While it’s true that you can enjoy ice cream year-round, Dairy Queen knows that its sweet treats have a special place in our hearts during the warmer months. That’s why DQ wants to treat you to free ice cream to usher in the season.

When is Dairy Queen Free Cone Day?

Free Cone Day 2025 will be on Thursday, March 20, aka the official first day of spring. You can visit any DQ and ask for a free small vanilla soft serve cone with that signature Dairy Queen swirl on top. Just two things to keep in mind: There’s a limit of one cone per customer, and you can’t order using the mobile app.

That’s not the only reason to celebrate. DQ is also launching a sweepstakes leading up to Free Cone Day. Now through March 19, download the DQ App and sign up for rewards for a chance to win free cones for an entire year!

Why does Dairy Queen do Free Cone Day?

It’s a day of appreciation and thanks for all their loyal treat enthusiasts. The tradition started in 2014 and has happened almost every year on the first day of spring. (It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.) You might want to add this day to your calendar so you never miss out on free ice cream!

While you’re at Dairy Queen, I highly suggest that you check out their new limited edition Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone. It’s a cone dipped in a crunchy blue cookie confection that will be in my order rotation while it lasts.

The post Dairy Queen Is Giving Away Free Ice Cream Cones—Here’s How to Grab Yours appeared first on Taste Recipes.

21. Blazin’ Knockout

This, the hottest wing on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu, is explicitly designed to murder you, not to be enjoyed. This is something you order in attempt to show off in front of your friends, only to fail miserably, spending the remainder of your time together suffering in silence while refusing milk or any offers of help because you’re “totally fine.”

20. Desert Heat Dry Rub

Buffalo Wild Wings offers five different sauce-less wings, and the Desert Heat Dry Rub is supposed to be the spiciest of the lot. But they’re not really all that spicy, and they’re not that remarkable either. There are much better dry rubs on the BWW menu for people who want to keep their fingers and faces clean.

19. Wild

Not quite as hot as the Blazin’ Knockout, but still hot enough to barely be enjoyable. And I’m someone who can handle heat! However, too much heat drowns out the flavor of everything else, and if that’s the case, why bother eating wings at all? Why not just pour hot sauce directly on your tongue and call it a day?

18. Teriyaki, Sweet BBQ and Honey BBQ

I’m lumping these three wings together because they all generate the same emotional response, which is “meh.” These are such generic sauces, you probably have all three in your fridge right now. These are the sorts of flavors that are fine for a backyard barbecue or quick air-fried dinner, but if you’re bothering to go out to a restaurant, do better than something you can easily make at home.

17. Orange Chicken

After eating these wings, I realized how essential it is to eat takeout orange chicken with white rice, since the starch helps offset the sweetness that sticks on your tongue. Without it, these wings stop being fun after a couple bites. They’re a good choice if you order a range of wings to share, but not for rolling solo.

16. Buffalo Dry Rub

I’m pretty sure the only reason these exist is so you can eat Buffalo wings on a date without getting bright red sauce all over your face or messing up your lipstick, and I love that. I had never considered Buffalo Wild Wings as a place of romance before, but now, thanks to this wing, I do. But outside of that, there’s no reason to order these over the many other, better Buffalo-flavored wings on the menu.

15. Thai Curry

A respectable effort! And maybe something fun to get if you’ve got a crowd together and want to get a whole slew of wings from across the flavor spectrum. While this isn’t the most remarkable fried curry chicken I’ve ever tasted, I suppose it makes Buffalo Wild Wings a good spot when you’re in the mood for Thai, but your kids refuse to go to any sort of restaurant that doesn’t have mozzarella sticks on the menu. (Remember: They’ll move out one day, and you’ll be able to eat whatever you want again. Hang in there!)

14. Chipotle BBQ Dry Rub

These chicken wings taste like barbecue potato chips, which is a thing I didn’t even realize I needed until Buffalo Wild Wings gave it to me. Even though dry rubs are, by nature, designed to leave less mess than sauce, these are better when they’re dipped in way too much ranch to be socially acceptable.

13. Hot

These are the third spiciest wings on the Buffalo Wild Wings menu and the only ones that succeed in bringing the pain while also delivering flavors besides fire. You can still taste the sharp tang of vinegar before the heat creeps in, which is just as important as feeling the burn. Good job, BWW.

12. Medium and Mild

To my fire-tolerant palate, there wasn’t much of a noticeable difference between these two wings. You’ll probably be able to tell if you’re spice-sensitive, but you won’t lose or gain anything flavorwise by opting for one or the other. They’re good, but in a field of over 20 sauces, they’re also pretty boring. But maybe you like boring. You do you.

11. Mango Habanero

I have been metaphorically burnt by so many bad mango habanero wings in the past that I’d all but given up on them, but these wings made me a believer again. They’re sweet without being too sweet, with a legitimate kick that will make you remember why this fruity flavor combo works so well in the first place. I’m proud of them.

10. Lemon Pepper

There are two lemon pepper wings on the menu: one with dry rub and one with sauce. And the one with dry rub is better, which is why this wing is all the way down here. It’s still good, though; I’m not mad at it.

9. Asian Zing

This sauce takes a lot of its flavor cues from Southeast Asia, balancing soy sauce saltiness, fish sauce savoriness and sugary sweetness with Thai chile fire. As someone who loves all these things, I liked these wings, and you will, too.

8. Caribbean Jerk

Don’t worry about burning your face off with Scotch bonnets. Buffalo Wild Wing’s take on jerk sauce leans more on spice than spicy, with lots of warm notes of clove and allspice. These are also excellent when eaten cold in front of an open fridge at 2 a.m., in case you want to order a few extra to take home.

7. Nashville Hot

These wings would have been rated higher if they came with more pickles, which, in my professional opinion, are a critical component when eating Nashville hot chicken. Tip from a legitimate expert: Wrap one around your wing before you take a bite, so you get a spritz of something sour while your tongue gets punched with spice.

6. Parmesan Garlic

Though I love Parmesan and garlic, they’ve never really endeared themselves to me on chicken wings. Then I was told by the incredibly wise manager of the Buffalo Wild Wings that I should order them boneless with a side of marinara to make bite-sized chicken Parm. In doing so, I changed my life forever. (She also recommended ordering cheese curds, if you want to get really crazy. This woman is truly a genius.)

5. Lemon Pepper Dry Rub

What makes lemon pepper dry rub better than its sauced counterpart? Enough lemon flavor to make your ears perk up. Though they’re not so tart your mouth will pucker, they are aggressively lemony and lovely at that.

4. Jammin’ Jalapeno

Simply put: This wing is great. No complaints from me. Had I not been conducting this very serious taste test, I probably wouldn’t have ordered them, because they don’t pop out as the most compelling option on a menu with so many choices. But my gorgeous, intelligent and incredibly sexy editor bestowed this assignment upon me, thus thrusting this wing into my life, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

3. Original Buffalo

The original recipe for Buffalo wings hits just as heavy with butter as it does with hot sauce. I’ve eaten my way around Buffalo (as one does as a chicken wing professional), and while these aren’t quite as good as the ones from Mr. Goodbar, Kelly’s Korner or the Anchor Bar, they’re as close as I’ve ever had from a chain, and the best Buffalo-style wing on the entire menu. Everything really is better with butter!

2. Spicy Garlic

Garlic is one of my absolute favorite things on earth, so I’m incredibly biased when it comes to judging this wing. This sauce needs equilibrium to work (too spicy, you won’t taste the garlic; too garlicky, the spice becomes pointless), and it achieves the right balance. These have obviously been touched by the hand of some of the world’s most brilliant wing scientists, and it shows.

1. Salt & Vinegar Dry Rub

Salt and powdered vinegar can make it impossible to taste the potato when doused on chips. They still pack a punch on wings, but don’t take over the whole game, and it’s wonderful. As tasty as the best Buffalo Wild Wings sauces are, they’re so flavorful you can’t often taste the actual chicken. Meanwhile, this simple rub adds flavor without covering everything else up. If you also think the best part of a roast chicken is the crispy, savory skin, this will become your new favorite wing, too.

The post I Taste-Tested Every Buffalo Wild Wings Sauce—Here’s the Best One appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I’m the country’s leading fast-food critic (according to my editor), and as such, I’m well-acquainted with the chain restaurant landscape. I hold unreasonably strong opinions about all fast-food burgers. And while McDonald’s may be most famous for its Big Mac and Quarter Pounder, the Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is low-key the best sandwich on the entire menu.

What’s so great about McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel?

The breakfast menu actually has three bagel sandwiches, the others being Bacon, Egg & Cheese and Sausage, Egg & Cheese. But McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is something truly special. It’s preposterously indulgent. This is not a healthy McDonald’s breakfast by any means, nor is it something to be eaten casually. This is a sammie that you order when you need a morning meal.

The bagel is not great, and that’s fantastic. I grew up in New York City, so bagels are another food group I take seriously. And if McDonald’s used a serious bagel in this situation, the sandwich wouldn’t be as good. This bagel is too dense and chewy to be enjoyable with cream cheese, but as the base of something marvelously greasy, it couldn’t be more perfect. It sucks up all the errant juices and flavors from the fillings without losing structural integrity.

As for those fillings, there’s a fluffy folded egg topped with a slice of melted American cheese and sweet roasted onions. Then there’s a steak burger patty, which is exclusive to breakfast for reasons unknown. It’s far better than the beef patties used on the Big Macs or McDoubles (which are small and have a tendency to dry out), with enough moisture to balance out the egg.

A simple sandwich becomes sublime if all its elements work in perfect unison, and that’s exactly what the McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel achieves.

While I think this breakfast sandwich is perfect on its own, it can be brought to higher levels of wonderment with the addition of McNugget sauces. I’m partial to Buffalo, but McDonald’s Tangy Barbecue Sauce is also a strong option. It’s essential to request extra napkins, as this sandwich will definitely leave your hands greasy, the way good fast food should.

