Big Mac Wraps

Name: Big Mac Smash Wraps
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 3 tbsp mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ketchup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic granules; 500g (1.1 lb) lean minced beef (5% fat); ½ white onion, finely chopped; 4 wholemeal wraps (approx. 20cm / 8in); 4 slices of burger cheese (e.g., cheddar-style); Lettuce (handful, shredded); Chopped gherkins (to taste); Salt and pepper (to taste); ¼ tsp garlic granules

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This Big Mac Smash Wrap is a delightful fusion of classic fast food flavours and wholesome home-cooked convenience. Inspired by the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac, this wrap takes all the familiar elements—seasoned beef, tangy gherkins, melty cheese, and a signature creamy sauce—and reimagines them in a way that’s fresher, faster, and undeniably more fun. Rather than stacking patties and buns, this clever take uses a wholemeal wrap as the vessel, making it easier to assemble, eat, and even store.

The “smash” refers to the method of pressing the seasoned beef directly onto the wrap before cooking, creating a caramelised crust on the meat while infusing the bread with rich flavour. It’s a trendy technique seen all over social media, not just for burgers but in many creative food hacks, and it really shines here. Paired with crunchy lettuce, diced onions, gherkins, and gooey cheese, every bite bursts with balanced textures and nostalgic flavour.

But what truly brings it all together is the homemade burger sauce. With the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, this sauce elevates the wrap to Big Mac greatness. It’s easy to whip up with everyday pantry staples and can be adjusted to your own taste.

This recipe is ideal for a quick lunch, a fun family dinner, or even meal prep. It can be enjoyed hot off the pan or served cold as a packed lunch. Plus, you can customise the fillings endlessly to suit your mood or dietary preferences. Whether you’re a fan of hearty comfort food or looking for a creative twist on takeaway favourites, Big Mac Smash Wraps are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Big Mac Smash Wrap

Big Mac Smash Wraps are the ultimate comfort food without the guilt of fast food. The use of lean minced beef (5% fat) ensures you get the rich taste of a burger without excess grease, while the wholemeal wraps provide a nutritious and fibre-rich base. The homemade sauce is not only simple but allows you to control the ingredients, steering clear of preservatives and hidden sugars often found in store-bought alternatives.

This recipe is also extremely versatile and time-efficient. It takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous cravings. There’s no need for fancy tools or complicated techniques—just a hot pan, some quality ingredients, and a few clever folds.

It’s also great for families and picky eaters, as you can easily customise each wrap. Whether you’re catering to a vegetarian, swapping in turkey mince, or experimenting with spicy sauces, this dish is adaptable to a wide range of preferences and dietary needs.

In short, these wraps deliver all the nostalgic flavour of a Big Mac in a fresher, more balanced format. They’re perfect for anyone seeking big taste with minimal fuss—plus, they’re fun to assemble and even more fun to eat.

Ingredients

500g (1.1 lb) lean minced beef (5% fat) – Choose good quality beef for rich flavour with less grease.
½ white onion, finely chopped – Adds sharpness and crunch.
4 wholemeal wraps (approx. 20cm / 8in) – Healthier than white wraps; hold fillings well.
4 slices of burger cheese (e.g., cheddar-style) – Melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Lettuce (handful, shredded) – Brings freshness and crunch.
Chopped gherkins (to taste) – Offers tangy contrast; essential to the Big Mac profile.
Salt and pepper (to taste) – Enhances overall flavour.
¼ tsp garlic granules – Adds subtle savoury depth.

For the sauce:

3 tbsp mayonnaise – Creamy base.
2 tbsp ketchup – Adds sweetness and acidity.
1 tsp Dijon mustard – Adds a mild tang and heat.
1 tsp apple cider vinegar – Brightens and balances.
½ tsp paprika – Gives colour and smokiness.
½ tsp garlic granules – Adds depth to the sauce.

Method

Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine the minced beef with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp garlic granules. Mix well, then form into four equal-sized balls. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and garlic granules. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a small splash of water to loosen.
Assemble the Wraps for Cooking: Place one wrap on a flat surface. Press one beef ball firmly into the centre of the wrap until flattened into a thin patty.
Cook: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the wrap, beef-side down, in the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
Cut and Fill: Make a single cut from the centre of the wrap to the edge. On each quarter section, place a slice of cheese, lettuce, chopped onions, gherkins, and a spoonful of the prepared sauce.
Fold: Fold the quarters over one another to form a layered triangle.
Serve and enjoy immediately, while warm.

Nutrition

Calories: ~430 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Fat: ~22g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fibre: ~5g
Sugar: ~6g
Salt: ~1.4g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific products used.

