra bottom)
• 2 slices American cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 4 dill pickle slices
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup Big Mac sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Big Mac sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Chill until needed.
2. Step 2: Divide ground beef into four 1.6 oz balls and flatten each into thin patties.
3. Step 3: Cook patties in a hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Butter and toast all bun halves—including the extra bottom bun—until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Build the Big Mac: On the bottom bun, spread sauce, then add onions, lettuce, cheese, and a beef patty.
6. Step 6: Add the middle bun, then repeat with sauce, onions, lettuce, pickles, and the second patty.
7. Step 7: Place the top bun on and serve warm with fries or your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• For the best flavor, use freshly chopped onions and crisp iceberg lettuce.
• Try making your own Big Mac sauce to match your preferred sweetness and tanginess.
• Substitute American cheese with cheddar or a cheese of your choice for a twist.
• Use a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan to get a nice sear on the patties.

Storage

Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, re-toast buns and reheat patties in a skillet before assembling. Avoid making the sandwich too far in advance to keep the buns from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Big Mac sauce from scratch?

Yes, making the sauce yourself allows you to adjust the flavor. It typically includes mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, and a few spices.

What’s the purpose of the extra bottom bun?

The Big Mac uses an additional bottom bun in the middle to create its iconic three-layer structure, separating the two beef patties and toppings.

Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 58 reviews

This Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac recipe recreates the iconic fast food burger at home with juicy beef patties, melted American cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, onions, and the famous Big Mac sauce all stacked between three sesame seed buns. Perfect for burger lovers craving that signature taste without going to the drive-thru.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 Big Mac-style burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Big Mac Sauce

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Burger

• 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 sesame seed buns (1 top, 1 bottom, 1 extra bottom)
• 2 slices American cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
• 4 dill pickle slices
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

1. Prepare Big Mac Sauce: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
2. Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions of about 1.6 ounces each. Flatten each portion into a thin patty approximately the size of the buns for even cooking and authentic presentation.
3. Cook Patties: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each beef patty for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
4. Toast Buns: Spread butter on all bun halves, including the extra bottom bun. Place them butter-side-down on the warm skillet and toast until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.
5. Assemble Bottom Layer: On the bottom bun, spread a generous amount of Big Mac sauce, then add the chopped onions, shredded lettuce, one slice of American cheese, and one cooked beef patty.
6. Add Middle Bun and Second Layer: Place the extra bottom bun (middle bun) on top of the bottom layer. Spread Big Mac sauce again, followed by onions, lettuce, dill pickle slices, and another beef patty.
7. Finish and Serve: Top with the sesame seed top bun. Serve the assembled Big Mac warm alongside fries or your favorite sides for a classic burger meal experience.

Notes

• You can store the Big Mac sauce covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Using ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20) helps keep the patties juicy.
• If you prefer, you can make your own sesame seed buns or substitute with any soft burger buns.
• Toast the buns carefully to avoid burning and to achieve a crispy texture.
• To keep patties warm while assembling, place them on a plate covered with foil.

Keywords: Big Mac, copycat recipe, homemade burger, McDonald’s, classic burger, fast food at home