Everybody always gets excited when the McRib comes back, but why wait? Make this Copycat McRib right at home! A tender pork patty is smothered in BBQ sauce and served with pickles and white onion on a soft bun. Serve with some fries and you can skip the drive thru!

Making a BBQ pork sandwich is a great way to satisfy your craving for fast food without leaving the house. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious meal without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. So, grab some pork, barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions, and get ready to make your own version of the iconic McDonalds McRib sandwich!
The Allure of the McRib
The McRib sandwich has become a cultural phenomenon, with fans eagerly anticipating its limited-time return to McDonald’s menus. But what is it about this sandwich that makes it so irresistible?
For starters, the McRib’s unique shape sets it apart from other fast food sandwiches. Its pork patty is molded to resemble a rack of ribs. This visual appeal adds to the sandwich’s allure and makes it stand out from the rest. But it’s not just about the appearance. The McRib’s smoky, tangy BBQ sauce and pickles provide a satisfying contrast to the tender pork patty. Its seasonal appearance creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, prompting fans to flock to McDonald’s to get their fix before it’s gone again.
However, with this Copycat McRib recipe, fans no longer have to wait for the McRib’s return. Enjoy the sandwich’s delicious flavors and unique shape anytime, right in the comfort of their own home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe takes no time to prepare and cook, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal in no time.
- Healthier Than Fast Food: By making this sandwich at home, you can control the quality and quantity of the ingredients. This means you can make a healthier version of your favorite fast food sandwich without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes multiple servings, which makes it perfect for sharing with family and friends. It’s a great meal to serve at a casual dinner party or backyard BBQ.

Ingredients for Homemade McRib Sandwich
Pork: For the main protein and base of this recipe, you will need 1 ½ pounds of ground pork.
Sugar: Give the meat mixture a subtle sweetness by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Garlic salt: Use 1 teaspoon of garlic salt to give the meat a well-rounded flavor profile.
BBQ Sauce: You will need 1 cup of BBQ sauce, any type you like, to make this dish extra flavorful and delicious.
Pickles: Dill pickle slices added to the sandwich will make this dish so close to the real thing!
Onion: Adding 1 white onion, sliced thin and divided amongst the sandwiches gives each one more great taste.
Buns: You need 4 sub buns to complete these sandwiches.
How to make Copycat McRib Sandwich
Prep
Get started by dicing the onion into small bits and set them aside for later use.
Next, in a large mixing bowl combine the ground pork with the sugar and salt until it’s uniformly mixed.
Continue to shape the meat mixture into 4 equal oblong patties sized to fit your sandwich buns.
Cook
Then in a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the pork patties about 4-5 minutes per side. You are looking for an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Once they are cooked transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
Now brush each patty with the BBQ sauce, as much as you like, but I would say go heavy on the BBQ sauce if you want these to be an exact copycat.
Then place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes. You want the BBQ sauce to just start to caramelize and get glazy.
Assemble
Proceed to place a patty on each bun, add some pickle slices and diced onions. Serve with fries and enjoy!

Sides to Complement Your McRib
No McRib meal is complete without some tasty sides to go along with it. Here are a few options to consider when putting together your perfect meal.
French Fries: French fries are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a McRib sandwich. They are delicious on their own or dipped in ketchup, and they add a satisfying crunch to your meal. For an extra healthy option, try these sweet potato fries!
Onion Rings: For those who prefer a more indulgent side, onion rings are a great option. They are crispy, flavorful, and add a nice texture to your meal. Plus, the sweetness of the onions pairs well with the tanginess of the BBQ sauce on the McRib.
Coleslaw: If you’re looking for something a little lighter, this copycat coleslaw is a great option. It’s refreshing and adds a nice crunch to your meal. Plus, the creaminess of the coleslaw helps balance out the spiciness of the BBQ sauce.

CopyCat McRib
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground pork
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 12 Dill pickle slices
- ½ cup White onion sliced thin
- 4 sub sandwich buns
Instructions
- Prep: Dice the onion into small slices and set them aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ground pork with the sugar and salt until it’s uniformly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into 4 equal oblong patties sized to fit your sandwich buns.
- Cook: In a large skillet over medium heat cook the pork patties about 4-5 minutes per side. You are looking for an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Once they are cooked I transfer them to a lined baking sheet.
- Brush them with the BBQ sauce, as much as you like, but I would say go heavy on the BBQ sauce if you want it to be exact.
- Place them under the broiler for about 5 minutes. You want the BBQ sauce to just start to caramelize and get glazy.
- Assemble: Place a patty on each bun and add pickle slices and onion slices. Serve with fries and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How long are these pork patties good for?
If you have leftovers of this incredible dish, you can store them in an airtight container, in refrigerator, for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds until heated through.
Homemade BBQ Sauce Versus Store-Bought
While store-bought BBQ sauce is convenient, making your own sauce allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. A homemade sauce can also be made with natural ingredients and without preservatives. However, if you are short on time, store-bought BBQ sauce can be used as a substitute.

Which type of bun is best for a Copycat McRib sandwich?
A soft bun, such as a hamburger bun or a brioche bun, works best for a Copycat McRib sandwich. The bun should be able to hold the pork patty and toppings without falling apart.
How do I achieve the tenderness of the McRib meat at home?
The tenderness of the McRib meat is achieved by slow-cooking the pork patty. To achieve this at home, cook the pork patty on low heat for a longer period of time, until it is fully cooked and tender. Adding a small amount of liquid, such as water or chicken broth, to the pan while cooking can also help keep the meat moist and tender.

Try more of our favorite copycat recipes here:
- Copycat KFC Coleslaw recipe
- Copycat Ruby Tuesday Pasta Salad
- Copycat Costco Chocolate Muffins
- Copycat Cracker Jacks
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Sandwiches
- Copycat Chili’s Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Panera 10 Vegetable Soup
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Mac and Cheese
- Swig Sugar Cookies
- Mrs. Fields White Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Dunkin Donuts Crullers Recipe
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
Copycat McRib can now be enjoyed at home and it takes no time at all to make! Make this BBQ pork sandwich to satisfy your craving for fast food without leaving the house.










TIM THOMAS says
Very good recipe my only change was I added 3 tbs of BBQ sauce to the meat mixture. It adds that moist yet chewy texture and flavor.
Mary says
Wait…ground pork or pork sausage? Recipe says ground pork, pictures shows sausage. Thanks
Jessica says
I prefer sausage as it’s more flavorful! (and easier to find!)
Guy H. says
This is a better recipe than McDonald’s as you forgot to add fat strips to make the “ribs”. LOL
Jessica says
😳😳😳 (I think I’m ok with that Gary, LOL!)