- My go-to order from McDonald's is a Quarter Pounder with cheese and jalapeños.
- I also usually order a side of chicken nuggets instead of fries.
After working as a fast-food reporter for over four years, I've tried practically every item on the McDonald's menu, from the chain's signature burgers to celebrity-curated meals.
However, I always find myself coming back to the same order when I pick up some Micky D's off the clock.
And in a move that will likely surprise some, I usually skip the fries.
I always choose a Quarter Pounder with cheese — and I've now started adding jalapeños
I recently tried a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with cheese and jalapeños based on a robot's suggestion, and it's become my go-to order.
The burger usually comes with a burger patty, two slices of American cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard and costs $7.49 at my local McDonald's. It costs me $0.75 to add sliced jalapeños as a side order. However, every time I've ordered them as a side, the burger was served with the jalapeños already added to it.
I find that the jalapeños add a delicious kick to the burger without being overpoweringly spicy. Despite being a food reporter, I'm still a little sensitive when it comes to supremely spicy food.
The burger patty is juicy, the cheese adds the perfect amount of tangy flavor, and the condiments balance out the heat from the peppers — creating what I consider the perfect McDonald's cheeseburger.
Instead of fries, I opt for a side of 4 chicken nuggets and a variety of dipping sauces
Don't get me wrong, I love McDonald's fries. However, I don't always consider them an essential part of my meal.
When it comes to creating a meal with as many different flavors as possible, I always struggle between choosing a burger and a chicken option like nuggets or the chain's chicken sandwich. So, instead of having to choose between the two, I've found that ordering a side of nuggets with my burger satisfies both cravings.
The crispy, crunchy chicken nuggets are also the ideal vehicle for my favorite McDonald's sauces — creamy ranch and honey mustard — and I find they have much more flavor than a standard order of fries.
At my local McDonald's, a four-piece chicken nugget costs $3.29, which is also cheaper than a small order of McDonald's fries, which costs $3.79.
Ultimately, it means my go-to meal is flavorful and good value.