Craving a juicy, flavor-packed sandwich that captures the nostalgic taste of your favorite fast-food burger? These Chopped Big Mac Subs are the perfect solution to satisfy your cravings. Imagine everything you love about a classic Big Mac—savory beef, melty cheese, crunchy pickles, tangy onions, fresh shredded lettuce, and that irresistible special sauce—all chopped up and blended together for the ultimate bite in every mouthful.
Instead of hitting the drive-through, you can recreate this legendary flavor combo right in your own kitchen. These Chopped Big Mac Subs are fast, fun, and bursting with classic American flavor. Best of all, they’re made with real ingredients, toasted sub rolls, and your choice of meat doneness. You get full control without sacrificing the taste. Let’s explore the step-by-step process of crafting these rich and flavorful subs from the ground up!
Ingredients You Need for This Recipe
The beauty of Chopped Big Mac Subs lies in their simplicity. Every component works together to bring you that nostalgic fast-food flavor—but elevated. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb of ground beef – Form into 2 thick patties; the juicy base of your chopped sub.
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese – Melts into the patties, providing that rich cheeseburger taste (American cheese is also a perfect alternative).
- 1/2 cup of pickles – For tangy crunch and a true Big Mac profile.
- 1/2 cup of sliced white onion – Adds zing and crispness.
- 2 cups of shredded lettuce – For freshness and texture.
- Big Mac sauce – The soul of the sandwich. Homemade or store-bought, it ties everything together.
- Sub rolls – Choose fresh, toasted sub rolls. Sesame-topped ones are a bonus for that true Big Mac experience.
These foundational ingredients are what make Chopped Big Mac Subs such a standout. Every element plays a role in creating that familiar flavor with a unique twist.
Making the Chopped Big Mac Subs
This is where the magic begins. Turning traditional Big Mac elements into a chopped sub sandwich creates an explosion of flavors in every bite. Here’s how to prepare your Chopped Big Mac Subs step by step.
1. Season and Grill Your Burger Patties
Begin by thoroughly seasoning your hamburger patties with a generous amount of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Fire up the grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties to your desired level of doneness. For a slightly pink center, grill until the internal temperature reaches about 140°F. If you prefer fully cooked, go for 155–160°F.
As your burgers near completion, top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese. Shut the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt smoothly into the beef. This step brings that gooey, cheesy decadence that makes Chopped Big Mac Subs irresistible.
2. Toast Your Sub Rolls
While the burgers finish up, place your sub rolls on the grill for 30–60 seconds. Toasting enhances their texture and creates a slight crunch that balances out the soft, juicy chopped filling.
3. Get Everything Ready for Chopping
Now it’s time to prep the chopping board. Begin by laying down a generous layer of shredded lettuce. Follow up with your sliced pickles and white onions. Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. These vegetables bring freshness and zing to your Chopped Big Mac Subs, ensuring every bite is dynamic and balanced.
4. Add the Cheeseburgers and Start Chopping
Place your cheesy burger patties right on top of the veggies. Using a large, sharp knife, begin to chop everything together. Keep chopping until all ingredients are cut into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. The goal is to make sure every bite of the sub contains a bit of beef, cheese, pickle, onion, and lettuce.
5. Add Big Mac Sauce and Mix Again
Now comes the signature step. Drizzle 3–4 tablespoons of Big Mac sauce evenly over the chopped mixture. Continue chopping and mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. The sauce coats every morsel, enhancing the flavor and creating the creamy, tangy experience we all love.
6. Fill the Sub Rolls
Using a spoon or spatula, scoop the chopped mixture into the toasted sub rolls. Pack them generously—this is not the time to be shy! If you’ve managed to find sesame sub rolls at your local bakery or supermarket, even better. They add an extra nod to the traditional Big Mac presentation.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your Chopped Big Mac Subs are ready to enjoy! Each bite delivers the perfect medley of cheesy beef, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and that unforgettable sauce. These subs are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family meals, cookouts, or satisfying those late-night cravings.
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Chopped Big Mac Subs Recipe Card
This section provides a quick-reference recipe card for easy printing or bookmarking:
Chopped Big Mac Subs
Skip the fast-food line and make your own version of the iconic sandwich—chopped and stuffed into fresh sub rolls!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American)
- 4 sub rolls (toasted)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup pickles
- 1/2 cup sliced white onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp relish
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Season beef patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Grill to desired doneness (140°F for medium, 155°F for well-done).
- Top with cheese and close grill lid to melt.
- Toast sub rolls on grill for 30–60 seconds.
- Place shredded lettuce, pickles, and onions on a cutting board. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cheeseburgers and chop everything together until bite-sized.
- Add 3–4 tbsp of Big Mac sauce and mix thoroughly.
- Scoop mixture into sub rolls. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts on Chopped Big Mac Subs
If you’re looking for a creative way to enjoy one of America’s most iconic fast food flavors, these Chopped Big Mac Subs are a game-changer. They combine everything you love about a Big Mac with the texture and comfort of a warm sub sandwich. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game days, and family gatherings. Plus, they offer a fresher, more wholesome twist on a beloved classic.
So skip the drive-through, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to these indulgent, homemade Chopped Big Mac Subs—your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I make Chopped Big Mac Subs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can chop and mix all the ingredients in advance, refrigerate them in an airtight container, and fill the subs just before serving. Simply warm the mixture briefly in a pan or oven if you want it hot.
Q: Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?
A: Absolutely, though using homemade sauce brings a brighter, more vibrant tanginess. But for convenience, many stores sell Big Mac-style sauces that work well in this recipe.
Q: What kind of cheese works best for Chopped Big Mac Subs?
A: Cheddar and American cheese are both perfect for this recipe. They melt well and deliver that iconic burger flavor.
Q: Are these Chopped Big Mac Subs kid-friendly?
A: Very much so! Kids love the familiar flavors, and the chopped format makes them easy to eat.
Q: Is it possible to substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of beef?
A: Absolutely. While the flavor will differ slightly, turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives and still work well with the other ingredients.
