Mcdonald’s Breakfast Menu And Prices

McDonald’s breakfast menu and prices shift slightly when the morning hours end, but the real question is what you can get before the clock hits 10:30 AM. If you’re looking for a fast, affordable morning meal, McDonald’s is often the first stop. The menu is simple, the prices are reasonable, and the food is consistent. Let’s break down everything you need to know about the current breakfast offerings and what they cost.

McDonald’s has been serving breakfast since the early 1970s. The menu has changed over the years, but the core items remain popular. You’ll find classics like the Egg McMuffin, hotcakes, and hash browns. Prices vary by location, but this guide gives you a solid estimate for most US restaurants.

The breakfast menu is divided into a few main categories: sandwiches, platters, sides, and drinks. Each item has a specific price point, and you can often mix and match for a better deal. Here is a breakdown of the most common items and their average prices.

Breakfast Sandwiches

Sandwiches are the heart of the McDonald’s breakfast menu. They are quick, portable, and filling. Each sandwich comes on a specific bread type, like a muffin, biscuit, or bagel.

Egg McMuffin – $4.79. This is the classic. A fresh egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin.
Sausage McMuffin – $3.69. A simpler option with a sausage patty and cheese on a muffin.
Sausage McMuffin with Egg – $4.79. Adds a fresh egg to the sausage version.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit – $4.79. A flaky biscuit with bacon, egg, and cheese.
Sausage Biscuit – $3.69. Just sausage on a biscuit.
Sausage Biscuit with Egg – $4.79. Adds an egg to the sausage biscuit.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddles – $5.19. Sweet griddle cakes with bacon, egg, and cheese.
Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles – $5.19. Same griddle cakes but with sausage.
Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel – $5.99. A hearty bagel sandwich with steak, egg, and cheese.

Prices can vary by about 20 to 50 cents depending on your state or city. For example, New York City might charge more than a small town in Ohio. Always check the app for local pricing.

Breakfast Platters

If you want a bigger meal, the platters are the way to go. They come with multiple items and are designed to be eaten with a fork.

Hotcakes – $4.69. Three golden hotcakes with butter and syrup. No meat included.
Hotcakes and Sausage – $5.69. Adds a sausage patty to the hotcakes.
Big Breakfast – $5.99. Comes with scrambled eggs, a biscuit, hash browns, and a choice of sausage or bacon.
Big Breakfast with Hotcakes – $7.29. The Big Breakfast plus three hotcakes.

The platters are a good value if you are very hungry. The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is almost two meals in one. Some people split it with a friend.

Sides And Extras

You can add sides to any sandwich or platter. These are small items that round out your meal.

Hash Browns – $1.99. A single crispy potato patty. This is the most popular side.
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal – $3.29. A healthier option with oatmeal, brown sugar, and fruit.
Apple Slices – $1.00. A simple fruit side for kids or light eaters.
Yogurt Parfait – $1.99. Low-fat yogurt with granola and strawberries.

Hash browns are a must for many people. They are salty, crispy, and pair well with any sandwich. You can order extra if you want more.

Drinks

McDonald’s offers a range of breakfast drinks. Coffee is the most popular, but there are other options.

Premium Roast Coffee – $1.29 (small), $1.49 (medium), $1.69 (large).
Iced Coffee – $2.29 (small), $2.69 (medium), $3.09 (large).
Orange Juice – $2.49 (small), $2.99 (medium).
Milk – $1.29 (1% lowfat or whole).
Hot Chocolate – $1.99 (small), $2.29 (medium).
Soft Drinks – $1.49 (small) to $2.49 (large).

Coffee is a loss leader for McDonald’s. They keep it cheap to get you in the door. The iced coffee is also popular in warmer months.

Breakfast Hours And Timing

McDonald’s breakfast hours are standard across most locations. Breakfast is served from the time the restaurant opens until 10:30 AM. Some locations start serving as early as 5:00 AM, while others open at 6:00 AM. On weekends, breakfast might extend until 11:00 AM at some stores, but this is not guaranteed.

If you arrive after 10:30 AM, you cannot order breakfast items. The menu switches to lunch and dinner options. This is a firm rule at most McDonald’s. However, some locations in airports or 24-hour stores might serve breakfast all day, but this is rare.

To avoid disappointment, check the McDonald’s app for your local store’s hours. The app also shows if all-day breakfast is available at that specific location. Most stores stopped all-day breakfast during the pandemic and have not brought it back.

How To Order Breakfast

You have several ways to order your breakfast. Each method has its own advantages.

In-store – Walk up to the counter or use a self-service kiosk. The kiosk lets you customize your order easily.
Drive-thru – The fastest option if you are in a hurry. Speak clearly into the speaker.
Mobile app – Order ahead and pick up at the store. The app often has exclusive deals.
Delivery – Use Uber Eats, DoorDash, or the McDonald’s app for delivery. Expect higher prices and fees.

The mobile app is the best way to save money. You can find coupons like a free Egg McMuffin with purchase or a discounted coffee. The app also tracks your points for free food.

Breakfast Value Menu And Deals

McDonald’s has a value menu for breakfast, but it is smaller than the lunch value menu. The breakfast value menu includes items under $3.00.