Tips for Making Big Mac Smash Wraps

To get the most out of your Big Mac Smash Wraps, start by using high-quality lean beef. The lower fat content means less grease but still a juicy, satisfying result. When pressing the beef onto the wrap, ensure it’s evenly spread to avoid uneven cooking. A sturdy spatula can help with this.

Use a large, non-stick frying pan for cooking to prevent sticking and make flipping easier. Since the beef is directly on the pan, it will form a lovely caramelised crust—key for flavour. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook one or two at a time for the best results.

Shred the lettuce finely and chop the onions and gherkins into small, even pieces. This makes folding and eating much neater, especially since this is a handheld meal.

Make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for a deeper flavour. It also thickens slightly when chilled, making it easier to spread without soaking the wrap.

If your wrap begins to crisp up in the pan, don’t worry—it adds a lovely texture. Just make sure it’s still pliable enough to fold.

Lastly, if you’re preparing multiple wraps, keep them warm in a low oven (around 100°C / 210°F) until ready to serve.

How to Best Serve Big Mac Smash Wraps

Big Mac Smash Wraps are best enjoyed warm, right after cooking, while the cheese is still melty and the beef is juicy. Serve them on their own for a satisfying snack, or pair them with a few simple sides for a complete meal.

For a classic fast-food vibe, serve alongside baked sweet potato fries or crispy oven chips. A side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the meat and cheese.

For a healthier option, serve the wrap with a mixed green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. You can also add a side of pickled vegetables or even a few slices of fresh tomato and cucumber to bring brightness to the plate.

If you’re entertaining, slice each wrap into halves or quarters and serve as appetisers or party bites. A small ramekin of extra sauce on the side makes for great dipping.

To elevate the meal, offer some fizzy drinks or even a craft beer to echo the takeaway experience at home—just healthier and fresher.

This dish also pairs well with a milkshake or fruit smoothie for kids, making it a family favourite. However you choose to serve it, the wrap holds up well and tastes just as good as it looks.

Customise This Recipe

Big Mac Smash Wraps are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for customisation based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

Protein Variations: Swap the beef for turkey mince, chicken mince, or even plant-based alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil patties for a vegetarian version. For pescatarians, cooked and smashed salmon could work surprisingly well with a tangy sauce.

Cheese Choices: Not a fan of processed burger cheese? Try shredded mature cheddar, mozzarella, or even a slice of blue cheese for a gourmet twist.

Wrap Options: Wholemeal wraps add fibre and nutrients, but you can use white wraps, gluten-free wraps, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.

Add-Ins: Spice lovers can add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef or sauce mix. Crispy onions, tomatoes, or pickled red onions also make tasty additions.

Sauce Tweaks: Adjust the sauce to your liking—add a spoonful of relish for sweetness or swap Dijon for wholegrain mustard for more texture.

Meal Prep Friendly: Make the sauce and prep the fillings ahead of time. You can even shape the beef and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Tailor it to your taste—the wrap is just a canvas for your creativity.

How to Store This Recipe

Big Mac Smash Wraps are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later. Once cooked and assembled, allow the wrap to cool completely. Wrap each one tightly in foil or cling film and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, unwrap and place in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium heat for 1–2 minutes, though the wrap may soften.

Avoid freezing, as the lettuce and sauce don’t hold up well to defrosting.

Conclusion

These Big Mac Smash Wraps are proof that fast food flavours can be enjoyed in a smarter, home-cooked way without sacrificing satisfaction. They combine everything people love about a classic burger—the seasoned beef, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crisp toppings—into a clever and convenient wrap format that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this recipe delivers maximum impact with minimal effort. It’s also a great way to use up pantry and fridge staples, as the ingredients are flexible and forgiving. The “smash” technique isn’t just trendy—it actually improves flavour and texture, giving you that caramelised edge and savoury depth found in high-end burgers.

What truly sets this recipe apart, though, is its adaptability. You can tweak the protein, play with the sauce, change the fillings, and even adjust the format—serving it hot, cold, folded, or sliced. With just a few swaps, it becomes a new dish every time you make it.

Big Mac Smash Wraps are more than a clever twist—they’re a way to enjoy indulgent food in a wholesome and manageable way. They suit busy schedules, health-conscious goals, and picky eaters alike.

So whether you’re looking to impress your mates with a fun dinner idea, pack something unique into your lunchbox, or just recreate a takeaway classic at home, this recipe has you covered. Delicious, quick, and endlessly customisable, Big Mac Smash Wraps are sure to earn a regular spot in your kitchen repertoire.

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