Name: Copycat McDonald's Big Mac
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 sesame seed burger buns; 2 slices American cheese; 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 6 dill pickle slices; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon butter

When I first tried recreating the McDonald’s Big Mac at home, I didn’t expect it to taste this close to the real thing. That iconic stack—complete with two thin beef patties, shredded lettuce, pickles, cheese, and of course, that legendary Big Mac sauce—has a flavor we’ve all come to recognize instantly. But what really amazed me was how easy it is to put together once you know the elements that make it unique.

This homemade version nails every layer, from the tangy sauce to the extra middle bun, giving you the satisfaction of a fast-food classic with fresher, customizable ingredients. Whether you’re trying to avoid the drive-thru or just want to impress someone with a nostalgic favorite, this Copycat Big Mac will become your go-to burger night recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Making your own Big Mac at home means you can control the quality of every ingredient—from the beef to the bun. It’s quick, ridiculously satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, you’ll get that same layered bite and saucy richness without the mystery ingredients.

What Makes the Big Mac So Iconic?

The Big Mac stands out because of its triple-layer bun, the two thin grilled patties, and the special sauce that’s neither quite ketchup nor mustard—it’s its own thing entirely. That middle slice of bread isn’t just for height—it creates the perfect balance of texture and holds the whole structure together.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re avoiding red meat, you can easily swap the beef patties for plant-based alternatives or even grilled chicken. Don’t have sesame seed buns? Regular burger buns will work just fine, though you might miss a bit of that nostalgic flair. For the sauce, if you’re short on sweet pickle relish, try finely chopped pickles with a dash of sugar.

Ingredients for this Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Ground Beef (80/20) – You want that classic juicy-fast-food texture, and using beef with a little fat ensures each patty is flavorful and moist.

Salt & Pepper – Simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the natural beef flavor.

Sesame Seed Burger Buns – You’ll need three pieces per burger: a top, a bottom, and a middle bun. You can DIY the middle by trimming a second bottom bun.

American Cheese Slices – The melty texture and sharp flavor are essential to recreate that gooey Big Mac layer.

Shredded Iceberg Lettuce – Crisp and light, it adds freshness and crunch in every bite.

Dill Pickle Slices – A few sharp pickle slices cut through the richness and mimic the original taste perfectly.

Copycat Big Mac Sauce – A blend of mayo, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices. This is the soul of the Big Mac—don’t skip it.

Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Stir until smooth and refrigerate while preparing the other components. Letting it chill helps the flavors meld.

Step 2: Toast the Buns

Slice your sesame seed buns and toast all three layers (top, bottom, and the improvised middle) on a skillet or griddle with a touch of butter until golden brown. This step gives the burger its structure and a little extra flavor.

Step 3: Shape and Cook the Patties

Divide the ground beef into very thin, wide patties slightly larger than your bun—they’ll shrink during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook in a hot skillet or on a griddle for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble the Bottom Layer

Start with the bottom bun. Spread a layer of Big Mac sauce, add shredded lettuce, a few pickle slices, a slice of American cheese, and one cooked beef patty.

Step 5: Stack the Middle Bun

Place the middle bun (the bottom half of a second bun) on top of the bottom layer. Add more sauce, lettuce, and the second beef patty.

Step 6: Add the Top Bun

Finish with the top bun over the second patty. Lightly press the whole burger to help it hold together without squishing it.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Big Macs are best enjoyed hot off the skillet, while the cheese is still gooey and the buns are slightly crisp. Serve with fries and extra sauce on the side if you’re feeling indulgent.

How Long to Prepare the Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Prep Time (15–20 minutes): This includes mixing the Big Mac sauce, shaping the patties, slicing buns, and preparing toppings like lettuce and pickles. If you pre-make the sauce or use pre-shredded lettuce, this step gets even quicker.

Cook & Assembly Time (10–15 minutes): Cooking the patties and toasting the buns is fast, especially if you’re using a griddle to multitask. The full burger can be assembled in under five minutes once everything is ready.

Tips for Perfect Copycat Big Mac

Chill the sauce before using—it makes a big flavor difference.
Use a burger press or a flat spatula to flatten the beef for that classic fast-food thinness.
Toast all three bun layers evenly to avoid sogginess.
Don’t overload the lettuce—it should add crunch, not dominate the burger.
Let the cheese melt naturally on the hot patty rather than microwaving it.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Over-thick patties: Big Macs use thin patties; too thick and it loses authenticity.
Using cold sauce straight from mixing: Always chill it to enhance taste.
Skipping the middle bun: It’s part of the identity of the Big Mac—don’t leave it out!
Overloading toppings: This burger is about balance. Keep portions measured.
Not pressing the burger slightly when stacking: A gentle press helps hold it all together without making it mushy.

What to Serve With Copycat Big Mac?

1. Classic French Fries

Crispy fries are the perfect sidekick. Salt them well and serve with extra Big Mac sauce for dipping.

2. Onion Rings

Golden and crispy onion rings offer a sweet-savory crunch that pairs beautifully with the juicy burger.

3. Coleslaw

A tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast and lightens up the meal.

4. Pickle Chips or Spears

Bright and briny, pickles on the side highlight the flavors inside the Big Mac.

5. Milkshake

Whether it’s vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry, a creamy milkshake completes the nostalgic fast-food experience.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: If you’ve made extra patties, store them separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble fresh when ready to reheat.

Reheating: Reheat patties in a skillet over medium heat for best texture. Toast buns again lightly and reassemble with fresh lettuce and sauce.

Freezing: Cooked patties can be frozen (separated with parchment) for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing assembled burgers or lettuce, as textures suffer.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (1 Big Mac-style burger):

Calories: ~560 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Sodium: 950mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free buns and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I prep the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better after 24 hours in the fridge and keeps well for up to a week.

What’s the best beef to use for this?

Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Can I grill the patties instead of using a skillet?

Yes, but keep them thin and use high heat to get that quick sear.

How do I make the middle bun?

Use the bottom half of a second sesame seed bun, or trim off the rounded top from a regular bun to create a flat middle slice.

Conclusion

Making a Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac at home is not just doable—it’s incredibly fun and satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you can recreate that nostalgic fast-food magic any night of the week. Customize it, enjoy it fresh, and serve it with all the classic sides for a full-on burger experience that might even beat the original.