Serving up iconic menu items like Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, McDonald’s has a loyal customer base thanks to its consistency and delicious food. Its affordable menu is also one of the best ways to eliminate money stress when you want a quick bite to eat.
But did you know there are ways to hack the menu for better quality items, delicious hybrids, and even cheaper prices?
From DIY sandwiches to the perfect french fries, here’s how it’s done.
Ask for salt-free fries
Few people will argue that McDonald’s has the best fast food french fries. However, you can guarantee yours will be fresh every time by asking for them without salt. This forces the crew to make an individual batch right then and there which you can salt yourself later on.
Get a Big Mac for half the price
Want a Big Mac but don’t want to pay full price for it? Hack the McDouble by ordering it without ketchup or mustard, then ask them to add Big Mac sauce.
The result is pretty much an identical burger but for half the price. All you’ll be missing is some extra bread and sesame seeds.
Make your Big Mac bigger
Sure, a Big Mac is great, but have you ever wished the meat patties were a little more substantial? If so, the McKinley Mac is for you.
When you order, ask the employee to sub out the regular beef patties for Quarter Pounder patties. You may pay a bit more, but the meat lover in you will be delighted.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Ask for a steamed bun
Have you ever noticed that the Filet-O-Fish comes with a fluffy and doughy bun? That’s because it’s steamed so the texture will perfectly complement the fried fish and creamy tartar sauce. However, you can request a steamed bun on any sandwich or burger just by asking.
Hack a Chicken Cordon Bleu McMuffin
Thanks to all-day breakfast, you can create a fast food hybrid worthy of a Parisian cafe – well, sort of.
Just order an Egg McMuffin and a McChicken sandwich, remove the chicken patty from the bun, and insert it into the breakfast sandwich. Presto! The Chicken Cordon Bleu is born.
Trending Stories
Create a Chicken McGriddle
Another hybrid breakfast sandwich you can hack is the Chicken McGriddle. In a nutshell, this is simply a McGriddle in which you swap out the typical breakfast meats — bacon or sausage — for a McChicken patty.
This hack has serious chicken and waffle energy on a budget. You can even keep the bacon for an extra treat.
Order your hash browns well-done
What’s not to like about McDonald’s hash browns? They’re salty, they’re greasy, and they’re just plain tasty.
But you can level up your hash brown game by asking for them to be prepared well-done. This will up the crunch factor, making them all the more satisfying. You can also use them as a textural element by adding them to burgers and sandwiches, too.
Don’t sleep on the dipping sauces
While dipping sauces usually come with an order of Chicken McNuggets, you can use them to level up the flavor profile of any sandwich or burger.
You can add buffalo sauce to your McChicken, for one, or ranch to your Big Mac. The possible combinations are endless, so add them to your order next time.
Make your own float
The ice cream machines at McDonald’s are notorious for being out-of-service. But the next time they’re working, try making your own float. All you need to do is order a soda (we like root beer) and an ice cream cone. Open the soda, plop in your ice cream, and enjoy.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Create an Orange Creamsicle
If you’re in the mood for ice cream but a root beer float isn’t quite what you’re craving, you can opt for the Orange Creamsicle option instead.
Instead, order vanilla ice cream in a cup, then head to the soda fountain and splash in some orange soda. We’re huge fans of this classic combo.
Ask for a receipt
Not that you need proof that you bought a Double Quarter Pounder (or want it for that matter), but asking for a receipt may cause the McDonald’s employees to suspect you’re a secret shopper. That way you might get the freshest items made with the utmost care.
Order the Senior Coffee
If you’re over the age of 55 and present your ID, you can get 20% off of a cup of coffee at McDonald’s. And if you are a frequent customer, you can even score a free cup of coffee on the eighth go-around. Just another clever way to keep you from throwing away money in retirement.
Make your own chicken salad
Want a fresher McDonald’s experience but don’t want to pony up the cash for a full salad? Enter the budget chicken option.
You’ll have to do a little DIY work here, but order the McChicken without the bun, ask for double the lettuce, and a side salad. Dice up the chicken and add it to the salad.
Request a burger without an ingredient
Just as you can get fresh fries by asking for them without salt, you can get a fresh burger or sandwich if you have them hold one of the usual ingredients. They’ll have to make your lunch at that time rather than grab something that’s been sitting around under the heat lamps.
Make your own McCrepe
McDonald’s hotcakes have been around forever, but let’s face it — they could use a little extra love. So, why not order a Yogurt Parfait and use it as filling for the cakes and make yourself a McCrepe? It’s a cheap and easy way to DIY a fancier-than-average breakfast at McDonald’s.
Ask for a real egg
McDonald’s has a pretty decent breakfast selection, but we’re not huge fans of the folded yellow egg matter that comes in some of the sandwiches.
If you want a real egg (like the one that comes in the Egg McMuffin), just request a round egg instead. You can add this option as a topper on burgers, too.
Get your fries ‘animal-style’
If you live on the West Coast, you don’t need to do this as you have In-N-Out Burger already. But if you’re elsewhere, you can hack the menu to make a pretty good substitute for animal-style fries.
Just order your fries with a side of Big Mac sauce and pour the sauce over your fries. You can also throw a slice of cheese on there for extra gooeyness.
Assemble your own McGangBang
If you’re feeling feisty and crave a double meat experience, this cheap and classic menu hack is for you: the McGangBang.
To assemble this monstrosity, ask for a McChicken and a Double Cheeseburger. When you’re back at your table, insert the chicken sandwich in between the beef patties. Then enjoy it without shame — if you can.
Build a Big MacChicken
If the McGangBang isn’t enough sandwich for you, you’re in luck as there’s an even heartier option: the Big MacChicken from the secret menu.
As long as the employee is hip to the concept, you’ll be served a Big Mac with buns replaced by McChicken patties. It’s a carnivore’s delight.
DIY a Land, Sea, and Air Burger
Last but certainly not least — and not for the faint of heart — is the notorious Land, Sea, and Air Burger. To create this unholy hybrid, order a Filet-o-Fish, a McChicken, and a Big Mac.
At your table, put the patties (or heck, the whole sandwiches) from the first two into a respective layer of the Big Mac. Good luck finishing it!
Bottom Line
Eating at McDonald’s is an experience that’s quintessentially American, though the chain is global. However, you can hack the menu to boost your bank account, get fresh food, and create some mad scientist food creations.
That doesn’t mean you have to do it every time, though. Sometimes, all you want is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a Big Mac. They’re classic for a reason.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 7 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially.
- Do you owe the IRS >$10K? Ask this company to help you eliminate your late tax debt.
- 12 legit ways to earn extra cash.
- Learn how you can escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.