Copycat Big Mac Sliders
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Our Copycat Big Mac sliders recipe is simple to prepare and tastes like the iconic McDonalds Big Mac, including the homemade secret sauce. These fun little sandwiches are easy to make for a quick dinner the entire family will love.
With the classic flavors of the McDonald’s signature burger, the miniature version is great for busy weeknight dinners and entertaining. Ready in about 30 minutes, serve these bite-sized burgers at your next backyard BBQ or as a fun game-day snack.
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I love a messy Big Mac burger but I prefer to make them at home so I can save a little money. My obsession with the iconic burger led me to experiment with other recipes that would pair well with the classic flavors.
After making a salad version, Big Mac in a bowl, next on my list was slider sandwiches. Because everything is better in smaller form, right?!
We’re sharing tips to help you get the best results with this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and a printable recipe card.
My favorite part of this recipe is that you don’t have to worry about making individual little burger patties. Instead, we are baking the beef on a sheet pan, which cuts down on the prep work.
This method is also helpful when doubling or tripling the recipe for a larger group. And I’ve also used similar ingredients to make the best Big Mac Sloppy Joes you have ever tasted!
Sliders also are a great way to make your main dish go further with a big crowd. You can turn pulled BBQ chicken or boston butt into mini sandwiches by using a smaller bun.
Ingredients Needed
Big Mac Slider Ingredients
- ground beef – we are using a lean cut to reduce the amount of grease.
- white onion – if desired swap for onion powder, but we really love the extra texture and flavor that fresh onion adds.
- fresh parsley – adds an herby flavor.
- minced garlic – garlic powder can also be substituted.
- salt and black pepper – to season the meat.
- dinner rolls or slider buns – we like buns the best or you can try making homemade rolls for a fun dinner.
- American cheese – the thick, deli-style is the best.
- homemade special Big Mac sauce – the signature ingredient of this classic burger.
- lettuce – iceberg is what Mickey D’s uses but you can use your favorite.
- pickles – we like dill the best because the tanginess balances out the sweet pickle relish used in the special sauce.
Homemade Special Sauce Ingredients
- mayonnaise – regular or light works fine.
- French dressing – brings tanginess to the sauce.
- sweet pickle relish – adds texture.
- granulated sugar
- white vinegar – acidity to balance the sweetness.
- garlic – finely minced.
- salt and pepper – to taste.
Check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How to Make the Secret Sauce
Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to Make Mini Big Mac Sliders
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, grated onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are incorporated but take care not to overwork the beef mixture.
Press the ground beef mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish or rimmed cookie sheet in an even layer.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess grease and juices from the pan.
Top the cooked beef with the American cheese slices.
Slice the soft buns in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom slider buns on top of the cheese, with the cut side facing down. Place the top of the buns cut side down on the bottom bun halves and cover with foil.
Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the buns are warm and the cheese is melted.
Unwrap the foil, remove the tops of the slider buns and set aside.
Flip the layers so the meat mixture is on top. The easiest way to do this is to place a cutting board or baking sheet on top of the meat before turning it over.
Spread the Big Mac sauce on the cut side of tops of the rolls or directly on the meat.
Top with shredded lettuce and dill pickles. Place the top buns on.
Slice into 12 mini Big Macs and serve.
Tips for making the best Big Mac Sliders
- If you use a fattier cut of beef it will shrink substantially while cooking. Using a lean beef cut means less shrinkage and there will be less grease to drain.
- Before adding the cheese, use a paper towel to clean up the pan if needed.
- Deluxe or deli-style American cheese is thicker, richer, and melts better.
- To take these over the top, lightly brush the tops of the buns with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Substitutions and Variations
- The secret sauce is what makes the mini slider version taste like the real thing. You can substitute Thousand Island dressing or even French dressing if you don’t have time to make the sauce.
- Hawaiian rolls – sometimes slider buns can be hard to find, so this is a great alternative. If desired, brush the tops with warm melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
- Cheese – cheddar, Swiss, or Colby can be a substitute for the American.
- Swap proteins – while I used ground beef, you can make a healthier version with ground turkey or chicken.
- Feel free to customize these burgers with your favorite toppings.
Can I make homemade Big Mac Sliders in advance?
Yes, you can make these ahead of time but you’ll want to hold off on assembling the slider sandwiches. Prepare the sauce and meat up to 3 days in advance and store separately in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, cook the meat at 350 degrees F until heated through (about 5-10 minutes), then continue as directed.
How to Store Leftovers
These are best eaten the day they are assembled. If you anticipate having leftovers you’ll want to assemble only what you anticipate eating to avoid the lettuce getting soggy and wilted and the buns drying out.
Keep undressed sliders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat sliders covered with foil at 350 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. Add toppings and sauce after reheating.
What to Serve With
This Big Mac sliders recipe goes great with crispy french fries, tater tots, or potato chips. If you are serving these at your next party or game day, consider making a batch of country style potato salad, southern coleslaw, or zesty Italian pasta salad.
This Big Mac Sliders recipe is a quick and fun spin on the classic burger we all know and love. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game day eats and parties, every bite of these mini burgers packs a big flavor punch.
More Easy Sliders We Love:
- Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sliders
- Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
- Loose Meat Sliders with Cheese
**Save the Big Mac Slider Recipe for Later**
Big Mac Sliders
Ingredients
Slider Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small white onion, grated
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 dinner rolls or slider buns
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 12 pickle slices for topping
Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon French dressing
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Homemade Big Mac Sauce
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk or stir together until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside or store in the refrigerator until ready to assemble sliders.
Sliders
- Preheat your oven to 400° F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are incorporated. Don't overwork the beef mixture.
- Press the beef mixture into the bottom of a 12-inch baking sheet or a 9×12 baking dish.
- Bake for 14-15 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains. Pour any excess juice or fat off the pan.
- Arrange the cheese slices over the cooked beef.
- Slice the slider buns in half horizontally with a serrated knife and place the bottom halves cut side-down over the cheese slices. Place the top halves cut side down directly on top of the bottom halves, then cover the pan with aluminum foil.
- Place the pan back into the oven for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the buns are steamed and warm.
- Remove the top halves of the buns and set aside.
- Flip the remaining layers over so that the beef is on top. TIP: place a second sheet pan or large cutting board over the top and then flip or use two spatulas, making sure to protect your hands.
- Spread Big Mac sauce directly over the beef or on the cut side of the top buns.
- Layer the shredded lettuce and pickles on top of the beef and cover with the bun tops.
- Slice into 12 sliders and serve.
Notes
- We recommend using lean ground beef as it cooks up with less fat. Use a paper towel to clean up the pan after the beef has cooked and before moving on to Step 5.
- Deluxe or deli-style American cheese is more melty and rich.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for larger groups or parties.
- Sliders are best eaten the day they are assembled.
- To make in advance: the sauce and meat can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the meat in a 350 degree F oven, then continue as directed.
- Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, we recommend storing the sliders without the bread, toppings and sauce. To reheat: wrap sliders in foil and heat for 12-15 minutes in a 350 degree F oven.
Nutritional Estimate
Nutritional information is provided as a reference, using an online calculator. We recommend verifying the information independently for accuracy.
