If you’re one of the many people who anxiously waits for the McRib to return to McDonald’s every year, you’re going to love this homemade version. This copycat McDonald’s McRib sandwich has everything fans crave—a juicy pork patty slathered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy dill pickles and sliced onions, all piled onto a soft hoagie roll. The best part? You can make it anytime the craving strikes.
The original McRib features a seasoned boneless pork patty topped with BBQ sauce, onions, and pickles on a toasted roll. This homemade version captures all those iconic flavors while using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
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Why You’ll Love This Copycat McRib
- Tastes just like the fast-food favorite
- Made with simple ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners
- No waiting for the McRib to return
Ingredients
For the Pork Patties
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches
- 6 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- Dill pickle chips
- Butter for toasting buns
How to Make Copycat McRib Sandwiches
Step 1: Form the Pork Patties
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Divide the ground pork into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into an oval patty approximately the size of your hoagie roll. Use the back of a knife or spatula to gently press shallow grooves across the surface to create the classic “rib” appearance.
Place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Season
Mix the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper together. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the pork patties.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Step 4: Sauce the Patties
Remove the patties from the oven and brush generously with BBQ sauce. Return to the oven for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize.
Step 5: Toast the Buns
Butter the inside of each hoagie roll and toast lightly in a skillet or under the broiler.
Step 6: Assemble
Place a sauced pork patty on each bun. Top with additional BBQ sauce, sliced onions, and dill pickle chips.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Homemade McRib
- Use ground pork with a little fat for maximum flavor.
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce creates a flavor very similar to the classic McRib.
- Slice onions very thin for that authentic fast-food texture.
- Toasting the bun makes a huge difference.
- Add extra pickles if you like a little more tang.
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Variations
Spicy McRib
Add a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Smoky BBQ McRib
Mix liquid smoke into your BBQ sauce.
Grilled McRib
Cook the patties on a grill instead of baking for extra smoky flavor.
What to Serve With a McRib
Copycat McDonald’s McRib Sandwich
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Skip the drive-thru and make the famous McDonald’s McRib at home! Juicy BBQ-glazed pork patties topped with dill pickles and onions on soft sesame seed rolls create the ultimate copycat sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Pork Patties
- 2 pounds ground pork
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sandwiches
- 6 sesame seed hoagie rolls
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, divided
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into an oval patty slightly larger than the buns. Use the back of a knife to create shallow grooves across the top for the classic McRib look.
- Place patties on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Brush the patties generously with ¾ cup BBQ sauce and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
- Brush the hoagie rolls with melted butter and lightly toast.
- Place each pork patty on a bun. Top with additional BBQ sauce, sliced onions, and dill pickle chips.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Original BBQ Sauce provides a flavor closest to the classic McRib.
- For extra smoky flavor, add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke to the pork mixture.
- Toasting the buns improves texture and prevents sogginess.
- Make the patties slightly larger than the buns since they shrink during cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: BAKED
- Cuisine: copycat recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the McRib made of?
The McDonald’s McRib is made from seasoned boneless pork formed into a rib-shaped patty and topped with BBQ sauce, onions, and pickles on a hoagie-style bun.
Can I freeze the pork patties?
Yes. Freeze cooked or uncooked patties for up to 3 months.
What BBQ sauce tastes most like a McRib?
A sweet and tangy Kansas City-style BBQ sauce comes closest to the original flavor.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare the patties up to 2 days in advance and reheat before serving.
Storage
Store leftover pork patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before assembling sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
This homemade McDonald’s McRib copycat recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavor of the famous sandwich without waiting for a limited-time release. Juicy pork, sweet BBQ sauce, tangy pickles, and fresh onions come together for the ultimate fast-food-inspired meal that your family will request again and again.