Sausage Burrito – $2.49. A small burrito with sausage, egg, cheese, and peppers.
Hash Browns – $1.99.
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal – $3.29 (sometimes on the value menu).
Apple Slices – $1.00.

The Sausage Burrito is a hidden gem. It is cheap, filling, and has a bit of spice. Many people order two of them for a complete meal.

Deals change frequently. In the app, you might see a “Buy One Get One” for breakfast sandwiches or a $2.99 meal deal. Always check before you order.

Breakfast Combo Meals

You can turn most sandwiches into a combo meal. A combo includes the sandwich, hash browns, and a drink. The price is usually about $2.00 more than the sandwich alone.

Egg McMuffin Combo – $6.79.
Sausage McMuffin with Egg Combo – $6.79.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Combo – $6.79.
Steak, Egg & Cheese Bagel Combo – $7.99.

Combo meals are a good value if you want a full meal. You save about 50 cents compared to buying items separately. The drink can be any size, but the hash browns are always one piece.

Nutritional Information

Breakfast at McDonald’s is not the healthiest option, but you can make better choices. Here are the calorie counts for popular items.

Egg McMuffin – 310 calories.
Sausage McMuffin with Egg – 480 calories.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit – 460 calories.
Hotcakes and Sausage – 760 calories.
Hash Browns – 150 calories.
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal – 320 calories.
Premium Roast Coffee (black) – 0 calories.

The Egg McMuffin is the healthiest sandwich option. It has protein from the egg and Canadian bacon, and it is relatively low in calories. The hotcakes and sausage platter is the highest in calories and sugar.

If you are watching your sodium intake, be careful. Most breakfast items have 700 to 1,200 mg of sodium. That is a large portion of the daily recommended limit.

Allergen Information

McDonald’s provides allergen information on their website and in the app. Common allergens in breakfast items include:

Eggs – Present in most sandwiches and platters.
Milk – Cheese and butter are common.
Wheat/Gluten – Biscuits, muffins, and bagels contain wheat.
Soy – Used in some oils and breads.

If you have a severe allergy, talk to the manager. Cross-contamination is possible in the kitchen. McDonald’s does not guarantee allergen-free food.

Regional And Seasonal Variations

McDonald’s breakfast menu is not exactly the same everywhere. Some regions have local favorites. For example, in Hawaii, you can get a Portuguese sausage breakfast sandwich. In the Midwest, you might find a “McSkillet” burrito at some locations.

Seasonal items also appear. During the winter, McDonald’s sometimes offers a “Steak & Egg Burrito” or a “Cinnamon Melt” for a limited time. These items are not always available, so check the app.

International menus are very different. In Japan, you can get a “McGriddles” with teriyaki sauce. In the UK, the “McMuffin” is called a “McMuffin” but with different meat options. This article focuses on the US menu.

Tips For Saving Money On Breakfast

Breakfast can add up if you are not careful. Here are some practical tips to keep costs down.

Use the app – Download the McDonald’s app for exclusive coupons and deals. You can often get a free sandwich with purchase.
Order off the value menu – The Sausage Burrito and hash browns are cheap and filling.
Skip the combo – Order a sandwich and a coffee separately. You might save a dollar.
Share a platter – The Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is enough for two people.
Check for local deals – Some stores have “Breakfast for $3” or “2 for $4” deals.

Another trick is to ask for a “side of” items. For example, you can order a Sausage McMuffin and add a side of egg for a lower price than the McMuffin with egg. Not all stores allow this, but it is worth asking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast?
Most locations stop serving breakfast at 10:30 AM. Some stores on weekends stop at 11:00 AM. Check your local store for exact times.

Can I get breakfast after 10:30 AM?
No, not at most locations. The menu switches to lunch. A few 24-hour stores might serve breakfast all day, but this is rare.

Does McDonald’s have a breakfast value menu?
Yes, but it is limited. Items like the Sausage Burrito ($2.49) and hash browns ($1.99) are on the value menu.

How much is an Egg McMuffin?
The average price is $4.79. Prices vary by location. In some cities, it can be $5.29 or more.

What is the cheapest breakfast item at McDonald’s?
The cheapest item is usually the Sausage Burrito at $2.49. Apple slices are $1.00 but are not a full breakfast.

Does McDonald’s have all-day breakfast?
Most locations do not offer all-day breakfast anymore. It was discontinued during the pandemic and has not returned at most stores.

Can I customize my breakfast sandwich?
Yes, you can add or remove ingredients. For example, you can add an extra egg or remove cheese. Some customizations cost extra.

Final Thoughts On The Breakfast Menu

McDonald’s breakfast menu is simple, affordable, and consistent. The prices are reasonable for fast food, and the food is what you expect. The Egg McMuffin remains the star of the menu, but the Sausage Burrito is a great budget option.

If you want to save money, use the app and stick to the value menu. If you want a filling meal, get a platter or a combo. Just remeber the 10:30 AM cutoff—missing it means waiting until the next day.

Prices will continue to change as inflation affects food costs. Check the McDonald’s app or website for the most current prices at your local store. The menu might also add new items or remove old ones over time.

For now, the breakfast menu is a reliable choice for a quick morning meal. Whether you are on the road or just need a fast bite, McDonald’s has you covered. Just get there before the lunch rush starts.