Ah, bacon. The crispy, salty, smoky treat that elevates almost any dish. It’s no wonder you’re wondering if you can satisfy your bacon cravings at the Golden Arches. The short answer? Yes, but it’s a bit more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.” Let’s explore the availability of bacon at McDonald’s, delving into menu options, regional variations, and even some ordering hacks to maximize your bacon experience.
Bacon on the McDonald’s Menu: A Breakfast Staple and Beyond
McDonald’s has long recognized the allure of bacon, and it features prominently on their breakfast menu. From classic breakfast sandwiches to loaded platters, bacon plays a key role in many morning favorites.
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit/McMuffin: A Morning Must-Have
The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit and McMuffin are arguably the most iconic bacon-featuring items on the McDonald’s breakfast menu. These sandwiches provide a perfect combination of savory bacon, fluffy eggs, and melted cheese, all nestled within a warm biscuit or English muffin. The crispiness of the bacon complements the other ingredients, creating a satisfying and flavorful breakfast experience.
Bacon in the Big Breakfast: A Hearty Start to Your Day
For those seeking a more substantial breakfast, the Big Breakfast often includes bacon strips alongside scrambled eggs, a hot biscuit, and a sausage patty. This option provides a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring a filling and energizing start to the day. The bacon adds a salty and smoky element to the overall breakfast experience, making it a popular choice for those with larger appetites.
Beyond Breakfast: Bacon’s Limited Role in Lunch and Dinner
While bacon is a breakfast mainstay at McDonald’s, its presence on the lunch and dinner menus is significantly more limited. You won’t find bacon on many of the core lunch items, such as the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder, without making specific modifications.
Navigating the Menu: Items That Include Bacon
To clarify, let’s break down some specific menu items where you can find bacon at McDonald’s, remembering that availability can vary by location.
The Quarter Pounder with Bacon: A Burger with a Bacon Boost
The Quarter Pounder with Bacon is a notable exception to the limited bacon options for lunch and dinner. This burger features thick-cut applewood smoked bacon atop a classic Quarter Pounder, adding a smoky and savory dimension to the already satisfying burger. It’s a popular choice for bacon lovers seeking a heartier meal.
McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwiches: A Bacon Bonanza
As mentioned earlier, breakfast sandwiches like the Bacon, Egg & Cheese McMuffin, Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, and even the McGriddles (sometimes customizable with bacon) are reliable sources of bacon. These sandwiches are readily available during breakfast hours and offer a convenient and delicious way to enjoy bacon on the go.
Regional Variations and Limited-Time Offers
Keep in mind that McDonald’s menus can vary by region and may also feature limited-time offers that include bacon in unique ways. It’s always a good idea to check the menu at your local McDonald’s to see what bacon-centric options are currently available.
International Bacon Offerings: A Global Perspective
In some international markets, McDonald’s may offer different menu items that feature bacon more prominently. For example, you might find unique bacon burgers or breakfast creations that are not available in the United States. Exploring McDonald’s menus in different countries can provide insight into the global appeal of bacon and the diverse ways it can be incorporated into fast food offerings.
Limited-Time Bacon Promotions: Catch Them While You Can
McDonald’s occasionally introduces limited-time menu items that showcase bacon in innovative and exciting ways. These promotions might include special bacon-topped burgers, bacon-infused breakfast items, or even bacon-flavored sides. These limited-time offers are often heavily advertised and generate considerable buzz, so keep an eye out for them.
Ordering Hacks and Customization Options
While the menu may not always explicitly list bacon as an add-on, there are often ways to customize your order to include bacon, even on items where it’s not initially present.
Adding Bacon to Other Menu Items: A Simple Request
In many cases, you can simply ask to add bacon to other menu items. For example, you might be able to add bacon to a regular Egg McMuffin, a McChicken, or even a salad. Availability of this customization option can vary by location and may incur an extra charge, but it’s always worth asking.
Utilizing the McDonald’s App: Customization at Your Fingertips
The McDonald’s app often provides customization options that allow you to add or remove ingredients from your order. Check the app to see if you can add bacon to your favorite items. The app can also provide information on pricing for add-ons and customizations.
The Quality of Bacon at McDonald’s
The quality of bacon used at McDonald’s is a factor to consider when deciding whether or not to satisfy your bacon cravings there. While it may not be artisanal, small-batch bacon, McDonald’s bacon generally meets certain standards for taste and texture.
Types of Bacon Used: From Applewood Smoked to Classic Cuts
McDonald’s typically uses a variety of bacon types, including classic cuts and applewood smoked bacon. The specific type of bacon used can vary depending on the menu item and regional availability. The Quarter Pounder with Bacon, for instance, features thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, which is known for its rich, smoky flavor.
Preparation Methods: Ensuring Crispiness and Flavor
The preparation methods used at McDonald’s are designed to ensure that the bacon is cooked to a crisp and flavorful state. This often involves cooking the bacon on a flat-top grill or in a specialized bacon cooker. The goal is to achieve a balance of crispiness and chewiness, while also maximizing the bacon’s smoky flavor.