Just remember: Even if McDonald’s Steak Egg & Cheese Bagel is the best sandwich on the menu, it’s only available for breakfast, so get there before 11 a.m.

The post The McDonald’s Bagel Sandwich Was, Is and Always Will Be Breakfast Royalty appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The staple chicken sandwich is a perennial top ranker in fast-food chicken sandwich taste tests. The seasonal and limited edition offerings are strong, too, and fans have been known to shed a tear when beloved menu items disappear.

The Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich dropped off the menu in 2022, but Chick-fil-A just confirmed its return!

What’s on the Chick-fil-A Smokehouse BBQ sandwich?

Expect a juicy grilled chicken filet topped with crispy brown sugar and black pepper bacon, Colby Jack cheese, lettuce and a savory, smoky barbecue sauce. The bun will be fluffy, toasted and buttery, so this truly is the sandwich of dreams.

When this sandwich was on the menu three years ago, it only came with the original breaded chicken filet. This time around, though, customers to order a spicy breaded chicken filet or grilled chicken filet! I’m an absolute sucker for the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, so you know I’ll be sampling this bad boy with spicy chick. Thank you for blessing us, Chick-fil-A. You can bet it will be my pleasure to chow down on this sandwich.

When does the spring menu drop?

The Smokehouse BBQ Sandwich drops on March 17, 2025. To complete the spring menu, Chick-fil-A also has a new line of Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages. You can order Pineapple Dragonfruit mixed with regular lemonade, Frosted Lemonade, iced tea and Sunjoy (aka 50-50 ice tea and lemonade). The new items will be available at participating locations but only for a “limited time,” according to Chick-fil-A.

The post Chick-fil-A Just Brought Back a Sandwich Fans Haven’t Seen in Years appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The Filet-O-Fish debuted in 1965 for $0.29

McDonald’s franchise owner Lou Groen saw sales plummet every Friday, a night most restaurants see major profit. In 1962, his McDonald’s restaurant was in a majority-Catholic area during a time when most Catholics didn’t eat meat on Fridays other than fish. He pitched the idea of a fried halibut sandwich to Ray Croc, the man who launched McDonald’s as a corporation. Croc was doubtful but agreed. That first Friday, the Filet-O-Fish sold enough to cement its place on the menu.

McDonald’s uses only Alaska pollock

In 2013, McDonald’s switched from cod to Alaska pollock. It was for a good cause: sustainability. Due to overfishing, Atlantic cod populations had been depleted, but Alaska pollock populations have remained relatively healthy. Alaska pollock also tastes very similar to cod. Both are whitefish with a mild flavor—perfect with a half-slice of cheese and tartar sauce.

The “Hula Burger” was almost McDonald’s first meatless option

Like the iconic Chicken McNuggets, which weren’t originally supposed to be made with chicken, there was almost a different meatless option on the menu. When Lou Groen suggested adding a fish sandwich to the McDonald’s menu, Ray Croc had already been thinking about a meatless option—the “Hula Burger.” His sandwich featured a slice of grilled pineapple paired with cheese. In the name of friendly competition, Croc pitted his idea against Groen’s. Whichever sandwich sold the most on a Friday would be permanently added to the menu. The Filet-O-Fish won 350 to 6.

The Alaska pollock in Filet-O-Fish is surprisingly fresh

Mike Haracz, a former McDonald’s corporate chef, explains on TikTok that pollock is caught, then quickly filleted and flash-frozen on board the fishing vessel. He adds that the Filet-O-Fish is “whole muscle,” not protein that’s been chopped and formed into a shape like McNuggets.

Filet-O-Fish buns are steamed

You’ve probably noticed that the tartar sauce is always off-center. But have you also noticed that the buns on a Filet-O-Fish seem softer and fluffier than a Big Mac’s? To get the texture of the Filet-O-Fish bun just right, a McDonald’s worker steams it for 11 seconds, as shared by a McDonald’s employee-run TikTok account, @essentialmcdonalds.

Canadians could briefly buy McDonald’s tartar sauce by the bottle

In 2017, McDonald’s rolled out a line of bottled condiments in Canada: Big Mac sauce, McChicken mayonnaise and, of course, the Filet-O-Fish tartar sauce. Though they didn’t have staying power on grocery store shelves, McDonald’s tartar sauce remains a quintessential part of the Filet-O-Fish experience. It’s made with real egg yolks, pickle relish and onions for that classic tang.

Filet-O-Fish is one of the healthier menu options

No one pulls into the McDonald’s drive-thru expecting a super healthy meal, but some menu items are lighter than others. Where does Filet-O-Fish fall? This fish sandwich has 380 calories, putting it in the same category as a McDouble and McChicken (390 calories each). For comparison, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories.

The Filet-O-Fish has not gotten smaller

As McDonald’s prices have increased, so have rumors of shrinkflation, which is when a company keeps a product at the same price but decreases its size. Some customers say the Filet-O-Fish is much smaller than it used to be. Mike Haracz explained this on TikTok, too, saying the Filet-O-Fish is still the standard size. (He also recommends swapping the tartar sauce for the Big Mac sauce.)

There are more fish sandwich options at McDonald’s in other countries

In Japan, McDonald’s sells the Ebi Filet-O, a fried shrimp patty topped with lettuce and Thousand Island dressing. The Filet-O-Fish is available there, too—it’s so popular that it also appears on the breakfast menu. Up in Canada, restaurants briefly sold the McLobster, the Golden Arches’ take on the classic lobster roll.

Next Up: See how the Filet-O-Fish stacks up against other fast-food fish sandwiches.

The post 9 Things You Never Knew About McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What is Chipotle Honey Chicken?

The Chipotle Honey Chicken starts as a whole chicken marinated in a secret recipe, though it’s no secret that the recipe has plenty of pureed chipotle peppers in adobo. It’s seasoned with a blend of Mexican spices before being tossed on the grill. When the chicken is almost fully cooked, it’s drizzled with wildflower honey, which caramelizes slightly over the hot flames, balancing all that peppery heat with a touch of sweetness. Finally, it’s sliced and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Is the Chipotle Honey Chicken good?

Chipotle’s new Chipotle Honey Chicken is a welcome addition to the menu, even if it’s only for a limited time. There’s nothing surprising about this, since you really can’t go wrong with chicken that’s smoky, spicy and sweet.

However, to get the most out of this extra-special offering, you should know the best way to enjoy it in the context of Chipotle.

As good as the Chipotle Honey Chicken is, you won’t be able to taste what makes it great if it’s buried beneath a ton of other flavors, particularly spicy ones. If you order this in a burrito or a bowl, I would skip the salsas and guac, and stick with milder accompaniments like veggies, beans and cheese.

But the best way to enjoy it, in my highly professional opinion, is in a quesadilla, where it only has to share the stage with cheese. It even comes with a side of Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette to dial up the flavor even further. I suggest adding a little sour cream, but as always, when ordering Chipotle, follow your heart.

You won’t see quesadillas on Chipotle’s in-store or drive-thru menu—it’s a digital-only item. You have to download the Chipotle app or visit the company website to order one.

How long is the Chipotle Honey Chicken at Chipotle?

The Chipotle Honey Chicken will only be on the menu for a limited time. Chipotle rewards members have access starting March 6, and all other diners will be able to order starting March 7.

Once it’s gone, I’ll be tirelessly trying to recreate this Chipotle chicken at home.

The post I Tried Chipotle’s New Chipotle Honey Chicken, and Wow, Just Wow appeared first on Taste Recipes.

8. Burger King

The first thing we noticed about the biscuit from Burger King? The color. It was so dark brown that it seemed like it must have been overbaked. Upon slicing the biscuit open, the interior was crumbly. Unfortunately, the taste of the biscuit did not redeem its visual shortcomings.

Bottom Line: These biscuits might be fine as part of a sandwich, but they can’t stand up on their own. They had an artificial buttery taste, and the brittle biscuit was dry.

7. Denny’s

While Denny’s doesn’t have a drive-thru, this 24-hour diner has take-out counter service so fast that it rivals other fast-food or fast-casual places. Here, you can order a side of biscuits sold in pairs.

We found these biscuits to be dry and dense, without even a hint of buttery flavor. The hostess asked if we wanted butter, jelly or gravy to accompany our order, but we declined since each biscuit order in this ranking was to be evaluated on its own.

Bottom Line: These dry biscuits need some serious support from condiments like butter, jelly or gravy.

6. Popeyes

Ranking the Popeyes biscuits in the lower half of this list was a shocker. This chain was our top pick for best fast-food chicken sandwich! These biscuits were smaller than the others we sampled and were also quite flat. It was as if they were compressed when the dough was cut.

Bottom Line: The biscuits were buttery, but verging on almost too much butter flavor. It also seemed like they were prepared by a machine rather than handmade.

5. McDonald’s

The McDonald’s biscuit came as a pleasant surprise to us. It had a lovely golden-brown coloring and truly resembled a homemade biscuit. In terms of texture, it was fluffy overall, but there were some bites that tasted a bit more dense.

Bottom Line: The Golden Arches nailed in on the biscuits—they were lightly buttery and fluffy enough to enjoy the biscuit on its own.

4. Wendy’s

We loved the tall and fluffy biscuit from Wendy’s, too. It could stand on its own or be used in a fast-food breakfast sandwich and both would be great. There was one unique twist with the Wendy’s biscuit—it arrived sliced and slathered with butter that had a hint of maple flavoring to it.

Bottom Line: This biscuit was amazing, though the maple butter gave it a sweet slant. On days you’re looking for something more savory, this might not be the place to order from.

3. KFC

While KFC is famous for its chicken, we have always thought the biscuits outrank the chain’s namesake. The KFC biscuit had a delightfully crisp crust on the outside with a fluffy and light interior. This is a top-ranking biscuit any day of the week and will always be a solid choice. Just a couple of other options in the fast-food biscuit world pushed ahead to take the top two spots!

Bottom Line: We’d order this biscuit any day of the week. They’re fluffy and golden—and perhaps even better than the fried chicken.

