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McDonald's Special Sauce Recipe

This recipe recreates McDonald's iconic Special Sauce, a creamy, tangy, and sweet condiment. It involves simply combining various dressings, relishes, and spices. Quick and easy to prepare, this homemade version is perfect for enhancing burgers, fries, or sandwiches, with chilling time being essential for optimal flavor development.
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Total Time 1 hour 6 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 1007.8 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk Or sturdy spoon for thorough mixing
  • 1 Set of Measuring Cups
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Airtight Container For chilling and 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 and ensure they are at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Using the measuring cups and spoons, accurately measure all liquid ingredients: salad dressing, mayonnaise, French dressing, white vinegar, and ketchup.
  • Pour all the measured liquid ingredients into a medium-sized mixing bowl.
  • Add the sweet pickle relish, dill pickle relish, sugar, dried minced onion, and salt to the bowl with the liquid ingredients.
  • Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly and vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth, well-combined, and shows a uniform color and texture.
  • Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding a pinch more sugar for sweetness or a dash more vinegar for tang to suit your preference.
  • Transfer the prepared Special Sauce into an airtight container.
  • Refrigerate the sauce for at least 60 minutes, or ideally for several hours, to allow the flavors to fully meld and deepen.
  • Serve the chilled Special Sauce with your favorite burgers, sandwiches, or as a versatile dipping sauce.
  • Store any leftover sauce in the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

For optimal flavor development, it's crucial to allow the sauce to chill for at least an hour, or ideally longer. This resting period enables the various components—especially the relishes and dried onion—to meld harmoniously. While dried minced onion is specified, for a brighter, more pungent kick, consider rehydrating it in a touch of warm water first or, for a superior result, use a very finely minced fresh shallot. The balance of sweetness and tang is key; adjust sugar or vinegar to taste based on the specific brands of dressings and relishes used, as their profiles can vary. Thorough whisking ensures a smooth, emulsified texture, preventing any separation during storage. This sauce is not just for burgers; it elevates grilled chicken, sandwiches, and even as a dip for fries.