McDonald’s breakfast menu has become a beloved staple for many early risers seeking a quick and satisfying morning meal. From classic favorites to newer additions, the fast food giant offers a diverse array of options to kickstart the day.
The top 12 McDonald’s breakfast items are worth setting an alarm for, combining convenience with delicious flavors. These morning delights cater to various tastes and preferences, ranging from savory sandwiches to sweeter treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a lighter option, McDonald’s breakfast selection aims to satisfy cravings and fuel busy mornings.
1) Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin stands as a cornerstone of McDonald’s breakfast menu. This iconic sandwich combines a toasted English muffin with a perfectly round egg, Canadian bacon, and melted American cheese.
Introduced in 1972, the Egg McMuffin has become a morning staple for many. Its simple yet satisfying combination of ingredients offers a balanced start to the day.
At 310 calories, it provides a reasonable portion size for those watching their intake. The sandwich delivers 17 grams of protein, helping to fuel the morning.
The Egg McMuffin’s popularity has endured for over 50 years, remaining McDonald’s top-selling breakfast item. Its consistent quality and familiar taste keep customers coming back.
For those seeking a classic breakfast sandwich, the Egg McMuffin delivers. Its timeless appeal and reliable flavor make it a go-to choice for McDonald’s breakfast enthusiasts.
2) Sausage McMuffin
The Sausage McMuffin is a beloved McDonald’s breakfast staple. This simple yet satisfying sandwich features a savory sausage patty and a slice of melted American cheese nestled between a toasted English muffin.
At just $1.89, the Sausage McMuffin offers great value for those seeking a quick and tasty breakfast option. Its compact size makes it perfect for eating on-the-go during busy mornings.
The seasoned sausage patty provides a hearty protein boost to start the day. Combined with the gooey cheese and slightly crispy muffin, it delivers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
For those looking for a more substantial meal, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg is available. This version includes a freshly cracked egg, elevating both the nutritional content and the price to $3.99.
The Sausage McMuffin remains a popular choice among McDonald’s breakfast offerings. Its combination of affordability, convenience, and classic taste keeps customers coming back for more.
3) Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit is a beloved breakfast sandwich at McDonald’s. It features a warm buttermilk biscuit as its base, providing a flaky and buttery foundation.
The sandwich is filled with a fluffy folded egg, giving it a light and airy texture. A slice of melty American cheese adds a creamy element to each bite.
The star of this breakfast item is the thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon. Its smoky flavor and crispy texture complement the other ingredients perfectly.
This sandwich contains 460 calories, making it a satisfying option for those seeking a hearty breakfast. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal.
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Meal includes the sandwich, along with McDonald’s crispy hash browns and a small McCafé Premium Roast Coffee. This combination brings the total calorie count to 600.
Customers can order this popular breakfast item for dine-in, takeout, or delivery through McDonald’s mobile app or various food delivery services.
4) Hotcakes
McDonald’s hotcakes are a beloved breakfast classic. These fluffy pancakes come in a stack of three, served with a pat of butter and warm syrup on the side.
The hotcakes have a light, airy texture that soaks up the syrup perfectly. Their golden-brown exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy interior.
For those with a sweet tooth, these hotcakes hit the spot. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with other breakfast items for a heartier meal.
Many customers appreciate the consistency of McDonald’s hotcakes. They taste the same whether ordered in New York or California, providing a reliable breakfast option.
The hotcakes are also versatile. Some patrons add fruits or nuts for extra flavor and texture. Others use them as a base for creative breakfast sandwiches.
While not the healthiest option on the menu, the hotcakes remain a popular choice for those seeking a comforting, indulgent breakfast treat.
5) Sausage Biscuit
The Sausage Biscuit stands out as a simple yet satisfying option on McDonald’s breakfast menu. This handheld item features a warm, buttery biscuit split and filled with a savory sausage patty.
The biscuit itself is known for its flaky texture and rich flavor. When paired with the juicy sausage, it creates a harmonious blend of tastes that many customers find appealing.
At a price point of $1.79, the Sausage Biscuit offers good value for those seeking a quick and filling breakfast. Its compact size makes it convenient for eating on the go.
For those looking to customize their meal, McDonald’s allows additions like egg or cheese for an extra charge. This flexibility lets customers tailor the sandwich to their preferences.
The Sausage Biscuit serves as a foundation for other menu items, appearing in various combinations across McDonald’s breakfast offerings. Its popularity has secured its place as a staple in the morning lineup.
6) Breakfast Burrito
McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito is a savory morning option that packs a flavorful punch. This handheld delight combines scrambled eggs, pork sausage, and American cheese in a soft flour tortilla.