2. Red Lobster

The Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster are so iconic that people try to make copycat versions. It’s a crime to order from this restaurant and not partake.

Of all the biscuits on our list, these were the only drop biscuits. Red Lobster also has the only biscuits with other ingredients incorporated into the batter. The cheesy, herby biscuits are so flavorful, it’s decidedly impossible to eat just one. Even with the addition of lots of butter and cheese, these biscuits are incredibly light and airy.

Bottom Line: They’re super buttery without being dense or overwhelming. If you’ve never had one before, it’s worth a trip to Red Lobster to try these 10/10 biscuits.

1. Chick-fil-A

Ultimately, Chick-fil-A had the most perfect biscuit. Upon first glance, these biscuits were beautiful. They are tall, airy and seem like they were homemade by your grandma. The biscuit arrived split and buttered. Even this was perfect. The butter had a hint of sweetness that balanced the slightly salty biscuit so well.

Bottom Line: Chick-fil-A biscuits are a masterclass in balance. They were buttery, but not overdone. There was structure without being dense. These are the ones we’d come back to again and again, whether we want plain biscuits or a breakfast sandwich.

The post 8 Best Fast-Food Biscuits, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Then, all of a sudden, new Frosty flavors started to appear rapid-fire, like the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Frosty and a Salted Caramel Frosty, both of which were delightful. Now, Wendy’s appears to have a major Frosty change in the works.

What is the Frosty change?

Instead of releasing a single new flavor, customers will be able to concoct a unique Frosty with flavor swirls and fun mix-ins. Wendy’s is taking its Frosty in the direction of the McFlurry, and we can only hope they know how to keep the Frosty machines up and running. Here’s what we know, courtesy of Instagram snack and fast-food insider @markie_devo.

Frosty Swirls

The Frosty Swirl will let customers pick a base Frosty (chocolate or vanilla) and swirl it with one of three syrup options: strawberry, caramel or brownie batter. Your Frosty will also be topped with the syrup of your choice, so there will be plenty of flavor. I can’t wait to dip my fries into that Frosty masterpiece!

You might remember that Wendy’s experimented with flavor swirls last year. Its Pineapple Under the Sea Frosty was flavored with a pineapple swirl, instead of being a pineapple-flavored Frosty. It looks like that was a test run for this whole Frosty Swirl change.

Frosty Fusions

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Frosty Fusions are in the same realm—with a slight difference. You’ll be able to choose your base Frosty flavor, a syrup from the Swirls and additional mix-ins. Brownie batter syrup comes with Oreo cookie pieces, caramel syrup comes with toffee pieces and strawberry syrup comes with Strawberry Pop-Tart pieces. My cravings have already kicked into overdrive.

When do the new Frostys drop?

These creations are currently being tested in Ohio, and a nationwide drop will happen soon after. The Frosty Swirls are expected to debut on April 15, 2025, while the Frosty Fusions are expected on May 12, 2025. No word from Wendy’s on whether this is a permanent change to the menu or a limited-time offering like the other Frosty flavors.

The post Wendy’s Just Leaked a Major Change to Its Iconic Frosty appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The dipping of the cones itself is a remarkable feat, because it relies on the Dairy Queen soft serve to have just the right texture and temperature to ensure that it doesn’t slide out of the cone when it gets dipped. Once it’s been dipped, though, the cold temperature of the ice cream freezes the sauce, so it gets a hardened candy-like texture and that signature snap. 

Though, as an adult, I do prefer to have my cones dipped in chocolate, I am always down to try whatever Dairy Queen wants to experiment with. And it’s just my luck, because there’s a brand-new dip for spring.

What is DQ’s new dipped cone?

The Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone is the latest treat from DQ, and it is absolutely a one-of-a-kind product. First off, it’s blue! Second, it contains tiny pieces of cookies in the dip itself. All of this makes me think that perhaps they wanted to name it after a certain Sesame Street dessert enthusiast but couldn’t secure the licensing rights. Regardless of what DQ calls it, I’m sure that it’s going to be delicious. 

How long will it be available?

The Crunchin’ Cookie dip will only be available for a “limited time.” It has already hit some DQ locations and should be available nationwide by early March. This won’t be a regular menu offering, though, and will just be a seasonal option for spring. So, if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, I would go to Dairy Queen ASAP!

Next Up: See how Dairy Queen compares to other fast-food ice cream.

The post Dairy Queen Quietly Dropped a New Dipped Cone, and We Need It Now appeared first on Taste Recipes.

As an experienced recipe tester, fast-food critic and Chipotle expert, I know very well that not all viral fast-food hacks on TikTok are a good idea. That’s why I went down to my local Chipotle to test this Chipotle nacho hack for myself.

Does Chipotle have nachos?

Surprisingly, Chipotle does not have nachos! One might assume they do, as nachos fit into the overall fast-casual Mexican concept. The chain does tortilla chips, which can be ordered with its signature guacamole, queso blanco or any of Chipotle’s four salsas. If you want meat, beans or fajita vegetables, however, you can only order them in a burrito, salad, taco or bowl.

What is the Chiptole nacho hack?

Just like when people ordered Chipotle catering to meal prep for the week, you can get crafty with the menu. In this case, the goal is to make a huge heap of nachos. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to order:

• 1. Build a burrito bowl on the Chipotle app or website, but don’t order rice.
• 2. Add regular chips and a small side of queso blanco to your order
• 3. Place chips in the lid of your bowl
• 4. Top the chips with the contents of the bowl
• 5. Drizzle queso blanco on top

Are the Chipotle nachos good?

If you like Chipotle, you’ll certainly think Chipotle nachos are good! They’re everything you love about Chipotle but on a bed of crispy chips instead of rice or lettuce. Flavorwise, there’s not a single thing to complain about.

If the Chipotle nacho hack has a flaw, it’s the price. Where I live, in a major city on the East Coast, a small side of chips and queso blanco costs $4.65. And when you order a bowl without rice, you don’t get more of everything else—you’re paying full price for less food. So while being able to eat nachos with your favorite Chipotle toppings is certainly a good time, it’s considerably more expensive. This menu hack works, but save it for a special occasion.

The post I Just Tried the Viral Chipotle Nacho Hack, and I Can’t Believe It Worked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

McDonald’s is taking a different approach.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its Egg McMuffin, McDonald’s is offering the iconic fast-food breakfast sandwich for the low, low price of $1.

How do I get the $1 Egg McMuffin?

This kind of deal might seem too good to be true, but I guarantee you, it’s real! The catch is that it’s only available for one day: Sunday, March 2. To get the discounted sandwich, use the McDonald’s mobile app and register with its rewards program. The $1 Egg McMuffin deal will show up in the app under the “Rewards & Deals” section on March 2. Use the app when placing your order, and a budget-friendly breakfast is on its way to you!

How long will the $1 Egg McMuffin be available?

This is a special, one-day-only kind of deal, so make sure to set your alarm early and head over to McDonald’s on March 2! If you’re busy that day, or sleep in past the breakfast menu availability (like I usually do), then you can still take advantage of a different McDonald’s deal.

From March 3 through March 31, the Golden Arches will offer a BOGO (buy one, get one) deal on a Sausage McMuffin with Egg when making a McDelivery order in the McDonald’s App. Even if you’re not ready to head out the door for a McMuffin, you can have one delivered directly to you. And if all of this reading about McMuffins has you craving one, you can even make a copycat version at home.

The post This $1 Egg McMuffin Deal Is the Cheapest Breakfast You’ll Find Right Now appeared first on Taste Recipes.

6. McDonald’s: Oreo Shamrock McFlurry

The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry debuted in 2020 to celebrate the Shamrock Shake’s 50th anniversary. It’s been popular enough to return each year since then. This is a special version of the classic Oreo McFlurry with a swirl of minty green syrup.

The new McFlurry cup is pretty sloppy, and the ingredients hadn’t been mixed very well. There were a lot of cookie pieces on top with a swirl of green mint syrup—but beneath that layer, it was plain vanilla soft serve. The cookie pieces were nice, but the mint syrup tasted artificial.

Bottom Line: Overall, we had high hopes for this dessert, but it fell short compared to other options. For $4.69, we would have appreciated a little more attention to detail when making the McFlurry.

5. McDonald’s: Shamrock Shake

The Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s is an icon. This treat established an entire genre of mint-flavored green-hued milkshakes to be served around St. Patrick’s Day. From the first sip, it’s hard not to experience nostalgia. It’s something we look forward to every year, and it always tastes exactly like we remember. Normally, we would say it doesn’t get much better than a Shamrock Shake, but once we tasted the other options, this treat lost some luster.

Bottom Line: If you want a smooth, no-frills mint shake, McDonald’s is the way to go. But at $4.39, it is a bit more expensive than other fast-food shakes, and while the flavor is nostalgic, the mint is not as prominent as in others we tried.

4. Dairy Queen: Mint Oreo Blizzard

The components of this Blizzard are similar to the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, but Dairy Queen delivers a superior experience. The ice cream was richer and creamier, and the cookie bits were perfectly distributed throughout. There was plenty of mint flavor but no green food coloring. This option wasn’t as visually fun, but the taste was wonderful.

Bottom Line: Overall, the Blizzard was perfectly blended, though because DQ doesn’t use green food coloring, it wasn’t as visually appealing. At $5.19, it was also the priciest of the bunch.

3. Wendy’s: Thin Mint Frosty

If you look forward to Girl Scout Cookie season every year, and if you enjoy your Thin Mints straight from the freezer, then the Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty is for you. Thin Mints rank high in our ranking of the best Girl Scout Cookies, and the coated wafer cookies sure make this shake stand apart from the rest.

Wendy’s was the only place that offered a chocolate base rather than vanilla. Since it draws inspiration from Thin Mint cookies, that makes sense. It comes with a thick ribbon of Girl Scout cookie-flavored syrup throughout, which takes the Frosty experience to the next level.

Bottom Line: It tasted distinctly like a Thin Mint, which was amazing. Plus, it was only $2.49, which made it the most affordable item on this list. We would order again!

