McDonald’s has been serving up burgers and fries for 70 years, and it’s still going strong with more than 40,000 locations across the globe. The golden arches may feel familiar, but plenty goes on behind the counter that customers never see. Former corporate chef Mike Haracz has spilled some surprising details about the chain, and they’re not on the menu. From kitchen quirks to policy secrets, here’s what McDonald’s employees would rather you didn’t know.
The Best Eggs Are On The McMuffin
The round egg on a McMuffin comes from a fresh-cracked egg, and that’s why it tastes so good. Chef Mike Haracz says it’s the freshest option you can get there. It’s cooked in a ring mold, so it fits perfectly on the sandwich. You’re getting the good stuff when you order it. The folded egg on biscuits and bagels is frozen, and the scrambled eggs in the Big Breakfast come from a liquid mix.
Some McDonald’s Locations Sell Birthday Cakes
Some McDonald’s locations actually sell birthday cakes, and yes, they come with Ronald McDonald on them. You can find chocolate or vanilla, and they’re kept in the freezer until someone asks for one. Owner-operators can order them from a list of approved items, so not every spot will have them ready. Chef Mike Haracz says it’s worth calling ahead. Even if they don’t have any in stock, they might be able to order one for your celebration.
The Straws Are What Make McDonald’s Coke Taste So Good
McDonald’s Coke just hits different, and the straw has a lot to do with it. The chain pre-chills the water and syrup before it hits the dispenser so every sip stays cold and refreshing. The syrup ratio is set to work perfectly with the ice melt. The straws are also wider than normal ones, so you get more flavor with each sip. Chef Mike Haracz says that’s why it tastes so good every single time.
The Truth About the Ice Cream Machines
McDonald’s ice cream machines have a reputation for being out of order, and there’s a reason for it. Chef Mike Haracz says the machines are complex and need to be taken apart and cleaned often. Only certain employees know how to do it, which can take time. Sometimes the cleaning happens during busy hours, which means no McFlurries for a bit. It’s frustrating, but it also means the machine is clean and ready for your next order.
You Can Make McDonald’s Burger Seasoning At Home
McDonald’s burger seasoning is so easy to make at home. Chef Mike Haracz says it’s just salt and pepper in the right proportions. You’ll need 86 percent salt and 14 percent pepper to match the flavor. If you want to be exact, use a food scale and measure 8.6 grams of salt and 1.4 grams of cracked pepper. Mix them and sprinkle them on your burger. It’s simple, and it’s the same seasoning used in their kitchens.
A Popular Trader Joe’s Item Can Help Replicate McGriddles
Trader Joe’s Dutch Griddle Cakes are the closest thing you’ll find to McDonald’s McGriddles at home. They’ve got that maple flavor that makes the sandwich so good. Chef Mike Haracz says to skip the toaster oven and just pop them in the microwave for the right texture. Add bacon, eggs, and cheese, and you’ve got yourself a solid McGriddle copycat. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that sweet and savory combo without having to hit the drive-thru.
McDonald’s Sweet Tea Is Filled With A Ton Of Sugar
McDonald’s sweet tea really lives up to its name. Employees say it’s made with five gallons of water, a giant tea bag, a four-pound bag of sugar, and a gallon of ice. That’s a lot of sweetness in every cup. A small serving has around 40 grams of sugar, which is about the same as some sodas. If you like your tea extra sweet, this one definitely delivers. Just know you’re getting a serious sugar hit with every sip.
There’s No Ketchup In Big Mac Sauce
Big Mac sauce has plenty of flavor, but ketchup isn’t part of the mix. Chef Mike Haracz says paprika is what gives it that orange color. The rest of the recipe includes mayo, sweet pickle relish, Dusseldorf mustard, white wine vinegar, onion powder, granulated garlic, and white pepper. It’s a unique blend that gives the Big Mac its signature taste. So if you’ve been thinking the sauce is just fancy ketchup, now you know what’s really in it.
McDonald’s Doesn’t Have A Secret Menu, But Some Ordering Secrets
McDonald’s doesn’t officially have a secret menu, but there are ways to get creative with your order. Chef Mike Haracz says you can add Big Mac sauce to a Filet-O-Fish and swap the bun for an English muffin for a new twist. Another option is to replace the Big Mac patties with bacon and add a tomato for a BLT-style sandwich. So you can still have fun customizing your meal, even if there’s no hidden menu board.
McDonald’s French Fries Aren’t Vegan
McDonald’s fries might seem like they’re just potatoes, but in the US, they aren’t vegan. The ingredient list includes natural beef flavor and hydrolyzed milk right from the start. So even though they look like a simple vegetarian side, they’re made with animal products. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re avoiding meat or dairy. They still have that famous taste, but now you know why they’re different from fries you might make at home.
Try These Tips On Your Next McDonald’s Run
Now you know a few insider secrets straight from the people who’ve worked behind the counter. So the next time you pull up to the drive-thru, you can tweak your order, recreate flavors at home, or spot ingredients you didn’t expect. It’s a fun way to see the menu in a new light. Whether you’re in it for the fries, the burgers, or the breakfast, you’ve got a few tricks to make it even better.