Bacon Alternatives at McDonald’s: Sausage and Canadian Bacon
If bacon isn’t quite doing it for you, or if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor profile, McDonald’s offers other pork-based options like sausage and Canadian bacon (also known as ham).
Sausage Options: A Savory Alternative
McDonald’s offers sausage patties in several breakfast items. The sausage provides a savory and seasoned alternative to bacon, adding a different dimension of flavor to your breakfast sandwich or platter.
Canadian Bacon (Ham): A Leaner Choice
The Egg McMuffin features Canadian bacon, which is a leaner and less salty alternative to traditional bacon. Canadian bacon is made from the pork loin and is often smoked and cured, giving it a distinct flavor.
The Cost of Bacon at McDonald’s
Adding bacon to your McDonald’s order typically incurs an additional charge. The exact cost can vary depending on the location, the menu item, and the amount of bacon added.
Bacon as an Add-On: Pricing Considerations
When adding bacon as an add-on to a menu item, expect to pay a premium. The price of adding bacon can range from a few cents to a dollar or more, depending on the item and the restaurant’s pricing policies.
Bacon in Value Meals: Potential Savings
If you’re planning to order a bacon-containing item as part of a value meal, you may be able to save some money compared to ordering the items individually. Value meals often offer a discounted price on a combination of items, including a main dish, a side, and a drink.
So, Can You Get Bacon at McDonald’s? A Final Verdict
Yes, you can order bacon at McDonald’s, primarily during breakfast hours. Look for the Bacon, Egg & Cheese McMuffin/Biscuit, or the Big Breakfast. The Quarter Pounder with Bacon offers a lunchtime bacon fix. Don’t be afraid to ask about adding bacon to other items, and check the McDonald’s app for customization options. While it might not be the star of the entire menu, bacon has a definite and delicious presence at the Golden Arches. Enjoy your crispy, salty treat! Remember to check for regional variations and limited-time offers to maximize your bacon experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you always order bacon at McDonald’s?
The short answer is no, you cannot always order bacon as a standalone item at McDonald’s. While many McDonald’s menu items include bacon, such as the Egg McMuffin with bacon, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, or various burgers, ordering a side of just bacon is not usually an option. This is because McDonald’s primarily uses bacon as an ingredient in their breakfast and burger offerings, rather than selling it à la carte.
Availability can also depend on location and current promotional offers. Some McDonald’s might occasionally offer promotional items with extra bacon, or allow modifications to existing items for an additional cost. It’s always best to check the McDonald’s app, the in-store menu, or ask a staff member directly to confirm bacon availability for your specific order.
What menu items at McDonald’s typically include bacon?
Bacon is a staple ingredient in several McDonald’s breakfast and burger options. Popular breakfast items featuring bacon include the Egg McMuffin with bacon, the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit (or McGriddle), and sometimes the Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddle with bacon added.
For lunch and dinner, you’ll find bacon in various burger creations like the McRib (when available), the Bacon Ranch McCrispy, or certain promotional burger builds. Availability of these items may vary depending on location and seasonal promotions, so checking the menu beforehand is always advisable.
Is it possible to add bacon to a McDonald’s menu item that doesn’t normally include it?
In many cases, yes, you can add bacon to a menu item that doesn’t originally include it. Most McDonald’s locations allow customization of their menu items, including adding extra ingredients like bacon for an additional charge.
However, this depends on the specific McDonald’s location and their policies regarding modifications. It’s best to ask the cashier directly or check the McDonald’s app for customization options. Adding bacon will usually incur an extra fee, which varies by location.
What kind of bacon does McDonald’s use?
McDonald’s uses a specific type of bacon that aligns with their standards for taste and quality. While the exact supplier may vary, the bacon is typically hickory-smoked bacon.
This bacon is designed to have a specific flavor profile and crispness that complements their breakfast and burger menu items. It’s pre-cooked to ensure consistency and speed of preparation in their restaurants.
Can I order bacon through the McDonald’s app?
The McDonald’s app is a convenient way to order and customize your meals. In most cases, you can add bacon to eligible menu items through the app.
The app allows you to view available menu items, customize them with extra ingredients like bacon (if the option is available), and place your order for pick-up or delivery. Check the specific item’s customization options within the app to see if adding bacon is possible and any associated cost.
Is McDonald’s bacon crispy?
McDonald’s aims to provide crispy bacon as part of its menu offerings. The bacon is pre-cooked and then finished on the grill to achieve a certain level of crispiness.
However, the perceived crispness can vary depending on factors such as the time of day, the specific location, and how the bacon is prepared. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you might consider asking for it specifically when placing your order, though fulfilling this request may depend on the restaurant’s policies and capabilities.
Does McDonald’s offer any bacon-related promotions?
McDonald’s occasionally runs promotions that feature bacon prominently. These promotions might involve limited-time menu items with extra bacon or special deals on bacon-inclusive menu items.
To stay informed about these promotions, it’s best to regularly check the McDonald’s app, visit their website, or follow their social media channels. Promotions vary by location and time of year, so keeping an eye out for local advertisements is also recommended.