2. Arby’s: Andes Mint Chocolate Shake

When the Arby’s employee passed this Andes Mint Chocolate Shake through the drive-thru window, we were immediately impressed. It was the best presentation of all the shakes we tried! At only $3.55, we appreciated the larger size for the smaller price.

This shake has a vivid green hue and is topped with a generous swirl of whipped cream. The cream was sprinkled with chopped bits of Andes chocolate mint candies. We will definitely swing by again for this one.

Bottom Line: Besides Arby’s shake having the best visual appeal, we also loved the authentic minty flavor. From taking a sip to using the straw to scoop up some whipped cream and candies from the top, it was 9/10.

1. Culver’s: Shamrock Shake Hack

The number one shake option we tasted wasn’t even a specialty seasonal offering but rather a strategic menu hack from Culver’s, one of our favorite fast-food joints. Every $3.89 shake includes up to two mix-ins. We asked for mint and Andes candies as our two options, and the result was incredible!

First of all, the base starts with the high-quality frozen custard Culver’s has made famous. This offers a smooth and rich starting point for an incredible milkshake. The mint mix-in tasted clean and distinct, while imparting that green color we love for St. Patrick’s Day. The Andes candy added texture and a hint of chocolate flavor to the shake.

Bottom Line: Everything was perfectly blended, and the result was a decadent shake that was right there on the line between “sippable through a straw” and wanting to use a spoon. The best part is, we can recreate this experience any time of year!

The post We Tried 6 Minty St. Patrick’s Day Shakes—Here’s the Best One appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What is Netflix’s new restaurant?

Netflix Bites, located inside the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, is a new collaboration between MGM and the world’s largest streaming service. The restaurant features a menu inspired by Netflix’s original series and films, including Bridgerton, Squid Game and Stranger Things, among many others. It’s billed as a quasi pop-up; the press release describes the opening as the start of a “one-year culinary residency.” (It’s got the hang of the Vegas lingo already.)

The new concept expands on the Netflix restaurant launched in 2023. That iteration of Netlix Bites was a Los Angeles-based pop-up, and its menu was crafted by the celebrity chefs whose shows lived on Netflix’s platform. It was good synergy, but perhaps the inherently gimmicky nature of the restaurant will feel even more at home in Las Vegas.

What’s on the menu?

Since the idea of a Netflix restaurant is already stunt-driven, the menu itself is in on the joke. Take, for example, a lava cake dessert inspired by the Netflix show Floor Is Lava, whose name is “The Dessert Is Lava.” Or the “Netflix & Chil-aquiles,” a breakfast entree that takes its name from a suggestive date night idea.

Beyond wordplay, there are dishes that reward fandom of a particular film or series with more deep-cut references, such as “Eleven’s Feast,” a meal that combines some of the Stranger Things character’s favorite foods (including fried chicken and waffles), or the Dalgona Rum Buzz cocktail, “needle not included,” referring to the candy featured in a nail-biting challenge from Squid Game.

Like the Netflix streaming catalog, the menu for this restaurant is almost inconceivably massive. Offerings include breakfast, lunch, shareable apps, pizzas (Surfer Boy, of course), desserts, VIP cocktails, seasonal cocktails and even a full multi-course Bridgerton-inspired Regency tea service. Here are some other highlights:

• Orange is the New Mac: Mac and cheese dusted with Hot Cheetos, “To honor our favorite ladies who make orange look so stylish.”
• Too Hot to Handle: A bloody Mary that lives up to its name with plenty of cayenne and a habanero-infused vodka.
• WWE Smashburger: This is an Oklahoma-style onion burger, which is a must-try for anyone who isn’t on a date.
• Red Bite, Green Bite: A gamified Squid Game experience that invites guests to spin a wheel to determine how spicy their chicken dipping sauces will be.
• Selling Caesar Salad: This is essentially a Caesar salad with bacon on it, but props must be given for what is probably the biggest stretch of wordplay on the entire menu.

How can I eat at Netflix Bites?

Netflix Bites is currently open for walk-ins and reservations, so Las Vegas visitors can build a trip around this tasty marketing stunt.

The restaurant is open every day. Breakfast and lunch run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner runs from 5 to 10 p.m. (on Friday and Saturday, it’s open until midnight). Dishes range from $15-$85, and cocktails start at $18, so consider putting it all on The Oppenheim Group’s tab.

The post Netflix Just Opened a Restaurant—and These Menu Items Are a Must-Try appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This is a brand-new Frosty flavor, and it’s a seasonal collaboration between Wendy’s and the Girl Scouts. I decided to try one even though I think Thin Mints are highly overrated. Gasp! I know, I know, it’s an unpopular opinion. I got my Girl Scout Cookies delivered last week (shoutout to Eloise!) and I didn’t order a single box of Thin Mints. (If you were wondering, my favorite Girl Scout Cookie is the Tagalong, and you can find a copycat version at Aldi year-round.)

I had to know if this Frosty was actually good—or only good for people who already like Thin Mints.

What is the Thin Mint Frosty?

It uses the basic Wendy’s Frosty base in either vanilla or chocolate. The base is swirled and topped with a minty cookie crumble sauce. It’s available in three sizes and comes with both a spoon and straw like any regular Frosty order.

Is the Thin Mint Frosty good?

The Thin Mints Frosty is a work of art. It’s so good that I had one three days in a row (more on that later). Now I regret not ordering any Thin Mints this year, because I think I might like them.

The “cookie crumble” syrup itself has a gritty texture, which would normally be weird, but for some reason it works here. It adds a nice layer of crunch to make the Thin Mints cookie flavor sing. I do not think this would be as delicious if it was a smooth, minty chocolate syrup. Somehow, this tastes like both a Frosty and a Thin Mint cookie, as well as a third independently delicious treat.

However, I have one gripe: the amount and placement of the cookie crumble syrup. In my case, this varies wildly depending on who is working at Wendy’s when you place your order. I went three days in a row because, well, hear me out.

The first day I went was on the official launch day, February 21. In addition to two beautifully swirled Frostys, I also got these cool Girl Scouts sticker activity sheets, which were super cute and something I wasn’t expecting. My mom and I ate our Frostys together, only breaking the silence to say, “Wow, this is really good” over and over again. If the cup was shallower, I would have considered licking it to get all of the cookie crumble syrup out.

The next day, my best friend came to visit, and I told her we had to get the Thin Mints Frostys. We also ate them together, constantly remarking on how good they were, how they were surprisingly refreshing and how the gritty texture of the syrup was sheer perfection.

The following day, I realized that I had forgotten to take a photo of my previous two Frostys for this review, so I went back for another. It was inconvenient, sure, but in the same way that it was “inconvenient” that time my flight home from Paris was canceled and rebooked for two days later. I went back to my same Wendy’s, but was shocked to get a Thin Mint Frosty that only had a little bit of the cookie crumble syrup on top. It was disappointing, but still delicious! A quick check of other reviews online shows that the placement and amount of the cookie crumble syrup does vary widely by location. I wish that this was more uniform, because that syrup is why this thing really works. I would buy that cookie crumble syrup if Wendy’s sold it.

How long will it be available for?

Not long enough! This is a seasonal release to coincide with Girl Scout Cookie season, so while there isn’t a firm end date, I would go out and get one now while you still can. Maybe it will be here for two weeks, or maybe two months. But it’s something that you absolutely need to experience, no matter how much cookie crumble syrup you get on yours!

The post I Tried Wendy’s Thin Mint Frosty and Ended Up Ordering It 3 Days in a Row appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Just order the classic sandwich in a strategic way, stock up on some of the chain’s free sauces and use the take-out bag to your advantage. Here’s what to order next time you’re at Chick-fil-A!

How to Build a Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich

Start by ordering the chicken sandwich, but ask for the bread to be extra toasted. This helps add structure to the bun so it will hold up to the thick, sticky sauce we’ll add.

Next, request one packet of Texas Pete hot sauce and two honey packets. This ratio is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, but if you want hot honey that’s even hotter, double up on the hot sauce as well.

The fun begins when your sandwich arrives. Take it out of the bag and remove the crispy chicken patty. Then, put the patty back into the sturdy insulated bag it came in. Drizzle the chicken with the hot sauce and the honey and roll the top of the bag to seal it up tight. Give the bag a good shake. You want the hot sauce and honey to combine and coat every nook and cranny of that crispy chicken.

Take the chicken out of the bag and re-assemble the sandwich with the buns and pickle slices. Your hands might get a little messy in the process, but that’s OK. You’ll want to lick that delicious sauce right off of them!

While you’re at it, add an order of the legendary Chick-fil-A waffle fries and a Key lime lemonade to your order. The drink should help cool some of the heat of the sandwich.

The post The Secret Chick-fil-A Menu Hack You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner appeared first on Taste Recipes.

While we’re still licking our lips over the Brownie Batter Doughnut on the Dunkin’ Valentine’s Day menu, there are more goodies coming soon. The Dunkin’ spring menu has been leaked, and there’s plenty to look forward to. Let’s hop into it.

What’s on the Dunkin’ spring menu?

With four new items and four returning items, there’s a lot to love this year.

• Dunkalatte: This returning fan favorite latte features rich espresso mixed with Dunkin’s own coffee milk made from Dunkin’s premium coffee extract. Creamy and full of flavor, you’ll likely find yourself stopping at Dunkin’ once a day just to experience it over and over again.
• Pistachio Latte: Another returning flavor, this Dunkin’ coffee is mixed with pistachio swirl and cream. We’re interested to see how it shakes up against Starbucks’ pistachio latte. Either way, I’ll be stopping in for a sip of my own when the time comes.
• Cotton Candy Specialty Doughnut: This pink frosted doughnut features bright blue sprinkles and a cotton candy filling to match.
• Blueberry Sprinkled Munchkins: Continuing the blue theme, these spring-inspired Munchkins feature the same bright blue sprinkles as the Cotton Candy Doughnut. Blueberry is a great fit for the season, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a dozen.
• Ham and Cheese Pretzel Sliders: A fresh face to the Dunkin’ food menu, these cute little sliders feature King’s Hawaiian Pretzel Buns, ham and cheese. I have a feeling these are going to be great for midday snacks or on-the-go lunches.

