The McDonald’s Big Breakfast is a satisfying combo meal that has become a mainstay on their world-famous breakfast menu. This hearty plate is perfect for starting your day right with eggs, meat, a biscuit or pancakes and more. But how much does this popular McDonald’s breakfast cost? And what is its nutrition profile?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the McDonald’s Big Breakfast, including:
- Current pricing and availability
- Variations and customizations
- Number of calories and full nutrition facts
- Ingredients and potential allergens
- How it compares to other McDonald’s breakfast combos
- Tips for saving money on your order
Whether you love McDonald’s famous custom Big Breakfasts or are considering trying this morning staple for the first time, here is everything about the iconic McDonald’s Big Breakfast menu!
What is on the McDonald’s Big Breakfast Plate?
The McDonald’s Big Breakfast consists of:
- Hotcakes (short stack of 3) – These soft, fluffy round buttermilk pancakes are signature McDonald’s menu items, dusted with powdered sugar. Hotcakes have been offered since 1955.
- Scrambled eggs – Freshly cracked eggs are gently scrambled on the griddle into pillowy soft curds.
- Sausage patty – A savory grilled pork sausage patty provides hearty protein.
- Hash brown – Crispy pan-fried potatoes add an indulgent crunch.
- Biscuit – A warm flaky southern-style buttermilk biscuit rounds out the hearty meal.
Customizations allow swapping items like the biscuit for an English muffin, biscuits, or even a bagel on select menus. Meat options beyond sausage are also often available, detailed more below.
What Are the Pricing and Size Options for McDonald’s Big Breakfast?
The standard McDonald’s Big Breakfast has a starting price of $8.09 at most locations as of February 2023. Specific prices can vary a bit by region.
Sizes and prices for the Big Breakfast include:
- Small Big Breakfast – $6.49 (2 hotcakes, 1 egg, 1 sausage patty, 1 hash brown)
- Regular Big Breakfast – $8.09
(3 hotcakes, 2 eggs, 1 sausage patty, 1 hash brown) - Large Big Breakfast – $9.89 (3 hotcakes, 3 eggs, 2 sausage patties, 1 hash brown)
These prices reflect McDonald’s restaurants across the United States. Some international locations may have slight variations. Taxes are additional.
As you can see, moving up in sizes primarily increases the egg and meat portions, while the hotcakes and hash brown quantities remain the same. Overall it’s an affordable meal under $10 even for the large Big Breakfast combo.
What Meat Options Exist Beyond Sausage?
While the traditional McDonald’s Big Breakfast comes with savory pork sausage, many customers like to customize by swapping for other meat choices. Popular options include:
- Bacon – Smoky American bacon is one of the most requested alternative proteins. Each slice provides a satisfying crunch.
- Ham – Thin-sliced salty ham has a milder meaty flavor. It may appeal to those who don’t love sausage or bacon.
- Sausage Patty – The classic pork sausage patty is nicely seasoned with just a hint of spice. It remains the default.
- Chicken Sausage – Grilled chicken apple sausage brings a lighter, leaner protein option.
- Egg White Delight – For a low-calorie, low-fat choice, egg whites and Canadian bacon provide protein.
Mix and match the meats to customize your ideal McDonald’s Big Breakfast protein portion!
How Many Calories are in a McDonald’s Big Breakfast?
Calorie counts for a standard McDonald’s Big Breakfast with regular sausage, 3 hotcakes, 2 eggs, and 1 hash brown are:
- Small Big Breakfast – 930 calories
- Regular Big Breakfast – 1020 calories
- Large Big Breakfast – 1110 calories
These reflect an average based on basic preparation. Specific restaurants may vary slightly.
As you can see, the McDonald’s Big Breakfast provides nearly an entire day’s worth of calories, making it a very filling and substantial meal. The high carb count from the hotcakes combined with the fat content of eggs, meat and potatoes contributes to the high calorie totals.
Customizing your order with fewer hotcakes, egg whites, or lighter meats can lower the calories if you want to balance your nutrition. But overall, view it as an occasional indulgent treat rather than an everyday breakfast.
What is the Full Nutrition Breakdown?
Here is the complete McDonald’s Big Breakfast nutrition info for a standard regular-size combo with 3 hotcakes, 2 eggs, 1 sausage patty, and 1 hash brown:
- Calories: 1020
- Fat: 44g
- Carbs: 116g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 37g
- Sodium: 1880mg
Key things to note:
- Nearly half the calories come from fat due to the sausage, eggs, hash browns and buttermilk biscuit.
- The carb count is high thanks to the 3 hotcakes, contributing to the high-calorie total.
- The protein level is substantial at 37g from the eggs and sausage.
