McDonald’s introduced the Big Mac nationally in the United States in 1968.
The Big Mac was created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald’s franchisee in the Pittsburgh area. Its distinctive structure uses two beef patties, a middle bun section, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and special sauce.
Before the national launch, Delligatti tested the sandwich in selected restaurants. McDonald’s then added it to the nationwide menu in 1968, making it one of the company’s most important branded products.
The Big Mac is often confused with the Quarter Pounder because both are signature McDonald’s burgers. The Quarter Pounder is defined by the weight of its pre-cooked beef patty, while the Big Mac is defined by its three-part bun and layered recipe.