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The new menu will also bring back the Chicken Bacon Croissant Stuffers and Sweet Black Pepper Seasoned Snackin’ Bacon. And, much like the Halloween Munchkin Bucket drop, Dunkin’ will have a new exclusive Spring Munchkins Bucket featuring the familiar blue colorful eggs and an adorable white bunny. If it’s anything like the previous deals, the bucket is likely to hold at least 50 Munchkins!

When do Dunkin’s spring drinks drop?

The first half of the menu is set to drop March 5, 2025 while the second half drops around April 2 at participating locations nationwide. While it may seem light years away, that just means you can brush up on your Dunkin’ knowledge in the meantime. I’ll be jumping for joy when I finally get a chance to drink the Dunkalatte again.

The post Dunkin’ Just Leaked Its Spring Menu and We Are So Ready for It appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Right now, though, things are bad at Waffle House. Not even one of the oldest chain restaurants in America can withstand shifting market forces. For the foreseeable future, the restaurant will add a surcharge to every egg it sells.

Why is Waffle House charging more for eggs?

The Associated Press reports that starting this week, Waffle House has enacted a temporary surcharge on all egg orders—an additional 50 cents per egg.

Users on Bluesky and other social media outlets shared images of the new sticker placed on the Waffle House menu alerting customers to the price hike: “Due to the nationwide rise in cost of eggs, we’ve added a temporary 50¢ per egg surcharge,” reads the menu notice.

That nationwide rise in egg costs is one that American shoppers feel at the grocery store, too. The AP notes that the average cost of a dozen eggs hit $4.15 in December and is expected to rise by a whopping 20% in 2025. The prices reflect a general egg shortage, one that has caused some grocery chains to limit shoppers to only two or three dozen eggs per trip.

This shortage and resulting price hike are the result of an ongoing bird flu outbreak. While birds of all kinds are affected, the close quarters on chicken farms cause diseases to spread rapidly, forcing farmers to cull their egg-laying flocks.

When will Waffle House stop charging extra for eggs?

“While we hope these price fluctuations will be short-lived we cannot predict how long this shortage will last,” the company told the Associated Press. The surcharge could be adjusted, or removed entirely, if market conditions change, but there’s no indication that things will take a favorable turn in the near future.

Said one Reddit user about the surcharge, “Since they started this trend, I’m sure all restaurant chains will follow this.” That could mean markups on Egg McMuffins and other fast-food breakfast sandwiches.

The post Waffle House Just Put a Surcharge on Every Egg It Sells appeared first on Taste Recipes.

I’ve taste tested quite a few Starbucks drinks in my time as a food writer. I’m partial to mainstays like the Starbucks cortado, but once in a while, a limited edition release like the Wicked drinks, and now the Valentine’s menu, have me wondering if I should branch out from my typical black coffee more often.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino

The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino actually tastes like chocolate-covered strawberries. It blends strawberry puree, Frappuccino chips, milk and ice into a pretty pink swirl. Then, the drink gets topped with a splash of strawberry puree. In true Frappuccino fashion, it’s finished with a huge swirl of whipped cream and a mocha drizzle.

Even though it was about 23°F outside when I tried this drink, I’d absolutely order it again. And that’s coming from someone who drinks exclusively hot coffee once the temp drops below 50°. This Frappuccino is not overly sweet, which surprised me. The chocolate and strawberries felt balanced, and I would definitely accept this in lieu of chocolate-covered strawberries on Valentine’s Day.

Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew

The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew is the coffee-forward drink on this mini Starbucks Valentine’s menu. Vanilla syrup sweetens traditional Starbs cold brew, and baristas top the whole drink with fluffy chocolate hazelnut cream cold foam. Chocolate cookie crumbles decorate the top of the cold foam.

Because cold brew itself is so bitter, it’s sometimes hard to detect what the drink is actually supposed to taste like if it’s flavored. I could tell this one had hints of hazelnut and chocolate once I swirled the cold foam into the drink a bit. It didn’t taste like a Nutella dessert, but I don’t look for that when I’m drinking coffee anyway. If you’re hoping for a truly sweet, cookie-flavored drink, try a flavored iced latte instead.

Blackberry Sage Refreshers

Like the Cran-Merry Orange Refresher released for the holidays, Starbucks has really been playing into the sweet drinks that aren’t coffee-forward. The Blackberry Sage Refresher line isn’t part of the Valentine’s menu per se, but the new drinks were released at the same time. It only made sense to include it in my taste test!

Like other refreshers, you can order the Blackberry Sage Refresher with lemonade or coconut milk. (This refresher with coconut milk is called the Midnight Drink at Starbucks.) For this taste test, I only ordered the basic Blackberry Sage.

There are plenty of Refreshers that make the list of best Starbucks drinks, but for me, this isn’t one of them. I love using blackberry and sage in baking and cooking, so I had high hopes for this Refresher, but it didn’t work. The blackberry was overwhelming and the sage was nearly nonexistent. This being said, I could see the coconut milk infusing the overwhelming blackberry sweetness with a more mild flavor. I might have to try that next time!

How long will Valentine’s Day Drinks be at Starbucks?

The Valentine’s drinks and the Blackberry Sage Refresher line will be at Starbucks while supplies last. Get your fix sometime in February while you can. Fortunately, if you miss the window, you can always order a Strawberry Cold Brew from the secret menu.

The post Starbucks Just Brought Back Its Valentine’s Day Drinks appeared first on Taste Recipes.

For a whopping 30 years, those ice cream experts have agreed that the best way to celebrate your love in February is with a scoop of Love Potion No. 31. Here’s why this flavor is equally as romantic as champagne, chocolates and heart-shaped foods.

What is Love Potion No. 31?

Introduced in 1995, Love Potion No. 31 is a flavor Baskin-Robbins devotees patiently wait for all year round. Like any perfect couple, this concoction brings two flavors that were made for each other into perfect harmony, swirling together creamy white chocolate and tangy raspberry ice creams into wedded bliss.

That’s already a lot to love no matter what the season, but when it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day, “love” needs to be extra extra. That’s why, in addition to chocolate chips for tasty texture and ribbons of real raspberry puree to take the flavor over the top, Love Potion No. 31 has tiny raspberry-filled chocolate-flavored hearts, just like the ones you might find in a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Sharing a pint or two of Love Potion No. 31 while cuddling under a warm blanket is a lovely, lazy way to celebrate with someone special. For celebrating with kids or for a fun Galentine’s Day group date, a trip to Baskin-Robbins can be an extra special treat. Instead of ordering your ice cream in a cup, opt for a fresh-baked pink waffle cone that’s been dipped in chocolate and coated with heart sprinkles.

How long will it be at Baskin-Robbins?

Baskin-Robbins changes up its special flavors monthly, so you’ll only be able to get a taste of Love Potion No. 31 in February. If you fall head-over-heels for it, pick up a few pints to keep your freezer stocked for a few more months. February might be fleeting, but the love of ice cream never fades.

The post Baskin-Robbins Is Bringing Back One of its Most Iconic Flavors appeared first on Taste Recipes.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Dunkin’ has some special news for all you doughnut lovers!

What’s on the Dunkin’ menu?

Dunkin’ brought back two Valentine’s Day doughnuts that we can’t wait to sink our teeth into.

• Cupid’s Choice Doughnut: You’ll probably want to buy an entire dozen of ’em. This Cupid doughnut is filled with delectable Bavarian Kreme and topped with Dunkin’s delicious strawberry-flavored icing and festive pink, red and white sprinkles. No one does Bavarian Kreme quite like Dunkin’, and I know I’ll grab some for myself and my favorite people.
• Brownie Batter Doughnut: Who doesn’t love a brownie batter sweet treat? This lovable little doughnut is jam-packed with a chocolaty brownie batter butter creme and adorned with rich chocolate icing and Valentine’s Day sprinkles. This doughnut has been an official favorite of mine since it first dropped. No doubt I’ll continue the brownie batter Valentine tradition!

You can also expect your favorite filled Dunkin’ doughnuts to be served in a lovely heart-shaped shell, including Boston Kreme and jelly doughnuts. Other regular doughnuts, like chocolate frosted and strawberry frosted, will get the festive heart sprinkle treatment.

Don’t forget to tell your favorite Dunkin’ employees how much you appreciate them this Valentine’s Day!

When does Valentine’s Day start at Dunkin’?

The Dunkin’ Valentine’s Day menu is live at participating locations right now. It’s time to grab your favorite person and treat them to the best. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a frozen chocolate-covered strawberry drink from the Dunkin’ secret menu to your order? We just know it would go great with the specialty doughnut duo!

The post Dunkin’ Just Revealed Its 2025 Valentine’s Day Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.

If you’re a Starbs regular, you no doubt remember the Starbucks free refills from before the pandemic. Here’s some good news: That perk is back! Just purchase and enjoy your beverage in a Starbucks cafe to take advantage of this freebie.

When do Starbucks free refills return?

Starbucks dropped the good news this week and brought back its free refills for everyone on January 27.

Here’s how the free refills work: Head to a Starbucks cafe and order any beverage “for here.” That means a brewed coffee, a Frappuccino or a latte served in a mug, glass or a clean reusable cup you bring from home. Then, once you finish your drink, ask for a free refill of hot coffee, iced coffee, hot tea and iced tea. In other words, your first drink can be any beverage but the free refill will be hot or iced brewed coffee or tea.

What other perks are back at Starbucks?

While we’re over the moon about free refills making their grand re-entrance, Starbucks has even more beloved perks back in action. The condiment bar will be available once again at participating locations. Being able to adjust your own coffee is great for customers and a stress reliever for baristas. Everyone likes their coffee a bit different, and some would rather DIY than ask for modifications. Each bar will include creamer, milk and various sweeteners. If you don’t see your milk of choice available, Starbucks encourages you to ask your barista for help.

