Thanks to inflation, getting more bang for our buck is more important than ever. Sometimes, that means ordering off the menu for “secret” items. Does McDonald’s really have a secret menu? While the chain has denied it for a long time, it turns out that there are locations where you can score unadvertised menu items.
McDonald's doesn't routinely advertise secret items on its menu. Your server may not know what you want unless you describe it in detail.Moreover, not all McDonald’s franchises entertain secret menu seekers.
We did a deep dive to find the 24 secret menu items you can score at McD's.
Poor Man’s Big Mac
If you love Big Macs but hate their prices, this one’s for you. Order a McDouble and ask for special (or Big Mac) sauce and extra lettuce. You’ll get a bargain at almost half the price.
Besides, paying extra for three patties and a third bun doesn’t make sense if you don’t have a huge appetite.
Cotton Candy Soda
This one is a hack anyone can do when they order their Sprite at McDonald’s. Add two French vanilla coffee syrup pumps to your drink, and you’ll turn it into something else.
Cotton Candy Soda isn’t on the menu, but we doubt your server will have any problem making one for you.
Chicken and Waffles
McDonald’s doesn’t sell waffles. However, its McGriddle pancake buns can double as waffles if you want. Order this combination to enjoy a fried chicken patty with maple syrup and Buffalo sauce.
If you want a chicken and waffle breakfast at McDonald’s, head to your local franchise bright and early. You can also order one on the McDonald’s app.
Hashbrown McMuffin
If you routinely enjoy a McMuffin for breakfast, you can make it better with hash browns. All you have to do is choose between an Egg or Sausage McMuffin and then ask for hash browns.
This hack is only available during the breakfast menu, so don’t delay if you’ve got your heart set on a delicious hash brown-fortified McMuffin.
McCrepe
Also available on the breakfast menu is the McCrepe, a hotcake filled with yogurt parfait. If you think that sounds great, we agree. However, you won’t be able to buy the McCrepe already assembled.
Instead, order hotcakes and a yogurt parfait. Spread the parfait on your hotcake, and voila. You’re enjoying a McDonald’s breakfast menu hack.
All American
While the All American isn't on the menu, it’s easy to order. As the name might suggest, it’s a simple burger without cheese. If your server seems confused about your order, simply ask them to hold the cheese.
You’ll still be able to enjoy a burger patty with pickles and ketchup on a regular burger bun.
Grilled Cheese
McDonald’s used to sell a grilled cheese sandwich as part of its Happy Meals. However, the chain discontinued it because it wasn’t a top seller. If you crave a grilled cheese at McDonald’s, you can hack your way to one.
If the All American is all about the beef, the grilled cheese is all about the cheese. Ask your server for a burger-less cheeseburger, and you’re set.
Cinnamon Melt a la Mode
You can enjoy a cinnamon roll a la mode if you order a vanilla cone with McDonald’s cinnamon rolls.This combination of two straightforward desserts creates a delicious experience.
Add the ice cream to your hot cinnamon roll and enjoy.You better eat it quickly, though, or your ice cream will turn into a puddle.
Caramel Apple Sundae
Your server will probably be happy to make you a Caramel Apple Sundae. All they need to do is make you a hot caramel sundae and add apple pieces. Order some nuts if you want the full experience.
However, if your local McDonald’s doesn’t know what an Apple Sundae is, order an apple on the side. You’ll still be able to enjoy this treat.
Monster Mac
If you’ve got a monster appetite that not even the Big Mac can satisfy, try a Monster Mac. This crazy burger has eight patties. Wow. To order it, ask for a Big Mac with extra patties and specify how many more you want to add to your order.
Needless to say, the Monster Mac will cost you quite a bit more than a regular Big Mac. Beef is expensive, after all.
McMilk Tea
Since McDonald’s milk creamers are free of charge, this is possibly the cheapest hack you can try at the burger joint. Order a Sweet Tea and add as many coffee creamers as you like.
However, we can’t imagine you’ll add that many. After all, Sweet Tea is not a large beverage, and too much cream can make even a “McMilk Tea” too much.
Root Beer Float
Another hack you can easily do at McDonald's is a root beer float. You only need a fountain beverage container (preferably a large one), a root beer, and a vanilla soft-serve cup.
Once your server hands over your ingredients, combine the root beer, ice cream, and enjoy. It’s not the most sophisticated dessert, but it can hit the spot.
