Change Up The Filet-O-Fish When You Request This Bun Swap

When it comes to minimal sandwich ingredients, the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish has some of the fewest: The breaded fish patty, tartar sauce, a slice of processed American cheese all exist between two halves of a steamed bun. That specialty Filet-O-Fish bun is probably something you never even noticed, but when you change it, you will. The steamed bun comes standard in the U.S., but in some locations, customers may get a toasted sesame-seed bun instead. This simple swap can make a big difference in texture.

McDonald's chosen steamed bun certainly complements the crunchy fish filet rather than competing with it. But if you want to mix up your next Filet-O-Fish order, swap that traditional bun for toasted sesame seed instead. Yes, the same sort of bun you would find on a Big Mac. As one Reddit user attested on a board discussing the Filet-O-Fish and different bread options: "It's amazing how a change in bun type makes a massive difference."

Instead of a pillowy texture encasing your fish, tartar, and cheese, you get an extra level of crunch. That said, if you are ordering online or through the McDonald's app, there is an option to drop the bun but not to swap in a different one. So, we suggest you order in person either in store or at the drive-thru to get it right.

Beyond swapping a sesame-seed bun for the steamed plain bun, there are some other simple swaps to consider. One Facebook user swears by using an English muffin from the breakfast menu as a "special request" Filet-O-Fish bun. Elsewhere online, one TikToker suggested asking for a McGriddle bun, which would give it a hint of sweetness and could potentially amplify the sweetness in the fish. But the biggest "Tok talk" for upgrading the McD's famed fish sandwich is to swap sauces.

While some love the tartar (and consider it the best part of the sandwich), others swear that the Big Mac sauce is the addition you didn't know you needed. On the other hand, others say tartar AND Mac sauce together is a F-O-F match made in heaven. Still others on TikTok prefer McDonald's Spicy Buffalo Sauce, the Tangy BBQ, or Spicy Pepper Sauce with their fish sandwiches.

How on earth did we ever find out how to upgrade our burgers before the internet? Would we know the best ways to enjoy international styles of the Filet-O-Fish if it weren't for devoted users online who share their hacks? Probably not. That's also why we know that a Filet-O-Fish is twice as good when you order it French-style. Indeed, one final suggestion for added freshness from customers: fresh veggies, namely tomatoes and lettuce.