We’ve answered why McDonald’s ketchup tastes so good, why its onions make a burger so delicious, and even what makes the french fries and co*ke better than any other restaurant. But there’s one McDonald’s burger that is so iconic that we need to break it down piece by piece to understand why it’s so perfect: the Big Mac.
As the jingle goes, the Big Mac is comprised of “two all-beef patties, Special Sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun.” We know the double patties, triple bun, and rehydrated onions make up a large part of the Big Mac’s success, but, you can’t talk about a Big Mac without talking about the Special Sauce.
So, what the heck is Big Mac sauce and why does it taste so delicious that customers want to buy sides of it with every Mickey D’s order?
What Is Big Mac Sauce?
Big Mac sauce was invented alongside the Big Mac burger in 1968 at a Pittsburgh McDonald’s franchise. It’s a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet sauce that is slathered on both Big Mac patties for optimal flavor.
At first, there were two versions of the signature sauce, but McDonald’s eventually created a new recipe that combined the two flavors to ensure consistency at all restaurants—as was the Ray Kroc (McDonald’s original CEO) way.
This secret recipe was used from 1972 through 1991 when it was changed another time. However, in 2004, then-CEO Fred Turner decided the Big Mac needed one final revamp and he decided to bring back the OG Big Mac sauce recipe. Since then, we’ve been enjoying the original recipe made with the original ingredients from the same suppliers Big Mac founder Jim Delligatti used in the ‘60s.
It was recently announced that the Big Mac would undergo an innovation as part of McDonald’s plan to improve its most-popular hamburgers. In addition to the grilling techniques and onion flavor, the Big Mac will have even more Big Mac sauce by 2024.
What Makes Big Mac Sauce So Good?
The reason Big Mac sauce is such a hit is because it’s unique. A lot of restaurants have “special sauces,” but few are as beloved as Big Mac sauce. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, acidic, savory, and slightly sweet that compliments the rest of the burger incredibly well.
And, despite the fact that dozens of companies have tried to recreate the success of Mickey D’s special sauce, there’s nothing quite like the original. Especially because the Big Mac sauce recipe is such a closely guarded secret—similar to KFC’s 11 herbs and spices and Chick-fil-A’s breading recipe.
People speculate that it’s essentially a Thousand Island dressing, but there's actually no ketchup or tomato-based products in Big Mac sauce, according to McDonald’s website.
In 2022, Chef Mike Haracz, the former Manager of Culinary Innovation at McDonald’s, posted a TikTok recreating the Big Mac sauce saying it was “as close” as you could get.
His recipe is:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 2 tablespoons Düsseldorf mustard
- 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
- 1 1/4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
Haracz calls out that the reason Mickey D’s Big Mac sauce has an orange-pink hue is because of the paprika—rather than ketchup like some people think. Additionally, one commenter asked for a good substitute for Düsseldorf mustard, to which Haracz responded by saying Dijon mustard will work too.
While it might not be the exact recipe from the ‘60s, Haracz’s rendition will get you pretty darn close. So, next time you want to try a DIY Big Mac, give his recipe a try—or simply head to the Golden Arches for the real deal.
FAQs
The reason Big Mac sauce is such a hit is because it's unique. A lot of restaurants have “special sauces,” but few are as beloved as Big Mac sauce. It's the perfect blend of creamy, acidic, savory, and slightly sweet that compliments the rest of the burger incredibly well.
What is the special sauce on a Big Mac made of? ›
Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Sweet Relish (diced Pickles, Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Corn Syrup, Xanthan Gum, Calcium Chloride, Spice Extractives), Water, Egg Yolks, Distilled Vinegar, Spices, Onion Powder, Salt, Propylene Glycol Alginate, Garlic Powder, Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed Corn, ...
Why is the Big Mac so tasty? ›
But there is a simple perfection to the Big Mac. The alchemy of onions, pickles, lettuce, extra bun and signature Big Mac sauce elevates McDonald's otherwise mediocre burger patties into something gluttonous and glorious.
