Introduction
big mac pizza recipe but also love pizza? Why not have both? This Big Mac Pizza recipe combines the iconic flavors of a McDonald’s Big Mac with the cheesy, crispy goodness of pizza. The result? A mouthwatering, homemade version of your favorite fast-food burger—on a pizza!
This homemade Big Mac Pizza features a buttery crust, seasoned ground beef, melted American cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, and the famous Big Mac Special Sauce. It’s a perfect recipe for weeknight dinners, game nights, or when you’re just craving something indulgent and delicious.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ How to make authentic Big Mac Pizza at home
✔ The secret ingredients that make it taste like the real thing
✔ Tips for perfecting the crust and toppings
✔ Fun variations and customizations
Let’s get started on making the best Big Mac Pizza ever!
Ingredients for Big Mac Pizza
Before we begin, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. The key to getting that classic Big Mac flavor is using the right combination of ingredients.
Essential Ingredients
Ingredient | Why It’s Important |
---|---|
Pizza Dough (or Pre-Baked Crust) | Serves as the base for the pizza. Pre-baked crust saves time. |
Ground Beef (80/20 blend) | Mimics the classic Big Mac burger patties. |
American Cheese (or Cheddar) | Melts perfectly to create that signature creamy texture. |
Shredded Lettuce | Adds crunch and freshness. |
Dill Pickles (chopped) | Gives the pizza its signature tangy kick. |
Chopped Onions | A must-have for an authentic Big Mac taste. |
Sesame Seeds | Sprinkled on the crust to mimic a sesame seed bun. |
Olive Oil | Helps create a crispy, golden crust. |
Big Mac Special Sauce | The most important ingredient! (See recipe in Part 5) |
Seasonings & Extras
- Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasoning for the ground beef
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Enhances the flavor of the beef
- Pickle Juice – Used in the sauce and beef for extra tang
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the beef mixture
Equipment Needed
- Oven (preheated to 400°F)
- Skillet (for cooking ground beef)
- Pizza Pan, Stone, or Baking Sheet
- Spatula or Spoon (to spread toppings evenly)
- Knife & Cutting Board (for chopping pickles and onions)
Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step cooking process.
How to Make Big Mac Pizza Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough
- If using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out onto a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter.
- If using a pre-baked pizza crust, simply place it on a pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Brush the crust with a little olive oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top to mimic a Big Mac bun.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook until fully browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
- Mix in ketchup, pickle juice, and cornstarch to create a flavorful, slightly thick sauce.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a thin layer of Big Mac sauce onto the pizza dough.
- Evenly distribute the cooked ground beef over the sauce.
- Lay slices of American cheese on top of the beef. (You can also use shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness.)
Step 4: Bake the Pizza
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Scatter shredded lettuce and chopped pickles over the warm pizza.
- Drizzle Big Mac sauce on top.
- Sprinkle chopped onions for extra crunch.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
- Cut into 8 slices and enjoy your homemade Big Mac Pizza!
- Serve with extra Big Mac sauce for dipping.
Coming Up Next: Tips, Variations & Big Mac Sauce Recipe!
Want to make your Big Mac Pizza even better? In the next part, I’ll share pro tips, common mistakes to avoid, and the secret to making perfect Big Mac Sauce. Stay tuned!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Big Mac Pizza
Making Big Mac Pizza at home is simple, but a few pro tips will take your pizza from good to absolutely amazing. Follow these tricks to perfect the crust, toppings, and flavor balance.
1. Choosing the Right Cheese for a Perfect Melt
- American cheese is the best choice because it melts smoothly and gives that classic Big Mac flavor.
- If you prefer a richer cheese blend, use cheddar and mozzarella for extra depth.
- Avoid cheeses like parmesan or gouda, as they won’t mimic the creamy, melty texture of a Big Mac.
2. How to Get the Signature Big Mac Taste at Home
- Use pickle juice in the beef: This adds the same tangy, slightly sweet flavor found in McDonald’s patties.
- Toast the sesame seeds on the crust: This enhances the nutty flavor and makes it taste more like a Big Mac bun.
- Balance the sauce: Too much can make the pizza soggy. Use a thin layer when assembling and drizzle extra on top after baking.
3. The Best Way to Reheat Leftovers
- Reheat in an oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
- Avoid the microwave, as it will make the crust rubbery.
- If you’re in a hurry, use a skillet on medium heat with a lid for a crispier bottom.
Big Mac Sauce Recipe – The Secret Ingredient
The Big Mac Special Sauce is what brings this pizza to life. Luckily, you don’t need to go to McDonald’s—you can make an easy homemade version in just 5 minutes!
Homemade Big Mac Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
Yellow Mustard | 1 tbsp |
Sweet Pickle Relish | 2 tbsp |
White Vinegar | 1 tsp |
Paprika | ½ tsp |
Garlic Powder | ½ tsp |
Onion Powder | ½ tsp |
Sugar | ½ tsp |
Instructions:
- Mix mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish in a bowl.
- Add vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using (for best flavor).
Store-Bought Alternatives
- Thousand Island Dressing is a quick substitute if you don’t have time to make your own sauce.
- Chick-fil-A Sauce has a similar creamy and tangy profile.
- Burger Sauce from the store can also work, but check for added flavors.
Coming Up Next: Variations, Mistakes to Avoid & Serving Ideas!
Want to make low-carb, keto, or vegetarian versions? In the next section, I’ll cover fun recipe variations, plus common mistakes to avoid when making Big Mac Pizza.
Variations & Customization Ideas
Big Mac Pizza is already delicious, but why not put your own twist on it? Whether you want a healthier option, a low-carb version, or a vegetarian alternative, here are some fun ways to customize this recipe!
