I love this recipe because it’s fast, fresh, and incredibly versatile. It takes just five minutes to make, and I can use it on so many different dishes. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty mustard, crunchy gherkins, and a hint of paprika gives it that unmistakable flavor. It’s a must-have for summer barbecues, burger nights, or anytime I want to elevate a simple meal.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
100 g (0.5 cups) Mayonnaise 1.5 tsp Paprika 2 tbsp Chopped gherkins 2 tbsp Pickle juice, From the gherkin jar 1 tbsp Yellow mustard
Directions
I start by placing all the ingredients — mayonnaise, paprika, chopped gherkins, pickle juice, and mustard — into a small mixing bowl. I stir everything together until it’s smooth and evenly combined. Once the sauce is ready, I cover the bowl and refrigerate it until I’m ready to serve.
I find that letting it chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors blend beautifully, making it even more delicious. When I’m ready to use it, I give it a quick stir and spoon it over burgers, drizzle it on salads, or serve it as a dip for chips or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes enough sauce for about 4 servings and takes only 5 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I like to add a teaspoon of ketchup for a sweeter flavor or a pinch of garlic powder for a bit of depth. For a smoky version, I use smoked paprika instead of regular. If I want a spicier kick, I add a few drops of hot sauce. For a lighter version, I swap the regular mayonnaise for low-fat or Greek yogurt. It’s such a flexible recipe that I can adjust it to match whatever I’m serving.
Storage/Reheating
I keep the sauce in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best served cold, so I don’t reheat it. If it thickens too much after chilling, I just stir in a splash of pickle juice or water to loosen it up before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I love making it a few hours in advance — it tastes even better once the flavors have blended.
Can I freeze the sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing it, as mayonnaise can separate when thawed.
Can I use dill pickles instead of gherkins?
Yes, they work perfectly — they add a nice tangy bite.
How do I make it vegan?
I simply use vegan mayonnaise, and it turns out just as creamy and delicious.
Can I use Dijon mustard?
Yes, but it gives a slightly stronger flavor. Yellow mustard gives the classic Big Mac-style taste.
What can I serve this sauce with?
It’s perfect on burgers, fries, wraps, or even drizzled over grilled chicken or salad bowls.
Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of gherkins?
Not quite — gherkins add that tangy, pickled flavor that fresh cucumbers can’t match.
Is this sauce spicy?
No, it’s mild, but I can add a dash of hot sauce if I want a bit of heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, it scales up perfectly — I just store the extra in the fridge.
How long does it last?
It keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge when stored properly in a sealed container.
Conclusion
This Homemade Big Mac Sauce is one of my favorite quick and easy condiments to make. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor — the perfect finishing touch for burgers, fries, or wraps. I love how versatile it is and how quickly it comes together. Once I started making it myself, I never looked back — it’s fresher, tastier, and better than anything from a bottle
This Homemade Big Mac Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that tastes just like the famous fast-food favorite. Made in just five minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for burgers, fries, wraps, and salads.
Ingredients
100 g (0.5 cups) mayonnaise
1.5 tsp paprika
2 tbsp chopped gherkins
2 tbsp pickle juice (from the gherkin jar)
1 tbsp yellow mustard
Instructions
Place the mayonnaise, paprika, chopped gherkins, pickle juice, and mustard into a small mixing bowl.
Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined and the sauce is smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Before serving, give the sauce a quick stir and use it to top burgers, drizzle over salads, or as a dip for fries and vegetables.
Notes
Add 1 tsp ketchup for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Use smoked paprika for a smoky version or add a few drops of hot sauce for a kick.
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If it thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of pickle juice or water to loosen it.
