14 McDonald’s Secret Menu Items Every Fast Food Lover Should Try

You’re aware of all the ins and outs of eating keto at McDonald’s, as well as the fast food chain’s little-known stash of ice. But how familiar are you with the McDonald’s secret menu? There are plenty of modified drinks, sides and sandwiches—some invented by fans, some former mashups that were on the menu for a limited time—to sink your teeth into. Here are 14 of my favorite options, ranging from towering burger combos to a play on affogato. All of these should be available nationwide and year-round at nearly all McDonald’s locations.

• Modification: add a hash brown to any breakfast sandwich

Whether you’re Team McGriddle or Team McMuffin, a crispy slab of fried potato will pair beautifully with your brekkie. Order the items separately and add the hash brown to the middle of your sammy right before eating it for salty, savory splendor with maximum crunch.

• Modification: order an egg McMuffin and a McChicken patty, then combine

If you’re not into bacon or sausage, this could be the breakfast sandwich for you. The crunchy chicken is a stellar foil for fluffy egg, melty cheese and salty Canadian bacon. Order the spicy McChicken patty if you want to give it a little heat.

• Modification: order a hazelnut iced coffee with two pumps caramel drizzle, one pump chocolate syrup and one pump chocolate-caramel syrup

McDonald’s iced coffee is a sugar bomb anyway; why not double down if you’re treating yourself? Feel free to cut back on any of the syrups in equal parts to keep the ratio the same while also reducing the sweetness.

• Modification: order an egg McMuffin, a McDouble and a hash brown (optional), then combine

Also known as the McBrunch Burger, this pick can only be ordered right when the breakfast and lunch menus overlap (hence the name). The beef and cheese add plenty of richness to the egg and Canadian bacon. Add a hash brown if you’re feeling extra decadent.

• Modification: add any number of beef patties to the Big Mac

The Big Mac already comes with two patties, but you can make it with up to eight—for a price. (It’ll cost you about $2.50 extra for each.) I’d recommend asking for an extra slice of cheese for every two patties on the burger to keep the beef-to-cheese ratio the same.

• Modification: order a McDouble with special sauce, no ketchup and extra lettuce

For folks who crave the sweet tang of a Big Mac without paying a premium for the specialty burger, this is a deliciously crafty solution. You’ll miss out on the third bun, but you’ll still get the signature sauce, cheese and two beef patties.

• Modification: order a Big Mac and three McChickens, then assemble

Picture a Big Mac with a mayo-kissed chicken patty where each bun should be. (There’s also a version that substitutes the beef patties with chicken instead of the bread.) It’s super crispy, indulgent and not for the faint of heart. To make it more affordable, order a McDouble instead of a Big Mac with Big Mac sauce in place of ketchup.

• Modification: order for a side of Big Mac sauce for dipping or drizzling with any size fries

Long gone are the days where Mickey D’s signature sauce came in portable little cups like the rest of the chain’s sauces. But you can still get a separate cup of the cult-favorite pink dip for drizzling over fries. Ask for those teeny-tiny onions on the side too for a cheater’s take on In-N-Out’s Animal Style fries.

• Modification: order a Big Mac with no beef

Call it a Veggie Mac, if you will. You may be charged full price, so if you want to save a few bucks, order a cheeseburger without the beef to make a simpler grilled cheese instead, then pick and choose what additional toppings you want to keep, like pickles and ketchup.

• Modification: order a Big Mac, McChicken and Filet-O-Fish, then stack the components using the Big Mac buns as dividers

Three proteins, one massive sandwich. The key to constructing it is all the bread that comes with the Big Mac. Separate the sandwich with chicken and beef on one side, the third bun in the center and beef and fish on the other side. All the sauces (Big Mac sauce, tartar sauce and mayo) make for a messy but memorable bite.

• Modification: order two chocolate chip cookies and an ice cream of your choice, then assemble

Whether you use a hot fudge sundae, caramel sundae or an Oreo McFlurry for the filling, this sweet treat will hit the spot. Let the cookies cool a bit before assembling so the soft serve doesn’t melt before you have a chance to eat the ice cream sandwich.

• Modification: order an orange Hi-C and a vanilla cone and combine

The trick is slowly adding the ice cream to your beverage cup, letting some melt away and some stay intact, sort of like a float. Of course, you can use the same method with any soda on the menu (I’m partial to Coke).

• Modification: order a McFlurry and ask for an apple pie to be blended into it

Genius, no? Alternatively, you can order an ice cream cone, an apple pie and a McFlurry cup on the side, then mix it yourself. (The crunchy cone pieces would be a game-changer for me.)