1. Keto & Low-Carb Big Mac Pizza
Want to enjoy Big Mac Pizza without the carbs? Try these swaps:
✅ Use a cauliflower crust or keto fathead dough instead of regular pizza dough.
✅ Replace ketchup with sugar-free ketchup to reduce sugar.
✅ Skip the sesame seeds or use a small amount of almond flour for texture.
✅ Use extra lettuce to give it more of a “burger salad” feel.
2. Vegetarian Big Mac Pizza
If you want a meatless version, try these substitutions:
✅ Use plant-based ground “beef” (Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger).
✅ Swap mayo for vegan mayo in the sauce.
✅ Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
3. Chicken Big Mac Pizza
Not a fan of beef? Try this chicken version:
✅ Use ground chicken instead of beef.
✅ Add a little BBQ sauce to give the chicken a smoky flavor.
✅ Use Swiss cheese for a slightly different taste.
4. Gluten-Free Big Mac Pizza
✅ Use a gluten-free pizza crust (store-bought or homemade).
✅ Double-check all condiments (some sauces and pickles contain gluten).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Big Mac Pizza
Making Big Mac Pizza is easy, but these common mistakes can ruin the experience. Avoid them to get perfect results every time!
1. Overloading the Pizza with Toppings
- If you add too much sauce or beef, the crust will turn soggy.
- Use a thin layer of sauce and evenly spread the beef.
2. Not Pre-Baking the Crust Correctly
- If using raw pizza dough, bake it for 8-10 minutes before adding toppings.
- This helps the crust hold up under the toppings.
3. Using the Wrong Cheese
- American cheese works best for that classic Big Mac flavor.
- Avoid hard cheeses like parmesan—they won’t melt properly.
4. Forgetting the Fresh Toppings
- Lettuce, pickles, and onions should ONLY be added after baking to keep them fresh and crunchy.
Coming Up Next: Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
Want to make your Big Mac Pizza meal even better? In the next section, I’ll share the best side dishes, drinks, and serving ideas to complete the experience.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
Big Mac Pizza is already a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides and drinks makes it even better! Here are some perfect side dishes and beverages to serve with your pizza.
1. Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Pizza
🍟 Crispy French Fries
- What goes better with a Big Mac than fries?
- Serve classic fries, curly fries, or waffle fries on the side.
- Try baking or air-frying for a healthier option.
🥗 Big Mac-Inspired Salad
- A fresh lettuce, pickle, and onion salad drizzled with Big Mac sauce keeps the flavors consistent.
- Add cherry tomatoes and shredded cheddar for extra taste.
🧄 Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks
- If you’re extra hungry, serve buttery garlic breadsticks alongside your pizza.
- Brush with butter, garlic, and parmesan for extra flavor.
🥒 Pickle Chips or Fried Pickles
- Since pickles are key in a Big Mac, why not double up on the pickles?
- Serve fried pickles or pickle chips for a crunchy side.
2. Best Drinks to Pair with Big Mac Pizza
🥤 Classic Soda (Coke or Root Beer)
- Stick with the classic McDonald’s vibe and serve Coca-Cola, root beer, or Dr. Pepper.
- If you want a healthier alternative, go for sugar-free soda or sparkling water.
🥛 Vanilla or Chocolate Milkshake
- A creamy milkshake pairs perfectly with the salty, cheesy pizza.
- Try vanilla, chocolate, or even Oreo-flavored shakes.
🍹 Iced Tea or Lemonade
- A refreshing iced tea or homemade lemonade is a great non-alcoholic choice.
Coming Up Next: FAQs & Final Thoughts
Before we wrap up, I’ll answer some frequently asked questions about Big Mac Pizza, including storage, reheating, and substitutions.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Before we wrap up, let’s go over some frequently asked questions about Big Mac Pizza, including storage, reheating, and ingredient swaps.
1. What is Big Mac Pizza made of?
Big Mac Pizza is made with:
✅ Pizza dough or pre-baked crust
✅ Seasoned ground beef (similar to McDonald’s patties)
✅ Melted American cheese
✅ Big Mac-style special sauce
✅ Shredded lettuce, chopped pickles, and onions
✅ Sesame seeds on the crust for that burger bun feel
2. Can I make Big Mac Pizza without pickles?
Yes! While pickles give Big Mac Pizza its classic tangy flavor, you can leave them out if you’re not a fan. Try using:
✅ Chopped banana peppers for a milder tang
✅ Pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist
✅ Sweet relish mixed into the sauce for a hint of pickle flavor without the crunch
3. How do you store and reheat Big Mac Pizza?
✅ Storage: Keep leftover Big Mac Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✅ Reheating:
- Oven: 375°F for 5-7 minutes (best for crispy crust)
- Skillet: Medium heat with a lid for 2-3 minutes
- Avoid the microwave – it makes the crust soggy!
4. Is there a low-calorie version of Big Mac Pizza?
Yes! To make it healthier:
✅ Use a cauliflower crust or whole wheat crust
✅ Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
✅ Reduce the amount of cheese
✅ Make a light version of Big Mac sauce (use Greek yogurt instead of mayo)
5. Can I make Big Mac Pizza with chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Try using:
✅ Ground chicken – Cook and season it like the beef version.
✅ Shredded rotisserie chicken – Toss with a little pickle juice and seasonings for flavor.
✅ Crispy chicken tenders – Slice them and place on top after baking.
6. How long does Big Mac Pizza last in the fridge?
Leftover Big Mac Pizza lasts up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Conclusion
If you’re a Big Mac fan, this Big Mac Pizza recipe is a must-try! It’s a fun and delicious way to combine two comfort foods into one, and it’s easy to make at home.
✔ Tastes just like a Big Mac – but even better!
✔ Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or parties
✔ Customizable for keto, vegetarian, or gluten-free diets
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