- Sodium is also very high, so those monitoring salt intake should take note.
Overall, the Big Breakfast offers a heavy dose of protein accompanied by ample fat and carbs. It gives you plenty of lasting energy but is a splurge meal in moderation.
What Allergens Are in The Big Breakfast?
The McDonald’s Big Breakfast contains several common food allergens to be aware of:
- Dairy – present in the buttered biscuit, creamy scrambled eggs, and hotcakes
- Eggs – two scrambled eggs are the star protein
- Wheat – biscuits, hash brown and possibly meat prep contain gluten
- Soy – sausage patty and eggs may contain soy-based oil
- Pork – the sausage patty contains pork
All McDonald’s U.S. menus include allergen information for major items. You can also access full ingredient lists and nutrition details on the McDonald’s website and app.
As with any meal, those with food allergies or intolerances should take proper precautions and examine ingredients closely. Alternatives like egg whites, gluten-free biscuits, or sausage-free options can help adapt McDonald’s Big Breakfast to your dietary needs.
How Does It Compare to Other McDonald’s Breakfasts?
The Big Breakfast stands out for providing the most food for your dollar compared to other McDonald’s breakfast combos. Here’s a quick price and portion comparison:
- Egg McMuffin Meal – $5.69 for a sandwich, hash brown, drink
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Meal – $5.79 for a sandwich, hash brown, drink
- Sausage Biscuit Meal – $4.29 for a sandwich, hash brown, drink
- Sausage Burrito Meal – $5.79 for a burrito, hash brown, drink
- Hotcakes Meal – $4.29 for 3 hotcakes, sausage patty, drink
- Big Breakfast Meal – $8.09 for 3 hotcakes, 2 eggs, sausage, biscuit, hash brown, drink
For only a few dollars more than a standard breakfast sandwich meal, the Big Breakfast provides triple the food. The large quantities make it easy to share between multiple people too.
How Can I Save Money on McDonald’s Big Breakfast?
While already reasonably priced for the portions, here are some tips to get the McDonald’s Big Breakfast for less:
- Use McDonald’s app deals and promotions for discounted Big Breakfasts or freebies with purchase
- Choose the small size or split with someone to cut costs
- Skip the meal combo and order items a la carte to pay just for what you want
- Order hot coffee instead of soda with the meal to save around $1
- Check for McDonald’s weekly ad specials at your local stores
- Use coupons either printed online or from the McDonald’s app
- Visit during happy hour for select discounted breakfast sandwiches
- Sign up for special discounts through AARP or military/first responder programs
Taking advantage of these savings opportunities allows you to enjoy the indulgence of the McDonald’s Big Breakfast without overspending.
Tips for Customizing Your McDonald’s Big Breakfast Order
The great thing about McDonald’s Big Breakfast is its versatility through customization. Here are some ideas for tailoring your ideal combo:
- Swap regular eggs for egg whites to cut cholesterol and calories
- Choose grilled chicken sausage for leaner protein than pork sausage
- Skip the hash brown to eliminate refined carbs and lower fat
- Get your carbs from a multigrain English muffin instead of a biscuit
- Order an extra egg or two for extra protein to stay full longer
- Replace butter on the hotcakes with sugar-free syrup to trim fat
- Opt for bacon over sausage for a smoky, rich flavor profile
Don’t settle for the standard – mix and match Big Breakfast components for the optimal meal to power your morning!
Frequently Asked Questions About the McDonald’s Big Breakfast
What time does McDonald’s stop serving breakfast?
Most McDonald’s stop serving breakfast menu items at 10:30 AM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on weekends. So get your Big Breakfast orders in early!
Does McDonald’s serve the Big Breakfast all day?
No, the Big Breakfast is only available during regular breakfast hours ending between 10:30-11:00 AM. Some local McDonald’s may serve breakfast later, but all-day breakfast is not nationwide.
Is there a vegetarian McDonald’s Big Breakfast option?
Yes! Request no meat and add extra hash browns. You can also substitute items like the Veggie Egg White Delight sandwich or Fruit & Maple Oatmeal instead of meat.
Can you get pancakes instead of biscuits with the Big Breakfast?
Definitely. Either swap the biscuit for an extra side of 2 hotcakes, or order the Big Breakfast Hotcakes combo which comes with 6 hotcakes by default.
Is the McDonald’s Big Breakfast healthy?
While high in calories, fat and sodium, the Big Breakfast does provide a substantial amount of protein and carbs. Customizing it with fewer hotcakes and lighter meat choices can improve the nutritional profile.
So are you ready to start your day the iconic McDonald’s way with a hearty custom Big Breakfast? Build the perfect combo and fuel up on this affordable classic.
