Big MAC but make it better. This Homemade Big Mac features, soft, buttery potato rolls, juicy smash burger patties, tangy special sauce, melty American cheese, balsamic grilled onions, dill relish, and crisp shredded lettuce… this homemade Big Mac hits all the nostalgic notes—just better.
When I was a kid Big Macs were one of my favorite things to order from McDonald’s. I know it’s insane but at 7 years old I was taking down a whole big mac lol. Recently I had leftover ground beef from burger night and had a mean craving for a Big Mac one, so I made it at home.
What’s a Big Mac?
A McDonald’s classic. This iconic burger features two beef patties layered with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a middle bun for that signature triple-stack. It’s bold, messy, and totally nostalgic.
Why you’ll love this Homemade Big Mac?
- You know exactly what’s in it – No mystery ingredients here. Just real, fresh ingredients you can feel good about.
- Classic flavors – Bold, nostalgic, and just plain delicious.
- Balsamic grilled onions – These steal the show. They add the perfect touch of sweetness and richness in every bite.
- Elevated burger night – It’s your favorite fast food burger, leveled up for home. Fun, nostalgic, and seriously satisfying.
How To Make Homemade Big Mac sauce
The sauce is what makes the Big Mac, a Big Mac. Growing up, I always thought it was just a mash-up of condiments—and honestly, I wasn’t far off. My version starts with mayo and adds ketchup, mustard, dill relish, a pinch of sugar, smoked paprika and a swirl of Sriracha for a little kick. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. It’s a must.
What you’ll need to make this Homemade Big Mac?
Here’s what I used to make the ultimate Big Mac at home:
- Ground beef: I like to use ground chuck, 80/20.
- Buns: I swear by potato rolls. Soft, buttery, and perfect for burgers.
- Cheese: the classic American cheese.
- Iceberg lettuce: Shredded iceberg gives you the right crunch.
- Pickles: I used dill relish since that’s what I had—but sliced pickles work too!
- Onions: grilled yellow onions for that classic big mac taste + fresh onions.
- Special sauce: Mayo, ketchup, relish, mustard, sugar, and Sriracha.
My Favorite Burger-Making Tools
These are a few of the tools I love for building the perfect homemade burger:
- Burger press for the best smashed patties
- Cast iron skillet for that golden sear
- Stainless steel spatula (great for smashing!)
More recipes to enjoy:
- Air fried Hennessy Wings
- The Ultimate Cali Smashburger with Burger Sauce
- Ci’s Ultimate Crispy Fish Tacos
If you try my Big Mac Burger At Home, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please be sure to leave a comment, and/or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Big Mac At Home
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Potato buns plus additional 2 for middle layer
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 tbsp dill relish or pickles
- 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- yellow onions diced
Burger sauce
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard optional
- 1-2 tbsp dill relish use to your discretion
- 1 tbsp Sriracha optional, for more spice
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 tsp granulated sugar optional
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Bring ground beef to room temperature and form into balls placing them on separate pieces of parchment paper. Heat cast iron skillet or pan over medium high heat. Add in 1 tsp of oil and 1 tbsp of unsalted butter. Toast the buns for 2-3 minutes, until golden.
- Place a ground beef ball onto a hot pan and let it sit for 20 seconds before pressing it down firmly with a burger press. Remove the parchment paper and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- While cooking, season the exposed side with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of yellow mustard, if desired. Flip the burger, season the other side with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes. Add a slice of American cheese, reduce the heat, then add a splash of water and cover to steam the cheese until melted—about 45 seconds. Repeat these steps for the other patties.
- For the Big Mac sauce: combine mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, Sriracha, sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, vinegar. Mix until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- To assemble: Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun, then layer lettuce, onions, and the first patty. Add the middle bun, then more sauce, lettuce, onions, pickles or relish, the second patty, and finally the top bun with a little more sauce
Did you make it?
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