10 McDonald’s Items Only America Gets To Enjoy And 10 U.S. Classics We’re Still Craving

Explore the exclusive McDonald’s menu items cherished across America, alongside the nostalgic U.S. classics that many still long for.

1. McGriddles

McGriddles
© McDonald’s

Pancake buns with syrup baked in? That’s pure American breakfast innovation. Most countries stick with boring English muffins.

2. Sweet Tea by the Gallon

Sweet Tea by the Gallon
© Allrecipes

Okay, not literally a gallon—but McDonald’s sweet tea is syrupy-sweet and super-sized, just the way Americans like it.

3. Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
© Eater

Fluffy biscuit sandwiches are a U.S. breakfast staple. Other countries usually go for toast or muffins.

4. Shamrock Shake

Shamrock Shake
© Taste of Home

This minty green treat hits menus every March, but only U.S. locations consistently roll it out.

5. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
© McDonald’s

Wholesome, hearty, and super American—oats, raisins, diced apples, and brown sugar.

6. Apple Pie (Baked, Not Fried)

Apple Pie (Baked, Not Fried)
© Eater

Other countries still get deep-fried pies, but the baked version is a uniquely American twist on this longtime favorite.

7. McChicken Biscuit

McChicken Biscuit
© McDonald’s Wiki – Fandom

Spicy chicken meets buttery biscuit in a combo that screams “Southern drive-thru breakfast.”

8. Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe

Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe
© The Impulsive Buy

Lettuce, tomato, and mayo get added to the classic QP—making it a uniquely American “fancy” version.

9. Iced Coffee & Flavored Syrups

Iced Coffee & Flavored Syrups
© McDonald’s

Vanilla, caramel, mocha—you can doctor up McCafé iced coffee like a pro barista in the U.S.

10. Sausage Burritos

Sausage Burritos
© Delish

Scrambled eggs, cheese, peppers, sausage—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. It’s a breakfast grab-and-go only found in the States.

11. Snack Wraps

Snack Wraps
© New York Post

Grilled or crispy chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and ranch. Why, McDonald’s? Why’d you take them away?

12. Chicken Selects

Chicken Selects
© Yahoo

These were adult chicken tenders with real meat and solid crunch. Not nuggets—these had presence.

13. All-Day Breakfast

All-Day Breakfast
© Eater

There was a beautiful moment in time when you could order a McMuffin at 7 PM. And we’re not over it.

14. Fried Apple Pie

Fried Apple Pie
© Daily Meal

Yes, the original fried version was crunchier, warmer, and just more satisfying. Baked is fine, but it’s not the same.

15. Mighty Wings

Mighty Wings
© Reddit

Spicy, crispy, and surprisingly good. These bone-in wings were limited, pricey—and still missed.

16. Szechuan Sauce

Szechuan Sauce
© Elite Daily

Made famous again by Rick and Morty, this ’90s-era promo sauce caused internet chaos during its brief comeback.

17. Arch Deluxe

Arch Deluxe
© Recipe Mash

McDonald’s tried to go “fancy” in the ’90s. It flopped commercially—but the burger itself was pretty solid.

18. McDLT

McDLT
© Everything 80s

Half hot, half cold, packed in a two-part container so the lettuce stayed crisp. Retro brilliance.

19. Holiday Pie

Holiday Pie
© Cookist

It comes and goes, but fans never stop asking for more. Sprinkles and warm custard filling? Yes, please.

20. McSalad Shakers

McSalad Shakers
© Dinosaur Dracula!

Salad in a cup that you shook up yourself. Weird? Yes. But it felt futuristic in the early 2000s—and it worked.