This post may contain affiliate links learn more
If you’ve ever craved a homemade version of the iconic Big Mac, complete with that unforgettable special sauce, this recipe is for you! With perfectly seasoned beef patties, gooey American cheese, and that delicious three-layer sesame seed bun, this Juicy Homemade Big Mac will hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Big Mac
This recipe takes everything you love about the original Big Mac but amps up the freshness and flavor:
- Homemade special sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and savory.
- Juicy beef patties cooked to perfection.
- Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, chopped onions, and pickles.
- Ready in just 20 minutes, making it an easy and delicious weeknight meal.
Imagine biting into a burger that’s loaded with melty cheese, crispy lettuce, and tangy special sauce, sandwiched between soft sesame seed buns — this is the ultimate homemade version of your favorite fast-food burger.
Ingredients for Juicy Homemade Big Mac
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this iconic burger:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sesame seed buns (2 extra bottoms for the middle bun)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Tools You’ll Need
To make this homemade Big Mac, you’ll need a few simple tools:
- Mixing bowl (for the special sauce)
- Skillet or griddle (for cooking the patties and toasting buns)
- Spatula (for flipping the patties and assembling the burgers)
How to Make Juicy Homemade Big Mac with Special Sauce
1. Make the Special Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate while preparing the burgers.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season each side with salt and pepper.
3. Toast the Buns
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and toast the sesame seed buns until golden brown.
4. Cook the Patties
Cook the patties on the skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty and let it melt.
5. Assemble the Big Macs
- Start by spreading a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add shredded lettuce, a burger patty with melted cheese, and 2 pickle slices.
- Add the middle bun (an extra bottom bun) and repeat the layers of special sauce, lettuce, pickles, and another burger patty with cheese.
- Top with the final bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your homemade Big Mac hot, alongside a side of crispy fries or chips for the ultimate meal.
Tips for the Best Homemade Big Mac
- Thin patties cook quickly and give the burger that classic Big Mac feel, so don’t make the patties too thick.
- Toasting the buns adds a nice crunch and helps keep the burger from getting soggy.
- Double up on the sauce if you love extra tanginess in your Big Mac.
What to Serve with Your Big Mac
While the homemade Big Mac is a star on its own, serve it with:
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing.
- A simple side salad for a lighter option.
- Onion rings or chips for an added crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store any leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble the burger fresh with the sauce and toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the special sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a lighter alternative, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as turkey may cook faster than beef.
How can I make this Big Mac gluten-free?
Swap out the sesame seed buns for gluten-free buns, and you’ve got yourself a gluten-free version of the Big Mac!
Conclusion: Homemade Comfort at Its Best
This Juicy Homemade Big Mac with Special Sauce takes all the flavors you love from the fast-food favorite and brings them right to your kitchen. With the delicious homemade special sauce, juicy patties, and fresh toppings, you’ll love every bite of this easy-to-make burger.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love these other hearty meals:
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops with Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
- Classic Salisbury Steak with Rich Onion Gravy
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Don’t forget to share your photos and reviews on Pinterest! I’d love to see your creations and hear what you think.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 7g
Enjoy!
PrintJuicy Homemade Big Mac with Special Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Juicy Homemade Big Mac brings the iconic fast-food favorite to your kitchen! With thin, perfectly cooked beef patties, melty American cheese, and a homemade special sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and savory, this burger is packed with flavor. Serve it hot with fries for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 sesame seed buns (2 extra bottoms for the middle bun)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 8 dill pickle slices
For the Special Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until well combined and refrigerate while you prepare the burgers. - Prepare the Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Toast the Buns:
Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat and toast the sesame seed buns until golden brown. - Cook the Patties:
Cook the patties on the griddle or skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt. - Assemble the Big Macs:
Spread a generous amount of special sauce on the bottom bun. Layer with shredded lettuce, a patty with melted cheese, and 2 pickle slices. Add the middle bun (extra bottom bun) and repeat the layers of sauce, lettuce, pickles, and another patty with cheese. Top with the final bun. - Serve:
Serve the Big Macs hot with fries or chips, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a classic Big Mac taste, make sure the patties are thin and cook quickly.
- The special sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Toasting the buns gives them extra flavor and helps prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddle/Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Big Mac
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg