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Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe

Copycat McDonald's Big Mac Recipe
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Recreate the iconic Big Mac at home with this spot-on copycat recipe. Two thin beef patties, melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, dill pickles, diced onions, and our special sauce are stacked between three layers of a toasted sesame seed bun. This homemade version delivers all the savory, tangy, and creamy flavors of the drive-through classic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the special sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (113g) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the burgers:
  • 12.8 oz (363g) 80/20 ground beef (8 patties of 1.6 oz each)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 sesame seed hamburger buns, sliced horizontally into three layers each
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced dill pickles (about 24 slices)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced white onion

Instructions

  1. Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare the toppings: Shred the lettuce into thin strips using a knife or mandoline. Slice the pickles into thin rounds if not pre-sliced. Finely dice the white onion. Set aside.
  3. Form the patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, each about 1.6 ounces (45g). Roll each into a ball, then flatten into a thin patty about 4 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick. Press a slight indent in the center with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Cook the patties: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is hot and the surface shimmers. Place the patties in the pan without overcrowding (cook in two batches if needed). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for a medium-well doneness (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C). The edges should be browned and the center no longer pink. During the last 30 seconds of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese.
  5. Toast the buns: While the patties cook, split each hamburger bun into three horizontal slices (top, middle, bottom). Place the slices cut-side down on a separate dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble the bottom layer: On each bottom bun slice, spread about 1 tablespoon of special sauce. Top with a handful of shredded lettuce, then place one cheese-topped patty.
  7. Add the middle bun: Place a middle bun slice on top of the first patty. Spread another tablespoon of special sauce on the middle bun. Add about 3 pickle slices and a sprinkle of diced onions.
  8. Complete the stack: Place the second cheese-topped patty on top of the pickles and onions. Add a few more pickle slices and a sprinkle of onions. Cap with the top bun slice.
  9. Serve immediately: The Big Mac is best enjoyed fresh. Serve with additional special sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

The special sauce can be made up to 1 week in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For best texture, toast the buns just before assembling. Leftover cooked patties can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5 minutes. Assembled burgers are best eaten immediately; do not refrigerate assembled as the buns become soggy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Copycat McDonald's Big Mac, Big Mac recipe, homemade Big Mac, special sauce recipe, classic burger, American cuisine, ground beef patties, sesame seed bun, quick dinner, retro recipe

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/copycat-mcdonalds-big-mac/