Is Big Mac sauce just thousand island? ›
The answer is no… but they are similar. Both of the condiments have a creamy consistency and include sweet pickle relish. But, McDonald's Big Mac Sauce includes vinegar and has a bit more pickle relish in it than Thousand Island dressing.
What is the closest thing to the Big Mac sauce? ›
Big Mac sauce and Great Value Secret Sauce are nearly identical in terms of ingredients.
Is Big Mac sauce just burger sauce? ›
Its first introduction in the United States in 1968 revolutionised the burger experience, with the Big Mac Sauce becoming an instant hit. A fusion of creamy mayonnaise, tangy vinegar, sweet relish, and a hint of mustard, this concoction offers an ideal balance of sweet, sour, and savoury notes.
What is the secret to Big Mac sauce according to a former McDonald's chef? ›
You just need:
- one cup of mayonnaise.
- a quarter cup of sweet pickle relish.
- two tablespoons of Dusseldorf Mustard.
- one teaspoon of white wine vinegar.
- one and one quarter teaspoon of paprike.
- one teaspoon of granulated garlic.
- one-eight a teaspoon of white pepper.
The Big Mac sauce side cannot be ordered in-store and is only available via the McDonald's app. It is no extra charge with the purchase of McNuggets but can also be ordered a la carte with any McD's menu items. To honor the legacy of Big Macs, the dip cups are decorated with retro packaging.
What is really in a Big Mac? ›
The McDonald's Big Mac® is a 100% beef burger with a taste like no other. The mouthwatering perfection starts with two 100% pure all beef patties and Big Mac® sauce sandwiched between a sesame seed bun. It's topped off with pickles, crisp shredded lettuce, finely chopped onion, and a slice of American cheese.
Did McDonald's change their burgers in 2024? ›
McDonald's Plans To Test Bigger Burgers in 2024
“As we look to further build on our leadership in beef, our team of chefs from around the world have created a larger, satiating burger.
“From the perfect amount of our legendary Special Sauce, to the crunch of our crisp lettuce and the juiciness of our 100% pure beef patties, customers know and love the unmistakable flavor of the Big Mac.
Why do big macs have three buns? ›
Now another element that makes the Big Mac so unique is the three pieces of bread versus the two in a traditional burger! In between the two patties is another bottom bun so it basically feels like two burgers combined into one. So for each burger, you will need two bottom buns and one top bun!
What does the Big Mac sauce contain? ›
Big Mac Sauce Ingredients
Although it's also called secret sauce, we're revealing that secret right here, right now. Big Mac Sauce contains only a few ingredients: Mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, onion, mustard, white vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika.
Can you ask McDonald's for Big Mac sauce? ›
This creamy, tangy, slightly sweet and perfectly dippable sauce will be available at no extra charge with any purchase of Chicken McNuggets. It can also be ordered a la carte to pair with all your go-to McDonald's menu items, because let's be real... a sauce this iconic should go on everything.
Does Mcdonalds sell their mac sauce? ›
Available in restaurant, in Drive-Thru, via the My McDonald's App, and also via McDelivery, now is the time to try Big Mac® Special Sauce with any McDonald's menu items whether that's Chicken McNuggets, Veggie Dippers... or perhaps a Big MacFlurry…?
Is Walmart secret sauce the same as Big Mac sauce? ›
"The [sauce] that best replicated Big Mac sauce from McDonald's that you should go buy if you want it is Great Value's 'Secret Sauce,'" he told his burger followers. "Look at the ingredients statement, it's almost identical."
Is it possible to get Big Mac sauce on the side? ›
Whether you're a longtime fan of the iconic Big Mac sandwich or curious to taste its signature sauce, Big Mac sauce is now available à la carte at McDonald's. Customers can order a dipping cup of the special sauce for 50 cents to accompany french fries or nuggets, but don't expect to ask for it at counter.
What year did McDonald's change the Big Mac sauce? ›
In 2018, McDonald's revamped the sauce by removing potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and calcium disodium EDTA. The sauce is occasionally available for purchase on its own for a limited time. The first time was in 2015. A 25 ml (0.85 U.S. fl oz) tube was available for purchase but only in restaurants in Australia.
