Including sandwiches, desserts, and a too-tasty-to-skip side.
Key Takeaways
- Chefs agree McDonald’s comes in clutch with its simple, nostalgic comfort food and reliable menu staples.
- Breakfast lovers should try a savory sandwich that’s been called one of the best in fast food.
- For a sweet treat, pair an iconic dessert with a creamy classic for a road trip-ready indulgence.
There's a reason why the internet seems to be overflowing with hot takes about whether McDonald's breakfast should be available all day, or if the new Filet-O-Fish is as delish as the original. It's because its fan club is vast. In fact, it includes many professional chefs.
Our Panel of Fast Food-Savvy Chefs
- Jeanette Donnarumma, a New Jersey-based Emmy Award-winning producer, recipe developer, content creator, and digital media producer
- Dominic Iannarelli, chef-owner of Prime & Providence in West Des Moines, Iowa
- David Schaumburger, executive chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver in Denver
Why Chefs Love McDonald's
"McDonald's is worthy of a spot on the fast food Mount Rushmore because of nostalgia and reliability," says recipe developer Jeanette Donnarumma. "No matter where you are, you know exactly what you're getting, and that kind of reliability is incredibly hard to achieve at that scale. It's also a brand that's deeply tied to how a lot of us grew up eating, which gives it a cultural staying power most chains can't touch."
Beyond the fact that many of us were raised on Happy Meals, McDonald's shines due to the value and ease offered by the app and because it has "the best fast food breakfast in the entire quick-service category," says Prime & Providence steakhouse chef Dominic Iannarelli.
According to Donnarumma, Iannarelli, and The Ritz-Carlton, Denver executive chef David Schaumburger, McDonald's really shines when it leans into what it does best: simple, craveable comfort food. When they stray from that script (think: the now-discontinued salads), "It usually doesn't hit the same way," Donnarumma tells Allrecipes.
What To Order at McDonald's
Now that we've covered the short list of "don'ts," let's dive into the "dos"—aka, exactly what to order next time you pull up that app or swing through the drive-through.
French Fries
For what Donnarumma deems "the perfect combo," ask for a crispy Diet Coke and fries. The 1/4-inch square straight-cut russet spuds are "consistently crispy, salty, and super craveable," Donnarumma says. And although they came in second place in our chef survey about the best fast food fries, Schaumburger agrees that McDonald's iconic fries are "consistently one of the strongest items on the menu."
Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese
To pair with that side and drink, Iannarelli and Schaumburger suggest one of two lunch or dinner sandwich options at Mickey D's. First up: The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, which Iannarelli swears is "the ultimate order." Schaumburger celebrates the "straightforward, beef-forward flavor" since this sammy has double the beef of a Big Mac. With 8 ounces of meat, two slices of cheese, pickles, slivered onions, ketchup, mustard, and no middle bun, the QP has a more satisfying ratio of meat-to-bun-to-toppings than a Big Mac, Iannarelli believes.
McChicken Sandwich
If you're not in the mood for beef, Iannarelli advises that you order the classic McChicken, which "might just be my favorite fast-food chicken sandwich," he says. (That's big, considering Popeyes, Bojangles, and KFC tend to be the fried chicken franchises that get more celebrations for their sandwiches!) Besides the pillowy toasted bun, shredded lettuce, and mayo, the McChicken is a cluck worth your buck because of "the black pepper in the breading, which totally makes it," Iannarelli says.
Chicken McNuggets
When you're in the mood for white meat but not the bun, Schaumburger says your best bet is the classic Chicken McNuggets, which are "simple, nostalgic, and satisfying," he says. Available in four different molded shapes (they resemble a boot, a bone, a bell, and a ball) and in packs of 4, 6, 10, 20, or 40, your order really isn't complete without a side of Sweet 'N Sour, Schaumburger swears. The swicy apricot and peach sauce offers a delightful contrast to the salty and savory nuggets.
Sausage McMuffin with Egg
If you happen to swing through before 10:30 a.m. (or 11, depending on your local chain's M.O.), the choice is an easy one. Both Donnarumma and Iannarelli dig the Sausage McMuffin with Egg. Not only is it one of the best orders at McDonald's, but it's also "one of the best fast food breakfast items ever," if you ask Donnarumma. "It's balanced, not too heavy, and actually feels like a complete, satisfying bite." To make this nosh even more of a meal, Iannarelli likes to ask for a hash brown patty to stuff inside his McMuffin. (Why didn't we think of this McDonald's hack sooner?!)
Vanilla Cone
It's a running joke with both McDonald's devotees and detractors that the ice cream machine is always "down." If you trust McBroken.com, which was created to track which locations have functioning soft serve sources, about 12 percent of the global Golden Arches' ice cream makers are offline. If you happen to frequent one of the 88 percent up and running, Donnarumma says you simply must celebrate with a Vanilla Cone, which "always hits the spot!" Although it's reduced-fat ice cream, it sure doesn't taste like it, she promises.
Baked Apple Pie
Because one sweet is never quite enough, if you ask us (and Donnarumma), she also gives a big thumbs up to the flaky-crusted Baked Apple Pie. Declaring it "underrated and so nostalgic," this is the perfect treat for when you're on the road, she tells us. "The cinnamon-scented filling is hot and sweet, and that crispy shell makes it feel like a treat every time." To double down on the decadence, try crumbling pieces of this warm apple hand pie into a cup of ice cream. Apple pie à la mode that we can spoon? Don't mind if we do.
Read the original article on Allrecipes
