Name: Copycat McDonald's Big Mac
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 burger patties (4 oz each) ground beef (80/20); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 slices American cheese; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 6 dill pickle slices; 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion; 3 sesame seed burger buns (including an extra bottom bun); 3 tablespoons 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

Can you really recreate the iconic Big Mac at home? Absolutely—and with even more flavor! This homemade version brings all the signature layers, textures, and that crave-worthy secret sauce into your kitchen, minus the drive-thru line.

Whether you’re looking to impress a crowd or simply indulge in a nostalgic classic, this Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac hits every mark. Two juicy beef patties, crunchy shredded lettuce, gooey American cheese, pickles, onions, and a perfect sesame bun trio—it all comes together for the ultimate DIY burger night.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To nail the layers and textures of the Big Mac, the right tools can make or break your results:

Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan: Vital for getting a good sear on your patties. A hot, heavy surface ensures flavorful browning and that fast-food-style crust.
Sharp Knife: Precise slicing of onions and pickles keeps everything consistent and evenly layered.
Mandoline or Food Processor (Optional): Helpful for shredding lettuce thinly, just like the original.
Toaster or Pan: You’ll want to toast all three bun layers—top, bottom, and middle (yes, Big Mac uses three!). A quick toast helps prevent sogginess.
Spatula or Burger Press: Pressing patties thin for that classic Big Mac look. Keeping patties uniform helps with stacking and bite consistency.

Prepare your space by setting out all your ingredients mise en place. Assembly moves fast, and the key to a great Big Mac is all about timing and layering.

Ingredients for the Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Each layer of the Big Mac plays a role in building its iconic taste. Here’s why every component matters:

Ground Beef (80/20 blend): The fat content in this blend keeps the patties juicy and flavorful, even when thin.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need to bring out the beef’s natural flavor.
American Cheese Slices: Melty, creamy, and classic. It adds that signature fast-food cheese pull.
Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, it gives each bite a satisfying crunch.
Pickle Slices: Tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese.
Finely Diced Onion: Adds sharpness and bite to balance the creamy sauce.
Sesame Seed Buns (with extra middle bun): Three parts—top, bottom, and the center “club” layer to separate the patties.
Copycat Big Mac Sauce: The secret hero. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it ties everything together.

How To Make the Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac

Step 1: Prepare the Special Sauce

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. Chill the sauce for 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Patties

Divide ground beef into thin, flat rounds about the size of your bun. Season with salt and pepper. Heat your skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and sear the patties for 2-3 minutes per side. They should be browned and just cooked through.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Split the top and bottom buns and toast all three pieces (including the extra bottom bun for the middle layer) until golden. This keeps the structure crisp.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Bottom bun: Spread Big Mac sauce, add chopped onion, shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and one cooked patty.
Middle bun: Place it on top, repeat with sauce, onion, lettuce, pickles, and second patty.
Crown bun: Top it all off, pressing gently to secure the structure.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Enjoy hot with fries, extra sauce on the side, and a napkin or two. This burger is juicy and deliciously messy.

Serving and Storing Your Big Mac Copycat

This burger is best served fresh and hot right off the skillet. The cheese should be melty, the lettuce crisp, and the sauce just warm enough to coat every layer. Pair it with a side of fries or onion rings, and you’ve recreated the drive-thru combo at home.

If you need to make them ahead, wrap each assembled burger in parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To reheat, wrap in foil and place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. The bun will steam slightly but hold its form, and the sauce will reheat gently.

Avoid microwaving—it softens the bun and ruins the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Big Mac sauce taste so unique?

It’s a combo of creamy mayo, tangy relish, mustard, and spices that create that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It’s not just Thousand Island dressing!

Can I use regular burger buns?

You can, but it won’t be quite the same. A true Big Mac has three parts: a top bun, a bottom bun, and a middle “club” layer. You can use an extra bottom bun from another sesame bun to replicate this.

How thin should the patties be?

Very thin—around 1/4 inch or less. This ensures quick cooking and that classic fast-food texture.

Is it necessary to use American cheese?

Yes, if you want that signature gooey melt and flavor. Other cheeses might overpower or not melt as smoothly.

Can I prep the sauce in advance?

Absolutely. The sauce actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do I keep the lettuce from wilting?

Use very cold, dry iceberg lettuce. Shred it just before assembling the burgers, and don’t add it to hot patties too early.

Want More Copycat Fast Food Ideas?

If recreating drive-thru favorites at home is your thing, you’re in for a treat. For more beefy, cheesy classics, check out the Wendy’s Chili Recipe—perfect for cozy nights with a side of cornbread. You might also love the Cheeseburger Sliders, a fun party-sized spin on the fast-food burger concept.

Feeling like a fusion twist? The One-Pot Spicy BBQ Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta mashes burger flavors into a hearty pasta dish. Or go handheld again with the Homemade Big Mac Wraps with Secret Sauce—a lighter, tortilla-wrapped riff on this very recipe.

And don’t miss the Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt Recipe if you want layers of savory goodness between toasted bread. It’s another crowd-pleaser.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your burger or comfort food boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you try this Big Mac copycat, I want to know! Did you double up on sauce? Toast the buns differently? Drop your version in the comments below—I’m always excited to see your delicious spins on these recipes.

Looking for more inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate where I share all my latest homemade takes on fast-food classics, comfort food favorites, and weeknight wonders.