We Ranked The 10 Best Breakfast Items Ever Sold At McDonald’s
McDonald’s breakfast menu has been a beloved morning staple for millions of Americans since its official nationwide debut in 1977. Over the years, it has become synonymous with convenience, comfort, and that unmistakable fast-food flavor we often crave at the crack of dawn.
I’ve spent countless bleary-eyed mornings sampling nearly every item, from the warm, melty egg sandwiches to the golden, crispy hash browns that somehow taste even better when you’re running late.
After much reflection, and a few extra pounds earned in the name of research, I’ve compiled a definitive ranking of the best breakfast items to ever hit the golden arches.
1. The Legendary Egg McMuffin
My first Egg McMuffin experience changed my breakfast expectations forever. That perfectly round egg, Canadian bacon, and melted American cheese on a toasted English muffin created breakfast sandwich perfection back in 1972.
I still remember my dad bringing these home on Saturday mornings, the way the yolk would break and create this incredible sauce for the sandwich. The genius behind this creation, Herb Peterson, actually invented it as his version of Eggs Benedict that could be eaten on the go.
Fun fact: McDonald’s cracks real eggs into circular molds to create that distinctive shape, unlike many fast-food places that use pre-made egg products.
2. Hash Browns That Outshine The Rest
Golden, crispy potato perfection that fits perfectly in your cup holder! These potato pucks have saved my morning commute more times than I can count. The exterior crunch giving way to that soft, steamy interior creates a textural masterpiece that no other fast-food chain has managed to replicate.
Sometimes I’ll order extra just to have them as an afternoon snack. The slight onion flavor and that distinctive McDonald’s fry oil taste makes these hash browns instantly recognizable blindfolded.
Did you know they’re made from real shredded potatoes that are formed into their iconic oval shape before being partially fried, frozen, and then finished in the restaurant?
3. Sausage McMuffin with Egg
Whoever decided to swap Canadian bacon for a savory sausage patty deserves a raise! This hearty upgrade to the original McMuffin has fueled countless Saturday morning soccer games and early fishing trips in my family.
The sausage patty’s slightly spiced flavor pairs beautifully with that perfectly cooked egg. I love how the cheese melts between the warm components, creating this incredible flavor fusion that somehow tastes better when you’re eating it in your car.
The Sausage McMuffin with Egg debuted in 1983, a full decade after its Canadian bacon predecessor, but quickly earned its place in the breakfast hall of fame. Sometimes the sequel really is better than the original!
4. Maple-Infused McGriddles
Sweet meets savory in the most revolutionary breakfast sandwich ever created! The first time I bit into those warm, maple-infused griddle cakes with sausage and egg nestled inside, I nearly crashed my car from breakfast euphoria.
The genius of McGriddles is how they’ve eliminated the need for syrup. Those little pockets of maple goodness hidden within the soft pancake-like buns burst with sweetness in every bite, perfectly balancing the savory fillings.
Launched in 2003, these unique sandwiches were actually created by the same chef who invented the McFlurry. My personal favorite is the Sausage, Egg & Cheese version, which delivers the perfect sweet-and-savory morning punch.
5. Hotcakes That Taste Like Childhood
Three fluffy discs of nostalgia served with melting butter and syrup packets! McDonald’s hotcakes transport me straight back to those special weekend mornings when my mom would surprise us with a McDonald’s breakfast instead of her usual homemade fare.
The way they soak up that warm syrup is nothing short of magical. And let’s be honest, there’s something uniquely satisfying about those little tubs of butter that somehow taste better than any butter you have at home.
These pancakes have been on the menu since the beginning of McDonald’s breakfast in the 1970s. My pro tip: order hash browns and create mini pancake-potato sandwiches for a sweet-savory combo that will change your life.
6. Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
Buttery, flaky biscuit heaven! The first time I had this Southern-inspired creation, I understood why my friend from Georgia always insisted McDonald’s biscuits were the real deal. The way that buttermilk biscuit crumbles slightly with each bite provides the perfect textural contrast to the chewy bacon and fluffy egg.
Something about the combination of these simple ingredients creates a flavor that’s somehow greater than the sum of its parts.
When I’m feeling particularly indulgent, I ask for an extra packet of grape jelly to add a sweet note to a few bites. This might sound strange, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried this sweet-savory combination that elevates this already delicious sandwich.
7. Sausage Burrito
Portable breakfast perfection wrapped in a warm tortilla! This handheld morning miracle has saved countless rushed mornings when I needed something I could literally eat with one hand while driving. The scrambled egg mixed with sausage, green chilies, onions, and that melty American cheese creates this amazing flavor bomb.
What makes this burrito special is how all the ingredients are mixed together rather than layered, ensuring every bite delivers the full flavor experience.
McDonald’s introduced this gem in the early 1990s, and it remains one of their most underrated breakfast items. At just 300 calories, it’s also one of the more reasonable options when you’re trying to balance taste with not having to buy new pants.
8. Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel
Oh, how I miss this discontinued breakfast behemoth! This was the heavyweight champion of McDonald’s breakfast menu before its untimely removal during menu simplifications in recent years.
The combination of thinly sliced steak, folded egg, and American cheese on a toasted bagel created a breakfast experience that felt almost too indulgent for a drive-thru. That creamy sauce with hints of onion and garlic elevated it beyond typical fast food territory.
I once drove 30 miles to a McDonald’s that still had these on the menu after most locations had discontinued them. The employee looked at me like I was crazy when I ordered three, one to eat immediately and two to savor later. Worth every mile!
9. Big Breakfast With Hotcakes
The breakfast feast that requires both hands and possibly a nap afterward! When I was a teenager with an insatiable appetite, this was my go-to order before weekend football games. This platter combines fluffy scrambled eggs, a savory sausage patty, crispy hash browns, and buttery hotcakes with syrup.
Essentially, it’s everything good about McDonald’s breakfast on one tray. The genius is in how you can create your own perfect bites, a little egg with sausage, or pancake with hash brown.
At around 1,350 calories, this breakfast isn’t for the faint of heart. But on those special mornings when you need serious fuel or are nursing a headache from the night before, nothing else comes close to this satisfying spread.
10. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Surprisingly delicious and the reason I stopped avoiding McDonald’s during my health kick phase! This warm bowl of comfort introduced in 2011 feels almost too wholesome to be fast food. The creamy oatmeal comes topped with fresh apple slices, dried cranberries, and two varieties of raisins.
I love how the fruit adds natural sweetness and different textures to each spoonful. When I’m trying to balance my weekend indulgences with weekday virtue, this has become my go-to order.
McDonald’s oatmeal actually contains real ingredients you’d recognize, whole grain oats, cream, and real fruit. While purists might scoff at fast-food oatmeal, I’ve converted several skeptical friends who couldn’t believe something this tasty came from the same place as Big Macs.