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McDonald's Special Sauce Recipe

This recipe provides a straightforward method to recreate McDonald's iconic Special Sauce. Combining common pantry staples like mayonnaise, relishes, and seasonings, it offers a sweet, tangy, and savory condiment perfect for elevating homemade burgers, sandwiches, or as a versatile dipping sauce. The simplicity of the preparation belies its complex flavor profile, especially after chilling.
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Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 1007.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Set of Measuring Cups
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Airtight Container for storage

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1/4 cup salad dressing like Miracle Whip
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons French salad dressing Wishbone brand
  • 1/2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish Heinz brand
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dill pickle relish Vlasic or Heinz brand
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ketchup
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Gather all specified ingredients, ensuring accurate measurements.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad dressing, mayonnaise, French salad dressing, sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish, sugar, dried minced onion, white vinegar, ketchup, and salt.
  • Using a whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color and texture.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more sugar for sweetness or salt for balance as per preference.
  • Transfer the prepared sauce into an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate the sauce for at least 60 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
  • Before serving, give the sauce another quick stir.
  • Serve chilled with burgers, fries, or as a dipping sauce for various dishes.
  • Store any leftover sauce in the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

For an authentic flavor profile, allow the sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes, or ideally overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, much like a good dressing. The dried minced onion will rehydrate and release its full aroma, integrating seamlessly into the sauce. If a smoother texture is preferred, ensure the relishes are finely chopped. For a brighter note, a touch more white vinegar can be added. Taste and adjust sugar and salt as needed to balance the sweet and tangy elements. This sauce is versatile; beyond burgers, it elevates chicken sandwiches or acts as a fantastic dip for fries.