The addition of green chiles and onions gives the burrito a subtle kick and adds depth to its taste profile. At just $1.89, it offers good value for those seeking a filling breakfast on a budget.
The Breakfast Burrito is a convenient choice for customers on the go. Its portable nature makes it easy to eat while commuting or rushing to work.
With 310 calories, this menu item provides a balance of protein and carbohydrates to start the day. It’s a satisfying option for those who prefer a heartier breakfast without feeling overly full.
While not as popular as some other McDonald’s breakfast staples, the Breakfast Burrito has gained a loyal following among those who appreciate its unique flavor combination and portability.
7) Hash Browns
McDonald’s Hash Browns are a beloved staple of the breakfast menu. These crispy, golden-brown patties are made from shredded potatoes, formed into an oval shape, and deep-fried to perfection.
The exterior is satisfyingly crunchy, while the interior remains soft and fluffy. Many customers consider them a must-have side dish to complement their morning meal.
Each Hash Brown contains 140 calories, making it a relatively light option for those watching their calorie intake. The compact size and portable nature of these potato treats make them ideal for on-the-go consumption.
Hash Browns can be enjoyed on their own or as part of a larger breakfast combo. They pair well with various menu items, from Egg McMuffins to hotcakes.
The affordability of McDonald’s Hash Browns adds to their appeal. At $3.69 per serving, they offer a tasty and budget-friendly option for breakfast seekers.
Their popularity has made them a consistent feature on the McDonald’s breakfast menu for years. Many customers specifically visit during breakfast hours to satisfy their craving for these crispy potato patties.
8) Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal offers a wholesome breakfast option for those seeking a healthier start to their day. This dish features whole-grain rolled oats as its hearty base, providing a good source of fiber and nutrients.
The oatmeal is enhanced with a blend of diced red and green apples, adding a fresh and crisp texture to each bite. A mix of sweetened dried cranberries, California raisins, and golden raisins contributes natural sweetness and chewiness.
A touch of cream and brown sugar is added to the oatmeal, creating a creamy texture and balanced flavor profile. The combination of ingredients results in a satisfying breakfast with 320 calories per serving.
This menu item stands out as one of the healthier choices at McDonald’s, making it an appealing alternative to traditional fast food fare. The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal provides a blend of whole grains and fruit, offering a more nutritious option for morning diners.
Customers can customize their oatmeal by requesting it without brown sugar for a lower-calorie version at 260 calories. This flexibility allows individuals to adjust the sweetness to their preferences while still enjoying a filling breakfast.
9) Sausage McGriddles
The Sausage McGriddles is a unique breakfast sandwich that combines sweet and savory flavors. It features a savory sausage patty nestled between two soft griddle cakes infused with maple syrup flavor.
The griddle cakes serve as the bun, providing a sweet contrast to the salty sausage. They are warm, soft, and have a subtle maple taste that complements the meat perfectly.
This breakfast item contains 430 calories, making it a substantial morning meal. The Sausage McGriddles is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors from artificial sources.
For those seeking a heartier option, McDonald’s also offers a Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles. This version adds a folded egg and cheese to the original recipe, increasing both flavor and protein content.
The Sausage McGriddles is available as part of a meal, which typically includes hash browns and a small coffee. This combination provides a well-rounded breakfast for those on the go.
10) Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles is a popular breakfast item at McDonald’s. It features a savory-sweet combination that many find irresistible.
The sandwich consists of crispy bacon, a folded egg, and melted American cheese. These ingredients are nestled between two soft, warm griddle cakes with a subtle maple flavor.
At 430 calories, this McGriddles variation provides a satisfying start to the day. It offers a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats to fuel morning activities.
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal. The meal option includes crispy hash browns and a small McCafé Premium Roast Coffee.
Customers can order this breakfast sandwich through various methods. It’s available via drive-thru, in-store purchase, or through the McDonald’s mobile app for pickup or delivery.
Like most McDonald’s breakfast items, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles is typically only available during morning hours. Exact serving times may vary by location.
11) Big Breakfast with Hotcakes
The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is a hearty meal that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings. This McDonald’s offering includes a warm biscuit, savory sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and crispy hash browns.
The star of the show is the stack of golden brown hotcakes, served with a side of real butter and maple-flavored syrup. This combination provides a perfect balance of textures and flavors to start the day.
With 1,340 calories, the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is a substantial meal. It’s ideal for those with a big appetite or looking to fuel up for a long day ahead.
The price of this breakfast combo is typically around $8.59, which represents good value considering the variety and quantity of food included. Purchasing these items separately would cost significantly more.
Introduced in the 1970s, the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes has become a staple on McDonald’s breakfast menu. It continues to be a popular choice for customers seeking a full, satisfying breakfast experience.
12) Sausage Burrito
The Sausage Burrito is a popular choice on McDonald’s breakfast menu. It combines savory pork sausage, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.
This handheld breakfast option packs 310 calories, making it a satisfying yet relatively light meal. The burrito also includes green chiles and onions, adding flavor and texture to the filling.
Priced at around $2.69, the Sausage Burrito offers good value for those seeking a quick and portable breakfast. Its compact size makes it convenient for eating on-the-go during busy mornings.
For those looking to make it a meal, McDonald’s offers the option to pair the Sausage Burrito with crispy hash browns and a small coffee. This combination provides a more substantial breakfast experience.
The Sausage Burrito can be easily ordered through the McDonald’s mobile app for convenient pickup or delivery. Its blend of protein and carbohydrates provides a energizing start to the day.
History of McDonald’s Breakfast
McDonald’s breakfast menu has evolved significantly since its inception, becoming a beloved staple for many early risers. The fast food giant’s morning offerings have expanded from a single sandwich to a diverse array of options over the decades.
Origins and Evolution
McDonald’s breakfast journey began in 1972 with the introduction of the Egg McMuffin. Herb Peterson, a McDonald’s franchisee, created this iconic sandwich as a portable version of eggs benedict. The Egg McMuffin’s success prompted McDonald’s to develop a full breakfast menu, which launched nationwide in 1977.
Initially, the menu featured items like hotcakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, McDonald’s continued to innovate, adding popular items such as the Sausage McMuffin, Hash Browns, and breakfast burritos.
Significant Milestones
In 1986, McDonald’s introduced the McGriddles, a sweet and savory sandwich using griddle cakes as buns. This unique creation quickly became a customer favorite. Another major milestone occurred in 2015 when McDonald’s launched All-Day Breakfast in the United States, allowing customers to enjoy breakfast items beyond traditional morning hours.
In recent years, McDonald’s has focused on improving ingredient quality and expanding options. They’ve added healthier choices like fruit and maple oatmeal and egg white alternatives. The company has also experimented with regional specialties and limited-time offers to keep the breakfast menu fresh and exciting.
Nutritional Insights
McDonald’s breakfast menu offers a range of options with varying nutritional profiles. Examining the ingredients and calorie content can help diners make informed choices.
Understanding Ingredients
McDonald’s breakfast items contain a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Eggs feature prominently in many dishes, providing a good source of protein. Meats like bacon and sausage add flavor but also increase fat content.
Bread products such as English muffins and biscuits form the base of many items. These contribute carbohydrates and sometimes added sugars. Cheese appears in several breakfast options, adding calcium but also saturated fat.
Some menu items incorporate vegetables like tomatoes or spinach, boosting nutritional value. Condiments and sauces can add extra calories and sodium.
Calorie Breakdown
Calorie content varies widely across McDonald’s breakfast menu. The Egg McMuffin, often considered a healthier choice, contains around 310 calories. It offers a balance of protein and carbohydrates with moderate fat content.
On the higher end, the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes packs approximately 1340 calories. This option provides a substantial amount of fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
Here’s a brief comparison of calorie content for popular items:
- Egg McMuffin: 310 calories
- Sausage McMuffin: 480 calories
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit: 460 calories
- Hotcakes: 590 calories
Lighter options like oatmeal or a fruit and yogurt parfait typically contain fewer calories. These choices can be suitable for those seeking a less energy-dense breakfast.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Offerings
McDonald’s regularly introduces special breakfast items for a limited time. These offerings create excitement and give customers new reasons to visit during morning hours.
Impact on Popularity
Seasonal breakfast items often generate significant buzz. The McRib, while not a breakfast item, demonstrates how limited-time offerings can drive customer interest. For breakfast, items like Donut Sticks and Blueberry McGriddles have sparked enthusiasm.
Limited-time breakfast specials tend to align with holidays or seasons. Pumpkin spice-flavored items typically appear in fall, while peppermint-themed treats emerge around winter holidays.
These temporary additions can boost overall breakfast sales. They encourage regular customers to try something new and may attract those who don’t usually eat breakfast at McDonald’s.
Consumer Expectations
Frequent McDonald’s customers now anticipate seasonal breakfast offerings. Many look forward to the return of favorite limited-time items each year.
This anticipation can lead to increased foot traffic and social media engagement. Fans often share their excitement about seasonal items online, creating free publicity for the chain.
However, expectations can backfire if popular items don’t return or if new offerings fall short. McDonald’s must balance innovation with meeting established preferences to keep breakfast customers satisfied.
The chain also uses limited-time offers to test potential permanent menu additions. Successful seasonal items sometimes transition to the regular breakfast menu based on customer response.