homemade Big Macs

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🍔 Homemade Big Mac Recipe

🔸 Ingredients

For the Big Mac Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons French dressing (or Catalina)

  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish

  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Pinch of salt

For the Burger:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)

  • Salt & pepper

  • 3 sesame seed hamburger buns (you’ll need 3 bottom buns, or 2 full buns and one extra bottom bun)

  • 2 slices American cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

  • 4–6 dill pickle slices

  • 2 tablespoons finely minced white onion

🔸 Instructions

1. Make the Big Mac Sauce:

Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (longer is better) to let the flavors meld.

2. Prep the Buns:

  • Separate the buns. From 3 buns, use:

    • 2 bottoms

    • 1 top

  • Lightly toast all 3 pieces (two bottoms and one top) in a skillet or toaster until golden.

3. Form and Cook the Patties:

  • Divide the beef into 4 equal parts (1/8 lb each) and form thin, flat patties slightly larger than the bun size.

  • Season with salt and pepper.

  • Cook on a hot skillet or griddle for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.

4. Assemble the Big Mac:

Bottom Bun (Base Layer):

  • Spread Big Mac sauce

  • Add minced onions

  • Add shredded lettuce

  • Add 2–3 pickle slices

  • Add one beef patty

  • Add the middle bun (bottom from another bun)

Middle Bun:

  • Spread Big Mac sauce

  • Add onions

  • Add lettuce

  • Add one slice of cheese

  • Add another beef patty

  • Top with top bun

❓ Big Mac Recipe Q&A

Q: What type of beef should I use?

A: Use 80/20 ground chuck for best flavor and juiciness. Don’t use leaner beef—it won’t be as flavorful or juicy.

Q: Can I substitute the sauce with Thousand Island dressing?

A: You can, but it won’t taste quite like a true Big Mac. The homemade version gets much closer to the original flavor.

Q: What cheese should I use?

A: Use classic American cheese (like Kraft singles). It melts perfectly and mimics the original.

Q: What if I can’t find sesame seed buns?

A: Use plain buns and toast them. For authenticity, sprinkle sesame seeds on buttered buns before toasting in a skillet or oven.

Q: Why do Big Macs have 3 pieces of bread?

A: The middle bun (called the “club layer”) adds structure to the tall burger and prevents it from getting soggy in the center.

Q: Can I make the patties ahead of time?

A: Yes, form them ahead and keep them refrigerated (covered). Cook fresh when ready to serve for best texture.

Q: How do I store leftover sauce?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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