Starbucks also instituted a Code of Conduct for its cafes. Remember to be clean, kind and respectful to those around you. Let’s all bask in the glory of coffee together, shall we?

The post Starbucks Just Brought Back Its Free Refills and Other Popular Perks appeared first on Taste Recipes.

CosMc’s is all about hot takes on coffee, cold drinks and bite-sized snacks. Having been a barista for almost half of my working life, I knew I had to do a CosMc’s review! I took a trip out to the CosMc’s cosmos, and now I’m back with all the details.

What is CosMc’s?

Inspired by McDonald’s mascot CosMC from the ’80s, this coffee-based concept restaurant launched in December 2023. The idea was to create a restaurant with a smaller footprint to focus on specialty coffee drinks and quick bites. The menu is huge, though: You’ll find over 45 drinks and 18 snacks and treats, including McFlurries and ice cream sundaes.

The purple and gold spin-off store first opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois, with some fans flying in from as far as Europe to sample a taste.

Everything I Ordered at CosMc’s

Let’s start with the ordering experience. The CosMc’s in Bolingbrook is a drive-thru-only location with four drive-thru lanes, all equipped with digital menu screens and card readers. When I pulled into the first spot, a CosMc’s worker greeted me through the speaker. I mentioned that I had quite a large order, and he seemed eager to hear it!

After listing off every item, he asked how I would like to pay. Since I used a card, I was able to pay right at the card reader in front of me. I was then told to wait in my lane until the menu screen said my order was ready. After a few minutes, the screen told me to pull up, and I was handed my items at the last of three drive-up windows.

While the CosMc’s menu does include some items from the McDonald’s coffee menu, it’s also in its own world with tons of unique flavor combinations.

French Toast Galaxy Latte

The first drink to catch my eye was the French Toast Galaxy Latte. My first sip was subtle. Honestly, based on the big flavors from the McCafé, I was expecting much more cinnamon and sugar. Being a girl who doesn’t like her coffee too sweet, it hit just the right mark for me!

There wasn’t anything too galactic about it—the color was still a creamy brown all around. The cinnamon was present but not overwhelming, and at no point did I scrunch my nose from the sheer sweetness. On top of all that, it’s the same coffee you remember from McDonald’s. Would I order it again? Definitely. A solid 3/5.

Sea Salted Caramelactic Shaken Espresso

Shaken espressos have popped into the modern coffee culture recently, and I’m loving it. I’m a sucker for all things salted caramel, so I knew this was on my list to try. For how incredible the name was, I was expecting a whole ‘lotta caramel in my first sip. I’m a big fan of the McDonald’s caramel macchiato, and I thought the Caramelactic would be on par. It had a much softer caramel taste, with the salt coming in as an aftertaste rather than a flavor front-runner. Not quite bland, but didn’t pack a punch like I was wishing it would.

Compared to a Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, my favorite of the shaken bunch, the Caramelactic lacked depth. It felt a bit watered down, and the coffee didn’t feel as present. I’d give it a 2/5. I don’t know if I’d try this one again, but I’m willing to give the Pistachio Swirl a try next time.

S’mores Cold Brew

Of all the drinks on the CosMc’s menu, this was the one with which I immediately locked eyes and fell in love. There’s nothing in this world I love more than a s’mores-flavored treat, and I’m on an endless hunt to try every single one.

This was easily the most beautiful of the drinks. However, the S’Mores Cold Brew didn’t have the flavor profile I hoped for. This drink had an artificial aftertaste, and there weren’t enough toffee sprinkles for added texture. Overall, I wasn’t happy with the s’mores syrup either. While the drink was pretty, I didn’t find myself yearning for another sip.

Let’s be clear: I love cold brew. However, the s’mores drink couldn’t measure up to a Starbucks Cold Foam Cold Brew. My heart sadly gives it a 1/5.

Sour Cherry Energy Burst

Besides the coffee collection, CosMc’s also has an array of Galactic Boosts and Stellar Sips. These drinks mimic things like mixed lemonades and Starbucks Refreshers, but with a twist. Some come with popping boba, and you can add extras like energy, vitamin C and preworkout shots for a boost.

The Sour Cherry Energy Burst features a tart cherry slush layered over popping boba. While it looked gorgeous, it honestly tasted like a cold cup of medicine. The popping boba was a charming touch, and it made the drink semi-enjoyable. The energy is no joke, though—it definitely woke me up! This would probably best be enjoyed in the summer and not on a 1°F day in the heart of winter. I’ll give it a 2/5 and try again in a few months.

Sprite Moonsplash

The name was intriguing, the inclusions were bright and Sprite is one of my all-time favorite sodas. I had to give this one a shot, and it was the best of the bunch! The drink is a mix of Sprite, vanilla and citrus with a dried lemon wheel and dried blueberries on top. Sprite was the most forward flavor, with the vanilla adding a smooth finish. I could have chugged that thing in one go, but I held back. The inclusions made it pretty, too. 5/5, would absolutely order again!

Editor’s Tip: If you’re not into lemon and blueberries, don’t worry. You can add dried strawberries or dragonfruit instead. You can even switch the flavor shot from vanilla to cherry or mint.

Savory Hash Brown Bites

If you’re a diehard fan of McDonald’s hash browns like me, you’d probably expect these to be the same. However, think more like Dunkin’s version but smaller, individual hash browns. The Hash Brown Bites were about half the size of my palm but had great spice distribution (I tasted onion, garlic and just the right amount of salt). I found myself wanting more after I’d popped all four bites into my mouth. Not too crispy, not too soft—easily a 4/5. Next time, I might even get two orders.

Mixed Bag McPops

McPops are what I would describe as filled doughnut holes. There are three different types: cookie butter, hazelnut and apple cinnamon. You can either grab a three-piece of an individual flavor or a mixed bag with one of each. My consensus for all three was unanimous—positively delicious. The cookie butter reminded me of Trader Joe’s Speculoos cookie butter in the best way. The hazelnut was more of a Nutella flavor, and the apple cinnamon was like biting into a small apple pie. They were all soft and fluffy with plenty of flavor. 5/5 for me. Now, if only I could grab a whole bucket of ’em.

Strawberry and Cookie McFlurry

The McFlurry is one of the most iconic menu items at McDonald’s. If only the ice cream machines weren’t broken all the time!  CosMc’s has its own exclusive McFlurry flavor, the Strawberry and Cookie McFlurry. Was it delicious? Of course. It’s a fluffy mix of vanilla soft serve, dried strawberries and shortbread cookie crumbles. The strawberry gave it a sweet touch, while the crumbles gave it a dynamic texture. But really, how could you not love a McFlurry? Another 5/5!

Where is CosMc’s?

There are currently five locations up and running in the States. The first CosMc’s opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois (my location), followed by locations in San Antonio, Fort Worth and Dallas. There’s another location being built in Allen, Texas as we speak.

McDonald’s corporate explained that they plan to keep locations small but will continue to experiment with size until they find the perfect fit. If CosMc’s popularity continues, I expect to see more locations across the U.S.!

The post CosMc’s Review—Here’s What It’s Like and What I Ordered appeared first on Taste Recipes.

9. Subway

Coming in at the bottom of our list was the chicken noodle soup from Subway. Here, an 8-ounce cup of soup sells for $3.49, which was one of the most budget-friendly options we found. While the price was nice, the soup itself was watery and skimpy on the vegetables. We did appreciate the larger chunks of chicken, and the noodles were adequate. Unfortunately, Subway didn’t provide any crackers or bread to go along with our soup, which was also a disappointment.

Bottom Line: Ultimately, our biggest complaint about the Subway soup experience was the fact that it was re-heated in a microwave right in front of us. It certainly didn’t align with the brand’s “Eat Fresh” slogan.

8. Panera

For years, we have loved the soups at Panera. How can you not love a place where you can eat out of a bread bowl? They have a variety of options from the iconic broccoli cheddar soup all the way to seasonal options like autumn squash. The menu also offers a new hearty fireside chili as well as a classic homestyle chicken noodle. For the purpose of this ranking, we ordered a cup of the chicken noodle.

From the moment we walked in, it felt like Panera had changed. There was no human interaction, just ordering from a tablet. The technology was not efficient or intuitive, and it was difficult to just order a cup of soup because all options defaulted to a bowl. The real kicker came at the end when the grand total with taxes was a whopping $7.15. On top of that, the tablet system defaulted to ask for a tip though we hadn’t seen nor spoken to a person. When we drove off with a tiny bowl of soup and a piece of bread, the whole experience felt cold.

Bottom Line: Unfortunately, the taste test didn’t sway our opinion. While the small cup of soup did have nice noodles, the broth was too salty and there was one measly piece of chicken in the pricey bowl. The baguette was a lovely accompaniment, but not enough to justify the experience.

7. McAlister’s Deli

McAlister’s Deli is a soup, salad and sandwich restaurant with 563 locations across the United States. This was our first time pulling up to the chain’s drive thru, so we were excited to see what they had to offer. McAlister’s sells cups of soup for $4.79 and bowls for $6.29. The prices seemed reasonable, and there were a variety of soups to choose from. This location offered chicken tortilla, broccoli cheddar, country potato, veggie chili, classic chili and a rotating soup of the day option. We ordered the classic chili, which included two packages of saltines.

There are many opinions when it comes to chili, and many purists believe that beans have no place in a bowl of chili. If this sounds like you, then McAlister’s Deli is right up your alley. However, we are fans of beans so we didn’t love that the beef was so finely chopped it felt like a blended paste.

Bottom Line: We would prefer a mix of hearty beef chili with chunks of ground beef, tomatoes and beans. The flavor of the chili was adequate, so we might give another soup a try someday to see if it might suit our taste better.

6. Wendy’s

Wendy’s is one of the few drive-thru fast-food places where the chili has been a staple on the menu for years. It has led to such a following that people have started making copycat Wendy’s chili recipes at home. The recipe is quite basic with ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables. It sells for a budget-friendly $3.59 for a small cup size, and $4.39 for a larger bowl size.

