Name: Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487196H18M1S
Cuisine: American fast‑food style
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp French dressing; 1 heaping tbsp sweet pickle relish; 3 tsp dill pickle juice; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp dried minced onion; 1 tsp ketchup; Dash of salt; 2 lb lean ground beef (to form 12 patties); Salt and pepper, to season; 12 sesame seed hamburger buns (6 tops + 12 bottoms); Butter, for toasting buns; Shredded lettuce; Dill pickle slices; Minced onion; 12 slices American cheese

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Short Description

Recreate the iconic Big Mac at home—with layers of juicy beef patties, melty American cheese, crisp shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and a secret-style sauce—all served on toasted sesame seed buns for that classic double-decker experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nostalgic flavor, perfected at home with fresh components
Customizable: choose lean or fattier beef, ketchup, or cheese options
Flavorful homemade sauce, made with simple fridge staples
Fun to build, layer by layer assembly for diner-style presentation
Great for gatherings: make a batch of 12 and serve with homemade fries

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons French dressing
1 heaping tablespoon sweet pickle relish
3 teaspoons dill pickle juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried minced onion
1 teaspoon ketchup
Dash of salt

For the Burgers and Assembly

2 pounds lean ground beef, formed into 12 thin large patties
Salt and pepper, for seasoning
12 sesame seed hamburger buns (6 tops and 12 bottoms)
Butter (for toasting buns)
Shredded lettuce
Dill pickle slices
Minced onion
12 slices American cheese

Directions

1. Make the “Big Mac” Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, French dressing, relish, pickle juice, sugar, minced onion, ketchup, and salt.
Cover and refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.

2. Cook the Patties

Divide beef into 12 equal portions and form thin patties.
Season with salt and pepper.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook patties about 2‑3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Add a slice of American cheese to each patty and cover briefly to melt.

3. Toast the Buns

Butter the insides of each bun half.
In another skillet or griddle over medium-high heat, toast the buns until golden and crisp—just like a grilled cheese.
Keep toasted buns warm until assembly.

4. Assemble the Big Macs

Bottom bun: Spread sauce, sprinkle minced onion, and add shredded lettuce and pickle slices, then one beef patty + cheese.
Middle bun (a bottom bun piece): Spread sauce, onion, lettuce, pickle, and top with second cheese patty.
Top bun: Place above to complete the stack.

Repeat for all burgers.

5. Serve

Enjoy hot, paired with your favorite fries or onion rings for the full McDonald’s experience.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Makes 12 Big Macs
Prep Time: ~15 minutes (including sauce)
Chill Time: 8–24 hours for sauce flavors to develop
Cook Time: ~15 minutes (patties + toasting buns)
Assembly Time: ~10 minutes
Total Time: ~40 minutes (plus sauce chilling)

Variations

Cheese swap: Use cheddar or Colby Jack if American cheese isn’t available
Lean beef: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Mini size: Make sliders using smaller rolls and fewer layers
Vegan option: Use plant-based burger patties, dairy-free cheese, and vegan mayo
Extra flavor: Add sautéed onions, bacon strips, or crisp bacon for crunch

Storage/Reheating

Sauce: Keeps refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Leftover patties: Store in fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in skillet or microwave.
Buns: Best toasted fresh, but can be wrapped and kept up to 1 day before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Fresh Pickle Juice From Jar Dill Pickles?

Yes—that pickle brine works great, but adjust salt if needed depending on brine strength.

2. Is French Dressing Necessary?

It adds tangy sweetness for authenticity, but you can substitute with Thousand Island dressing or a mix of ketchup and vinegar.

3. Can I Make Fewer Burgers?

Absolutely—scale the ingredients down. Sauce can also be halved or stored for future sandwiches.

4. How Thin Should the Patties Be?

Thin enough to cook quickly and press flat (like the classic “smash” style)—about ¼ inch thick.

5. Can I Grill the Patties?

Yes—grill for 2‑3 minutes per side, add cheese, and finish on a warm spot until melted.

6. Do I Need Both Bottom and Middle Buns?

Yes—the middle bun imitates the signature triple-layer look of a Big Mac. If you prefer the classic single layer, use one bottom and one top per burger.

7. Can I Use Low-Fat Mayo?

Yes—flavor may be slightly lighter, but still delicious.

8. Should I Add Sauce to Both Layers?

Yes—sauce goes on both the bottom bun and the middle bun layer for full flavor coverage.

9. Will the Sauce Make the Buns Soggy?

To prevent soggy buns, toast them well and serve promptly after assembly.

10. What Goes Well with These Burgers?

Classic fries, onion rings, a side salad, or coleslaw pair perfectly for a full burger meal.

Conclusion

This Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac recipe captures all the familiar flavors—from the secret-style sauce to the double cheese patties and sesame-toasted buns. Easily made at home and fully customizable, it’s the ultimate way to enjoy fast-food nostalgia with fresh ingredients and homemade flair.