Print

Delicious Copycat Big Mac Sauce Smash Burger Recipe Easy and Perfect

copycat big mac sauce smash burger - featured image

A quick and easy copycat recipe for McDonald’s Big Mac sauce smash burger with crispy edges, juicy patties, and tangy homemade sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 sesame seed burger buns, split and toasted
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 slices American cheese
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced white onion
  • 6 thin dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Big Mac Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dill pickle relish, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp white vinegar, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld.
  2. Form the Burger Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Gently roll each into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Heat until smoking hot.
  4. Smash and Cook Patties: Place two beef balls into the skillet spaced apart. Using a spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  5. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patties carefully and place a slice of American cheese on each. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy. Remove patties and keep warm. Repeat with remaining two patties.
  6. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the sesame seed buns on the skillet or in a toaster until golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Assemble the Smash Burgers: Spread a generous layer of Big Mac sauce on both top and bottom buns. On the bottom bun, layer shredded lettuce, a slice of pickle, one smash patty with melted cheese, a few onion slices, then the second patty. Top with the other bun half and press gently to combine.
  8. Serve Immediately: Best eaten hot while patties are juicy and sauce is fresh. Pair with fries or favorite sides.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based slices. Let sauce rest in fridge for at least 10 minutes to deepen flavor. Use a sturdy metal spatula for smashing patties. Avoid pressing patties after flipping to keep them juicy. Toast buns well to prevent sogginess. Reheat leftovers gently in skillet, avoid microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: Big Mac sauce, smash burger, copycat recipe, homemade burger, fast food copycat, easy burger recipe, quick dinner