Our cup of chili came with two packages of saltine crackers on the side. It’s important to note that Wendy’s was the only restaurant that asked if we wanted to add toppings to our order. They offer shredded cheese and chopped onions as options. Overall, we found the chili to be enjoyable.

Bottom Line: Wendy’s chili was good, not great. It just wasn’t enough of a standout to surpass other soups we sampled on this list.

5. Noodles & Company

Surprisingly, there is only one soup on the menu at Noodles & Company. The chain’s signature chicken noodle soup is made with chicken breast, celery, carrots, onion and wavy egg noodles. It’s sold as a regular entree size for $6.55 or a side cup size for $2.85. Our cup came with a bag of oyster crackers.

As the name of the chain suggests, the noodles were fantastic in this bowl of soup. They were large, tender and perfectly cooked. We also appreciated the plentiful pieces of chicken and hearty vegetables.

Bottom Line: Our only complaint here was that this bowl wasn’t filled completely, making the portion size feel a bit skimpy even though the flavor stood out.

4. Potbelly

Potbelly offers a variety of soups on its menu. There’s broccoli cheddar, garden vegetable, loaded baked potato, chicken potpie and chili. Each cup sells for $4.89 and a bowl goes for $6.59. We ordered a cup of chili that came with a bag of oyster crackers. We found the chili to be one of our favorites. It was a thick and substantial chili with an ideal ratio of meat to beans, peppers and tomatoes.

Bottom Line: The spices were well-balanced, and it tasted fresh rather than mass-produced. We were impressed enough that we want to come back and try all the other soup options.

3. Café Zupas

This fast-casual restaurant is known for its soups, salads and sandwiches. The chain prides itself on using healthy, fresh ingredients. Needless to say, the soup menu was substantial and included golden curry, chicken enchilada chili, lobster bisque, Wisconsin cauliflower, tomato basil, southwest potato and green chili, chicken noodle, mushroom bisque, and chickpea and vegetable. Our mouths are watering just mentioning all the names of these soups! With such a plethora of choices, it was hard to stick to our plan and just order the chicken noodle. However, we knew that if it could successfully create a classic, we could bet the others would be just as amazing.

Ultimately, we were very impressed with our meal at Café Zupas. The cup of soup arrived with a lovely baguette roll and a chocolate covered strawberry! It made the meal feel extra special and handcrafted.

Bottom Line: The prices were on the higher side, but we felt like the quality justified the price. Here, a half portion of soup is $5.99 and a large is $8.29. We loved the perfect balance of noodles, chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It felt like it was homemade!

2. Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A sells one of the best-ranked chicken sandwiches and also a couple of chicken soup options. There is always a classic chicken noodle on the menu, and, currently, there is a seasonal chicken tortilla soup as well. A cup sells for $4.35, and it arrived with two packages of saltines.

Once again, as we have come to expect with Chick-fil-A, this chicken noodle soup did not disappoint. In fact, it was our favorite of the chicken soups we sampled. It is made with shredded chicken breast, carrots, celery and egg noodles in a hearty broth. This one was so rich and thick, it was almost creamy and reminded us of something grandma used to make.

Bottom Line: We loved that this broth was a little different than the lighter, more watery broths from other menus. Of course the chicken was plentiful, and it was perfectly balanced with the vegetables and noodles. The soup was well-seasoned, but not overly salty.

1. Culver’s

On all our trips to Culver’s, we were too busy ordering some of the best fast-food ice cream (or custard, in this case!) to think of trying the soup. But in fact, the Culver’s soup menu is quite robust, and the restaurant rotates what is available each day. Soup availability is special to each restaurant because everything is made fresh daily. Even with all these fresh ingredients, Culver’s is able to sell its fresh soups for only $4.22 a cup.

On any given day you might find broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, potato with bacon, stuffed green pepper, tomato Florentine, vegetable beef, wild and brown rice with chicken, Boston clam chowder as well as George’s chili. This chili comes from a family recipe that is one of Culver’s signature dishes. It is a hearty, medium-spicy chili con carne, made with simmered homestyle beef, diced tomatoes, dark red kidney beans, peppers, onion and celery, along with a secret blend of peppery spices. You can also order it as George’s chili supreme which tops each serving with sour cream, cheese and onions.

Bottom Line: After the first bite of this chili we were in love. We would never have guessed this came from a fast-food restaurant. We could tell this recipe was handcrafted and perfected over the years. It was the absolute best of all the soups we tried, and we can’t wait to go back for more!

The post 9 Best Fast-Food Soups, Ranked appeared first on Taste Recipes.

This is what you need to know about Raising Cane’s, the chicken finger chain that’s giving Chick-fil-A and Popeyes a run for their money.

What is Raising Cane’s?

Founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1996, Raising Cane’s is a fast-food chain that does one thing the right way, and that one thing is chicken fingers. Unlike other fast-food chains that offer menus with something for everyone, Cane’s (as fans call it) serves nothing but chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast and coleslaw. What Cane’s lacks in variety, it makes up for in quality. The kitchen’s only job is to make the best chicken fingers possible, which translates into a consistently excellent product. It’s about darn time a chain treated the mighty chicken finger with the level of respect it deserves!

Everything I Ordered at Raising Cane’s

Raising Cane’s is so popular that it’s not uncommon to see a line snaking out the door. Fortunately, the concise, low-choice menu and easy kiosk ordering keep things moving. And if you order off the app, it’s even faster! It took me less than a minute to order everything on the menu for this taste test, and less than five minutes to get my food.

Chicken fingers

Raising Cane’s promises some of the best chicken fingers you’ll ever taste, and it definitely delivers. Tender and juicy on the inside, perfectly seasoned and golden brown on the outside, it’s no wonder why it ranks high among the best fast-food fried chicken in the biz.

Though the A+ chicken fingers aren’t surprising, the limited choice of dipping sauces is. Everything comes with Cane’s Sauce, which, as far as my palate could discern, is mayonnaise mixed with ketchup and “secret seasonings” that taste like Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Though it’s not mentioned on the menu, a seriously sweet Honey Mustard is also available on request, as is regular ketchup.

All of the sauces are excellent, but as someone who likes dipping her chicken fingers in buttermilk ranch, I wish Raising Cane’s would expand its sauce game like McDonald’s did for McNuggets.

Chicken sandwich

Raising Cane’s chicken sandwich makes the ever-portable chicken finger even more portable by slapping three of them on a toasted bun, slathering it with Cane’s Sauce, and adding a crispy leaf of bright green lettuce for good measure. And it’s fantastic!

Fries

Every order of chicken, whether in a sandwich or finger-form, comes in a combo with crinkle-cut french fries. There’s nothing special about these, and that’s precisely what makes them great. We don’t need an ostentatious french fry trying to upstage the chicken. We need something reliably delicious, and that’s exactly what these fries are.

Texas toast

Even though every combo comes with a slice of Texas toast, you’ll want to order at least one extra, because it will take all your strength not to inhale a lice whole after one bite. Rich, buttery and perfectly golden, it has just enough garlic to be addictive without being overwhelming. I wouldn’t blame anyone who went to Cane’s just for the toast.

Coleslaw

The world has too many mediocre coleslaws, which is a travesty that Cane’s is trying to correct. What could be seen as a throwaway side at lesser establishments is phenomenal here, with flavors in perfect balance and a crisp, crunchy texture. It puts competitors to shame.

What You Should Order at Raising Cane’s

With such a streamlined menu, you truly can’t go wrong at Raising Cane’s. If it’s your first time, I’d recommend the basic Box Combo, which comes with four chicken fingers, Cane’s Sauce, fries, a small cup of coleslaw, a slice of Texas toast and a 22-ounce fountain drink.

The post Raising Cane’s Is the Next Chick-fil-A, and It Only Has 5 Things on the Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What is the Red Velvet Blizzard?

This fan-favorite dropped in 2014, and it checks all the dessert boxes. The Red Velvet Blizzard features a blend of rich red velvet cake pieces, sweet cream cheese icing and Dairy Queen’s vanilla soft serve. If you’ve ever had a Portillo’s Cake Shake, you already know what I’m talking about.

The bright pink ice cream mixed with the fluffy red cake pieces makes it such an ideal treat for Valentine’s Day, even if it’s freezing outside. Every season is ice cream season.

Kudos to fast-food fanatic @markie_devo for sharing the news first!

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If you’ve ever wondered, What exactly is red velvet?, you’re not alone. This cake gets its color from cocoa powder and its iconic red food coloring. It’s similar to chocolate, but it still holds its own as a unique flavor. Plus, its eye-catching appearance has made it synonymous with all things love. No wonder we have nothing but heart eyes for the Red Velvet Blizzard.

When will DQ have it?

Some Dairy Queen locations may already have the Blizzard available, and the rest should see it on their menus by January 27. It will only be available for a limited time, so get your fill before it flutters away for good. Hopefully, we’ll lock eyes again next year, Red Velvet Cake!

The post Dairy Queen Is About to Drop a Gorgeous Red Velvet Blizzard appeared first on Taste Recipes.

What does the ‘A’ stand for in Chick-fil-A?

The name is a play on Chick-fillet, written as fil-A. And if you remember your school report cards, the capital A will make sense. The A stands for “Grade A.” That’s top of the class, the best of the best. The grade covers the quality and flavor of the food, as well as the brand’s high standard of service. Chick-fil-A takes pride in its friendly, welcoming staff. That’s one reason the workers always say “my pleasure.”

How did Chick-fil-A start?

Many fast food restaurant names have interesting origins, and Chick-fil-A’s is no exception. Oddly enough, founder S. Truett Cathy’s first restaurant was called The Dwarf Grill and didn’t serve much chicken at all. Then, in 1964, Cathy created a nearly perfect chicken sandwich—with chicken and pickles on a toasted bun—and called it the Chick-fil-A. The crispy chicken sandwich was popular enough to launch an entire new enterprise. Decades later, it remains one of the most popular sandwiches in the country, and came near the top in our official fast-food chicken sandwich taste test. If you automatically order the classic every time you head to Chick-fil-A, we wouldn’t blame you, but it’s worth checking out the secret menu for extra special dishes, including the chicken, egg and cheese biscuit.