Fries With Big Mac Sauce
This hack is as simple as the McMilk Tea. It’s also inexpensive- McDonald’s doesn’t charge extra for sauces. All you have to do is order fries and Big Mac Sauce.
If Big Mac Sauce is not your thing, other no-charge McDonald’s sauces you can try with your fries include Creamy Ranch, Honey Mustard, and Tangy BBQ. Alternatively, grab some mayo and pretend you’re Belgian.
Land, Air, and Sea
This sandwich is not for the faint of heart. As the name implies, it combines two burger patties, a McChicken, and a Fillet-o-Fish stacked in a Big Mac bun.
Why land, air, and sea? Well, we suspect it’s a play on surf and turf—beef patties are the land, the fish patty is the sea, and the chicken is the air. We know chickens don’t fly, but we didn’t come up with the name.
Mc10:35
The Mc10:35 got its name because you could only order it from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. when Egg McMuffins were available on the breakfast menu. The chain now has an All-Day Breakfast menu thatincludes McMuffins, so the name is obsolete.
What’s a Mc10:35, you ask? It’s a hack that includes an Egg McMuffin and a McDouble. Add the two beef patties to the McMuffin, and you’ll see what it’s all about.
McBrunch Burger
The McBrunch burger lives up to its name, combining eggs, hash browns, and cheese. Did you have a party the night before and are craving everything but the chicken sink to feel human again?
This burger’s got you covered. You can get a double cheeseburger for extra meat and even jalapeños. If you go for the Jalapeño Double, you’ll get white cheddar gooey goodness to complete your meal.
Neapolitan Shake
This one sounds sophisticated, but isn’t. It’s simply a way to enjoy strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla shakes all at once. It’s also a disappearing act since most McDonald’s locations have upgraded their milkshake machines and can’t mix these flavors anymore.
However, you can still enjoy a Neapolitan Shake if you buy the three flavors separately and mix them yourself. It’s a little more work, but it’s worth it.
McAffogato
An affogato combines cold gelato and hot espresso in a delicious dessert. So, what’s McDonald’s take on it? The chain offers you the option to enjoy the McAffogato as a traditional take or a milkshake.
You must order two espresso shots, a sauceless sundae, and a small vanilla shake. Add a shot of espresso to both the shake and the sundae to experience a classic affogato.
Bababooey Burger
We can just hear you now. Baba-what burger? This creation combines a McDouble and a McChicken for a big two-in-one burger that’s got it all. It’s not as crazy as the Monster Burger, but you shouldn’t try it unless you’re hungry.
Simply add the chicken patty between your beef patties and dig in. Hungry people don’t need any hassle about their choices, even if they’re hard to pronounce.
Big Mac ‘N’ Cheese
A Big Mac ‘n’ Cheese is the go-to for vegetarians. It’s a Big Mac without the beef patties. However, keep in mind you could get cheaper vegetarian options. This take on the Big Mac could cost you as much as the real deal.
Also, we’re not sure you’ll enjoy all that extra bun in a Big Mac when there aren’t any patties to justify its existence. You do you, though. We’re not judging.
Apple Pie McFlurry
Do you enjoy McFlurries and apple pies? Why not have them together? Order a McFlurry and a McDonald’s Apple Pie and mix them for a new experience.
Some locations will blend the two desserts for you, but it’s easy enough to do it if they can’t or won’t. Also, it doesn’t have to be an Apple Pie McFlurry. While the chain no longer sells cherry pie, you can add a brownie or a Chocolate Chunk Cookie to your McFlurry.
McChicken Big Mac
What on earth would be a McChicken Big Mac? Well, it turns out it’s a Big Mac that uses McChicken patties. The catch? It doesn’t replace the beef patties with the chicken patties. Instead, it replaces the buns.
This monster sandwich is another offering you can get by ordering a Big Mac and three McChickens and discarding the buns. The question is: do you want to?
Orange Dreamsicle Shake
McDonald’s discontinued the Hi-C Lavaburst in 2017 after carrying it since the 1950s. Fans of the nostalgic flavor were heartbroken but rejoiced when it came back. Now, you can enjoy it as a shake.
Mix a small Hi-C with vanilla ice cream, and you’ll sip your Orange Dreamsicle Shake in no time.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Lovers of ice cream sandwiches may have waited with bated breath for McDonald’s to make one available on their menu. Alas, it hasn’t happened. However, there’s good news.
You have your sandwich if you order two chocolate chip cookies or brownies and an ice cream. Feeling creative? Order an Oreo McFlurry instead of the ice cream.
