The Big Mac is iconic, and for good reason. It’s delicious! However, we believed that we could make a better Big Mac recipe. And so we created… the Better Mac! And you can too and enjoy the greasy goodness of a Big Mac in your own home! (Did we mention that it’s even better than the original?)
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Prepare
It’s easier than you think to make your own Big Mac and you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen already. Start by prepping the 80/20 ground beef by rolling it into 3 oz balls. You’ll need 2 balls for each Better Mac. (This is 50% more beef than a Big Mac, so it’s already better!) Rehydrate the minced onions. You’ll need them for both the special sauce and the burger. You’ll also need to prep your special sauce. It isn’t the exact special sauce recipe, but we think our riff on it is better. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. You’ll also need two brioche buns, but only one of the tops.
Get to Grillin’
Once you have all your ingredients prepped, head out to the grill. WE want the flat top above 350°F because we want these smash burger patties to develop a nice crush around the edges.
Don’t have a flat top? I highly recommend them. It’s perfect for feeding the family. Check out our review of the best flat top grills to see which one is right for you!
Once the grill is hot, flatten each patty using the smash burger tool and a piece of parchment paper between the tool and the patty. Sprinkle some SPG (salt, pepper, and garlic seasoning) on the burgers. Allow the burgers to cook until they start to get lacey. Then, flip them. Smash burgers are intended to be well-done, so make sure they are fully cooked. Add a slice of cheese to each patty. Again, McDonald’s puts their cheese on cold, but we like ours better when it’s slightly melted.
Assemble Greatness
Once your burgers are finished, it’s time to assemble! Take one of the bun bottoms and spread special sauce on it. Add shredded lettuce, arguably the worst part of the Big Mac, but I digress. Place a burger patty on the bun and top with minced onions and more special sauce. Stack the next bun bottom and repeat with special sauce, lettuce, patty, onions and sauce. Top with three deli dill pickles and cap the tower with the top of the brioche bun.
I’m lovin’ it!
Now the moment you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to dig into your Better Mac. I have always loved the Big Mac, it’s my go-to when I indulge in some Mickey D’s. The Better Mac is just a better Big Mac recipe on all fronts. The bun is better, the crusty patties have more flavor, and the special sauce is more savory and creamier. (I admit the shredded lettuce is about the same.) You won’t regret taking the plunge to make your own Better Mac this weekend!
The Better Mac
Ingredients
- 6 oz 80/20 ground beef divided into two meatballs
- 2 sesame seed brioche buns use two bottoms and just one top
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 Tbsp rehydrated minced onion use 1/2 cup water to rehydrate
- SPG (salt, pepper, garlic) seasoning to taste
- 3 deli style dill pickles
Special Sauce
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp Dill pickle juice
- 1 1/2 Tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp rehydrated minced onion use 3 tsp of water to rehydrate
Instructions
- Heat the flat top to 350°F. Preheat the smasher on the flat top.
- Mix all the ingredients for the special sauce together. Rehydrate the onions.
- Place one ball of meat on the flat top and place a piece of parchment paper over top of it. Smash the burger until it is flat using the smasher. Season with a salt, pepper and garlic (SPG) mixture.
- Flip the burger when you see the fat rendering out and bubbling in the interior of the burger. This is referred to as getting lacey.
- Immediately add a slice of cheese so the cheese can melt a little on the griddle.
- Remove the burger patty when it's well done and repeat with the second patty.
- Take one of the bottoms of the buns and spread with special sauce. Add shredded lettuce.
- Place one patty on top of the lettuce and add more special sauce and minced onions. Add the other bottom bun on top.
- On the second bottom bun, repeat with the special sauce, shredded lettuce, burger patty, special sauce, and onions.
- Place three deli style pickles on top and cover with the top of the bun.
- Admire and enjoy!