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The new Steak Garlic Nacho Fries are one of the more straightforward inventions from the test kitchens at Taco Bell. It doesn’t attempt to shatter the laws of fast-food physics by wrapping itself in a cheese quesadilla or adding Doritos. It’s simply fries covered in a whole bunch of stuff, and as America’s foremost fast-food critic, it’s my job to find out if that stuff is legitimately delicious.

What are Steak Garlic Nacho Fries?

Steak Garlic Nacho Fries begin with Nacho Fries, which are fries that have been tossed in a generous amount of Mexican spices. They’re topped with bits of Taco Bell’s signature steak, shredded cheddar and nacho cheeses, fresh pico de gallo and a brand-new creamy garlic ranch sauce made with garlic and jalapeno peppers.

Are Steak Garlic Nacho Fries good?

Even though I almost always love everything Taco Bell does, I have to admit I wasn’t expecting much from the Steak Garlic Nacho Fries. While I do love fries of all sorts, especially loaded ones, they’re not the sort of thing I’d ordinarily go to Taco Bell for. Fries are for the burger guys, not the Bell.

However, I was beyond pleasantly surprised. In fact, the Steak Garlic Nacho Fries were so good that I’ve entirely changed my position on adding fries to Taco Bell’s menu. They’re unimaginably messy to eat, as all loaded fries worth their salt should be. Helpfully, they’re served with a fork, so you don’t need to get nacho cheese all over your hands and pants unless you want to.

The most exciting part of this limited-time offering is the garlic sauce. A brand-new addition to the Taco Bell arsenal, it’s ferociously garlicky and very, very good. I’m praying that Taco Bell plans to keep it around and will use it on everything they can.

How long are Steak Garlic Nacho Fries at Taco Bell?

Garlic Steak Nacho Fries dropped nationwide on January 16, so you can get your hands on them now for a mere $4.99. Taco Bell hasn’t announced when this item will leave us, but historically, its special items stick around for about six weeks unless supplies run out sooner.

The post I Ordered Taco Bell’s Steak Garlic Nacho Fries, and I Have Thoughts appeared first on Taste Recipes.

As one of America’s preeminent fast-food critics, it’s my job to test hacks, no matter how ridiculous they seem. In the best-case scenario, the public eye is opened to something surprising and delightful. In a scenario like this, I spend several days jumping through hoops to save you from a similar fate.

What is a hash brown McFlurry sandwich?

It’s two hash browns with the contents of an Oreo McFlurry smooshed between them. I would never have thought to put these two McDonald’s menu items together, not because the combination sounds unappealing but because the items are on two entirely separate menus.

@arvanfamily Snack Series ✨ Comment what i should try #fyp #arvanfamily #mcdonalds #snack #snackhack #cravings #weirdcravings #hashbrownsandwich #icecreamsandwich #mukbang #eatingshow #foodtok ♬ original sound – Arvan Family

The hash brown McFlurry sandwich appears to have been brought to life by @arvanfamily in Australia. In America, McDonald’s stops serving hash browns (and the rest of the breakfast menu) promptly at 11 a.m. McFlurry service, on the other hand, theoretically could begin at 11:01 a.m. if the ice cream machine cooperates. Of course, this did not happen.

I visited three McDonald’s on three different days, and each time, it all went wrong. On my first attempt, I missed breakfast by mere minutes. This hack exists on a razor’s edge, where timing is imperative. It normally takes me 11 minutes to walk to my nearest McDonald’s, but alas, it had snowed the night before, adding an additional three minutes to my commute, dashing my hash brown dreams.

The next day, I arrived 10 minutes early. I awkwardly lurked in a booth until breakfast ended, my hash browns growing colder, limper and sadder by the second. When the clock struck 11:01, I was told the McFlurry machine wouldn’t be up and running until noon. If a “hack” requires an hour and 10 minutes of waiting to execute, it’s not a good hack. However, I was testing this TikTok trick not for myself, but for the greater good, so I persisted.

On the third day, I decided to walk to yet another McDonald’s in hopes that it would be more accommodating of people who need McFlurries before noon. Sadly, at 11:01 a.m., I was notified that the ice cream machine wasn’t working at all.

At this point, a lesser fast-food critic would have phoned it in, but I take my duty to the American public seriously. I stuffed my cold McDonald’s hash browns into my bag, bought a tub of vanilla ice cream and a package of Oreos at the supermarket, and headed back home to make the darn thing myself.

Is the McFlurry sandwich good?

It wasn’t. Believe me, after all the hoops I had to jump through to bring this Frankenfood into the world, I was desperate to find a silver lining to make it all worthwhile. But truly, entirely and unequivocally, this was not good.

When I got home, the hash browns had saturated the paper bag with cooking oil and left slicks of grease all over my laptop, wallet and makeup bag. I blotted the hash browns with paper towels before sticking them into the air fryer to re-crisp. Fresh or not, McDonald’s hash browns aren’t sturdy enough to support any sort of sandwich, falling apart into bits the moment you take a bite.

Maybe a McFlurry sandwich would work with a McGriddles bun, but I don’t have the patience to try such a stunt, and neither should you. If you want to make an ice cream sandwich with a McFlurry, use McDonald’s cookies instead. If you want to taste some potato in your dessert, dip your fries in a Frosty.

The post I Tried a McDonald’s Hash Brown McFlurry Sandwich, and It Did Not Go According to Plan appeared first on Taste Recipes.

One surprising Cheesecake Factory secret? The kitchens make everything from scratch, including the 100 sauces offered on the menu. That’s especially impressive considering the size of the menu, which features everything from creamy cheesecakes to crispy Brussels sprouts, Italian pasta, Southwestern favorites and Asian-inspired treats like these wontons. Plus, it means that the recipes for The Cheesecake Factory’s best dishes are easy to make in a home kitchen—but maybe stick to one or two recipes at a time rather than 200!

The Cheesecake Factory’s Crab Wontons

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 ounce sweet-and-sour chili sauce, homemade or store-bought
• 1-1/2 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 4 ounces crabmeat, fresh lump or canned
• 2 ounces sliced water chestnuts, minced
• 1 ounce green onions, finely chopped
• 1 ounce mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1 ounce fontina cheese, grated
• 1 ounce panko bread crumbs
• 25 small square wonton wrappers (approximately 3-1/2-inch)

Directions

Step 1: Mix the cream filling base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweet and sour chili sauce, mustard, chili garlic paste, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Fold the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined.

Step 2: Add the crabmeat and veggies

Add the crabmeat, minced water chestnuts and chopped green onions to the bowl. Continue folding the ingredients together until they’re thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Fold in the cheese and crumbs

Sprinkle the mozzarella, fontina and panko bread crumbs into the bowl and continue folding gently until the filling is thoroughly and evenly combined.

Step 4: Shape the wontons

Here’s the fun part! Place the wonton skins onto a clean work surface or cutting board. Place a 1/2-ounce scoop of filling onto the center of each wrapper. Lift the bottom and top flat edges of the wrapper up over the filling. Pinch the center sections of the top and bottom edges tightly together. Lift the left and right flat edges of the wrapper up over the filling. Carefully pinch the center sections of the left and right flat edges tightly together with the pinched center section of the top and bottom edges. When done correctly, the edges will remain slightly open at the four corner points, forming a flower-like shape.

Step 5: Fry

Pour a generous amount of vegetable oil (enough to submerge the wontons) into a Dutch oven or deep skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F (you can use a candy thermometer to check the temperature). Carefully place the wontons, a few at a time, into the hot oil and fry them until they become golden brown and crispy.

Editor’s Tip: If you’ve deep-fried at home before, you’ll know: Be careful not to overcrowd the oil, which can make the temperature drop, turning the wontons oily instead of crispy. Remove them from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels, then repeat until the remaining wontons are cooked.

Step 6: Serve with sauce

Arrange the crispy crab wontons on a serving platter with extra sweet-and-sour chili sauce on the side for dipping.

The post The Cheesecake Factory Just Released Its Recipe for Crab Wontons appeared first on Taste Recipes.

The new McDonald’s McValue menu is a great example of this type of marketing—and many budget-conscious fans of the Golden Arches love the change.

What is the best deal?

Arguably, the best deal on the new McValue menu is the $5 Meal Deal. This meal was so popular in 2024 that McDonald’s extended its run through next summer.

The $5 Meal Deal comes with four menu items:

• Your choice of a McChicken or McDouble sandwich
• 4-piece Chicken McNuggets
• Small fries
• Small soft drink

That’s four things for only $5! Hard to beat that offer.

What else is on the McValue menu?

Yes, the $5 Meal Deal is the best deal, but there are several honorable mentions on the McValue menu. I like the “Buy One, Add One for $1” deal. You buy one full-priced menu item from the McValue menu and add one more item for $1. This deal is good during breakfast service and for the rest of the day.

Breakfast:

• Sausage biscuit
• Sausage McMuffin
• Sausage burrito
• Hash brown

Lunch or Dinner:

• McChicken
• Double cheeseburger
• 6-Piece Chicken McNuggets
• Small fries

McDonald’s also has plenty of other deals if you use the McDonald’s app. Look out for a free McCrispy Chicken sandwich for new app users and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets for $1.

If you’re looking for other ways to save, check out the McDonald’s secret menu. Instead of a Big Mac, order a McDouble with special sauce (that’s the Big Mac Sauce), extra lettuce and no ketchup. You’ll save about $1.50 by doing that, depending on your location.

How long will it be available?

The new McValue menu launched on January 7, 2025. McDonald’s promises that the $5 Meal Deal will be available at least through the summer of 2025.

The post This Is the Best Deal on the New McDonald’s McValue Menu appeared first on Taste Recipes.