The Simple Addition That Gives Your McGriddle A Savory And Crunchy Boost

Much like the Egg McMuffin before it, when the McGriddle sandwich first burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, McDonald's again changed the game for early morning quick-service offerings. Its unique use of maple-infused griddle cakes as the bun to hold classic breakfast fillings hit a part of the sweet-and-savory palate that customers might not have known they craved before trying. Years later, customers have crafted their own customizations, most notably: adding a crispy, salty hash brown.

Among the many McDonald's breakfast sandwich upgrades worth ordering, this is one of the simplest. To make this McGriddle improvement, one doesn't even need to ask for anything special. All they have to do is order the combo meal and then stick in the center of the sandwich as much (or as little) of the hash brown that comes on the side as they desire. The whole thing probably won't fit — unless stacked in a couple of layers — but that leaves a good chunk to enjoy on its own as well.

If ordering the combo anyway, this alteration doesn't change the nutrition facts of the meal. All it does is add another layer of savory flavor, as well as a beautiful crispy texture to the sandwich. With all fairly soft ingredients otherwise — griddle cakes, eggs, cheese, sausage, etc. — the crunch delivered by the hash brown patty really adds depth.

This trick might also be a special favorite for vegetarian McDonald's customers. The McGriddle comes in three different varieties, none of which are vegetarian as listed on the menu. These include bacon, egg, and cheese; sausage, egg, and cheese, and plain sausage. Customers looking for a meat-free option can request a McGriddle with just egg and cheese, but that may feel a bit lacking. For a heartier sandwich that stacks up, that salty potato patty can take the place of the meat.

Adding a hash brown isn't just for vegetarians, though, it's one of the McGriddle upgrades worth ordering for customers of all stripes — and it isn't the only one. Folks may also try swapping out the folded egg for the circular McMuffin-style egg that led to the invention of the egg ring, adding a fried chicken patty to mimic the chain's McChicken Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich, or topping the whole thing with extra syrup, hot sauce, or even ketchup. Hash browns do love ketchup, after all.

Importantly, too, this Golden Arches trick doesn't just apply to the McGriddle. The hash brown hack fits equally well with the McMuffin, or even one of the chain's biscuit sandwiches. The breakfast combo meal has proven for decades that a crispy, fried potato patty is an excellent accompaniment to all its sandwiches. As it turns out, though, it might be even better in the middle of them.