Update: We also reviewed other Menu Hacks — the Surf + Turf and Land, Air & Sea.
I thought I knew all of the McDonald’s menu hacks before they were McDonald’s Menu Hacks. Land, Air & Sea and Surf + Turf, the other two non-breakfast hacks the chain is promoting, are two that I’ve seen before. But the Crunchy Double is a creation I’ve never come across.
To create it, you have to bring together a Double Cheeseburger with a six-piece Chicken McNuggets and Tangy BBQ. Yes, YOU have to build it.
Combining the two menu items appears to be simpler than the other two mentioned above — pull off the bottom bun, place a layer of McNuggets on it, pour the sauce on the nuggets, and then place the rest of the Double Cheeseburger on top of it. Despite my 20-piece jigsaw puzzle prowess, I was able to put only four of the six nuggets on the bun to make a layer. If you’re able to put five or six on the bun neatly, I bow down to you. Also, teach me your McNugget puzzle ways, sensei.
I didn’t expect a Double Cheeseburger with McNuggets and barbecue sauce stuffed in it would be anything special, but I was surprised by how much I loved it and how much its flavor and texture remind me of a “Western” cheeseburger or chicken sandwich. Sometimes the McNuggets’ seasoned coating comes through and overwhelms the beef patty’s flavor. But other times, it’s the beef that stands out.
But when it comes to condiments, the Tangy BBQ takes the condiment reins from the ketchup and mustard in the Double Cheeseburger. It’s as if the red and yellow toppings weren’t even there, but the napkin I used to wipe my hands and mouth assured me they were there. As for the pickles, they add a sour tang that helps push the whole Western burger/chicken sandwich flavor.
But, my favorite aspect of the sandwich is the combination of the chopped onion’s flavor with the McNuggets’ crispy texture, which makes it seem like there are onion rings in the burger.
My least favorite part about the Crunchy Double is its name. I’ve never considered McNuggets to have a crunchy texture. Crispy? Yes. And I believe this so deeply that I accidentally typed or started typing “Crispy Double” every time I should’ve typed “Crunchy Double.” The only way this could truly be a Crunchy Double is if, instead of McNuggets, this had a layer of those small, pointy French fry end nubs that fall to the bottom of fry sleeves.
McDonald’s says Menu Hacks can only be ordered through its app. But, let’s be honest, they can be ordered via the drive-thru, in the restaurant, or even through the app, but instead of ordering a Crunchy Double, you just have to order a Double Cheeseburger and a six-piece McNuggets with Tangy BBQ. It’s the same price no matter how you order it.
I’m glad I now know about McDonald’s Crunchy Double. It was worth putting together.
Purchased Price: $5.98
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 740 calories, 39 grams of fat, 14 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 120 milligrams of cholesterol, 1890 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 16 grams of sugar, and 39 grams of protein.