Big Mac Copycat (and homemade buns)

beef patties

🥗Healthier: turkey patties

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Turkey patties reduce fat while ground beef is more affordable.

American cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese slices

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often cheaper.

special sauce

🥗Healthier: yogurt-based dressing

💰Cheaper: mayonnaise + ketchup

Yogurt dressing is lighter, while mayo and ketchup are budget-friendly.

Make hamburger buns by combining 3.5 cups flour, 1 cup lukewarm water, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 egg, 0.25 cups sugar, 1.25 teaspoons salt, and 1 tablespoon yeast in a stand mixer.

Knead the dough until soft and supple, then transfer to a baking mat and cover to rise for 2 hours until fluffy.

Divide the dough into 6 or 8 pieces, rolling them into balls and pressing them down lightly for bun shape.

Let the shaped buns rest until noticeably puffy, about 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Brush the buns with melted butter, egg wash the tops, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Bake the buns for 15 to 18 minutes (or 18 to 22 minutes if humid).

Prepare the Big Mac sauce by whisking together 2 cups mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons mustard, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1.5 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon ground paprika in a bowl. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.

Cut the baked buns in half, ensuring to have enough for the Big Mac's extra bread layer.

Shape 1 pound of ground beef into thin patties, aiming for about 2.65 ounces each.

Use a hamburger press with parchment to flatten the patties.

Season the patties with salt and pepper before placing them in the air fryer.

Air fry at 400°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through after 4 minutes and rotating the trays if necessary.

Assemble the Big Mac by spreading the sauce on the bottom bun, adding shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and a beef patty. Repeat with the middle bun and top with the final bun.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens