9 McDonald’s Menu Tips More Customers Should Know

McDonald’s has plenty of familiar favorites, but some customers like to mix things up by combining menu items or asking for extra toppings. These unofficial creations, often called the secret menu, turn burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and desserts into something a little different. They aren’t standardized menu items, so availability and customization options can vary by location. If you’re curious about trying something new, these nine fan favorites offer plenty of inspiration for your next order.

The Land, Sea & Air Burger

Why settle on one protein when you can combine three? The Land, Sea & Air Burger brings together beef, a McChicken, and a Filet-O-Fish for a towering sandwich with several distinct flavors and textures. Fans typically order the components separately and assemble them, rather than expecting the restaurant to prepare the combination as a single item. It’s an adventurous choice, but keep in mind that ordering all three sandwiches can make this one of the pricier creations on the list.

The Mc10:35

The Mc10:35 became popular thanks to the brief window when McDonald’s transitions from breakfast to lunch service. Fans combine an Egg McMuffin with a McDouble to create a sweet-and-savory breakfast burger mashup. The combination of eggs, cheese, burger patties, and English muffins creates a surprisingly hearty brunch option. Timing is everything, though, since it’s easiest to order during the late-morning menu changeover.

The Monster Mac

For customers who want more beef in every bite, the Monster Mac is a supersized take on the classic Big Mac. The idea is simple: add extra beef patties to the familiar combination of buns, cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and Big Mac sauce. Some versions call for several additional patties, making the final sandwich considerably taller and more filling. Since this isn’t a standard menu item, ask whether extra patties are available and check the added cost before ordering.

Neapolitan Shake

Can’t decide between chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry? The Neapolitan Shake combines all three classic McDonald’s shake flavors into one creamy dessert. The blended flavors create a nostalgic ice cream shop taste that many customers surprisingly never think to order. It’s one of the easiest secret menu hacks to try and remains popular with dessert fans.

The Poor Man’s Big Mac

The Poor Man’s Big Mac aims to recreate some of the familiar Big Mac flavor using a McDouble as its starting point. Fans customize it with lettuce and Big Mac sauce, along with extra pickles if desired, to bring it closer to the original. The result doesn’t have the Big Mac’s signature middle bun, and the savings aren’t guaranteed because add-ons and menu prices vary by location. Compare the customized McDouble’s final price with the Big Mac before assuming it’s the more affordable choice.

McCrepe

This breakfast-inspired secret menu item gives McDonald’s pancakes a creative twist. Customers fold a hot pancake around fillings like sausage, bacon, eggs, or syrup to create a handheld crepe-style breakfast. The combination feels simple but surprisingly comforting and portable for busy mornings. While not every location may accommodate the request, many fans love experimenting with different fillings.

Apple Pie à la Mode

Pairing McDonald’s baked apple pie with vanilla soft serve creates an easy dessert inspired by traditional apple pie à la mode. The warm, cinnamon-flavored filling contrasts with the cool, creamy ice cream, while the pastry adds a little crunch. Because this combination isn’t a standard menu item, you may need to order the pie and ice cream separately. Availability and serving temperatures can vary, so ask for the items you want and combine them yourself.

Grilled Cheese Burger

The Grilled Cheese Burger swaps the usual burger buns for grilled cheese sandwiches, creating an especially rich and cheesy meal. In some versions, the beef patty is placed between two grilled cheese sandwiches, while other variations use different combinations of cheese and bread. This isn’t a standard McDonald’s order, and a location may not be able to prepare it as requested. If you’re curious, ask about available substitutions or order the components separately, keeping in mind that extra items can increase the price.

Big McChicken

The Big McChicken is essentially a larger, upgraded version of the standard McChicken sandwich. Fans add extra chicken patties, lettuce, cheese, and Big Mac-style sauce to create a bigger and more filling sandwich without spending as much as premium burger options. The extra sauce and toppings make it feel closer to a specialty sandwich than a basic value-menu item. For chicken lovers, it’s one of the easiest secret menu hacks to customize.

This post may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. Disclosure Policy