'I tried McDonald's new menu - burger was a showstopper but dessert was tragic'

13 March 2024 , 15:07

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The McCrispy Deluxe saved the day (Image: Daily Mirror)

Just when I thought the McCrispy couldn't get any better, McDonald's upgraded it with a game-changing twist.

The fast food giant has launched its 2024 Easter menu today (March 13), which includes three brand-new launches and a trio of returning favourites. The McCrispy Deluxe, Halloumi Fries and Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry are back for a limited time, and the Hot Cross Bun Pie, Hot Cross Bun Latte and Galaxy Truffle Bunny McFlurry are brand new additions.

As a big fan of the original McCrispy, I was most excited to get my chops around the burger - and thankfully, it didn't disappoint. As well as the lettuce and crispy chicken breast in the OG version, the deluxe offering has crunchy red onions, bacon and a gourmet-looking slice of cheddar cheese. But instead of black pepper mayo, it boasts a hot and spicy mayo and fancy caramelised onion compote.

It looked like a pretty impressive menu on arrival (Daily Mirror)

Within seconds of taking my first bite, I was won over by the jam-packed layers in the soft, seeded bun. But it was the surprise double sauce element that was the real game-changer. Forget your traditional ketchup and mustard combo, the hot mayo and onion chutney was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It even felt quite posh. If you haven't tried the McCrispy Deluxe before, taste testers at Mirror HQ all agree you should.

The McCrispy Deluxe has replaced the beloved Big Tasty with bacon which was axed once more by the chain earlier this week - but with onions, bacon and cheese, this one is a good stand-in. The Mozzarella Dippers have also gone, but the Halloumi Fries have taken their place, served with a rich tomato dip. I can't rave about these quite like I can the burger, as they lacked wow factor for me.

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The double sauce combo was a game-changer (Daily Mirror)

The Halloumi Fries didn't change my world (Daily Mirror)

The sticks were cheesy, herby and I was surprised by how much flavour the batter had. But they were pretty greasy and the cheese didn't have that squeaky texture that makes halloumi... halloumi. The dip was rich and it packed a punch, but I'd give the sticks a go with sweet chilli dip next time - that's if there was a next time. These didn't change my world, but I also wouldn't dismiss them from my order altogether.

To wash it all down, I tried the Hot Cross Bun Pie Latte which was super sweet and cinnamony. I couldn't drink it all but it definitely gave hot cross bun vibes like it said on the tin. It's made with sweet and spiced syrup and is topped with cinnamon cream, and if you like a chai latte, I think this would be one for you. I would avoid it with savoury food though - it's not one to enjoy with a burger. Stick to a Coke.

I'd definitely order the Galaxy McFlurry again (Daily Mirror)

But I wouldn't get the Hot Cross Bun Pie (Daily Mirror)

Unlike the halloumi sticks and latte, I would absolutely order the Galaxy Truffle Bunny McFlurry again. The first few mouthfuls of McFlurry are always the best, and this one had me crunching on tiny Galaxy bunnies, white and dark chocolate chips and chocolate sauce, all mixed into the ice cream. It feels like an elevated version of your standard McFlurry and the pieces of Galaxy Truffle made it that tad more luxurious.

The Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry followed suit. Maccies was very generous with the shards of chocolate and the Creme Egg sauce on top made it taste exactly like a gooey bowl of Creme Egg. If you're a big Easter foodie, I'd give this one a go. Some people might be disappointed as it's replaced the KitKat Ruby Chocolate McFlurry, which was a hugely popular fan favourite. But it's an equally good replacement in my eyes.

It left me with far too many questions... what was it? (Daily Mirror)

I can't see this being the new fan favourite (Daily Mirror)

I wish I could say that I saved the best for last, but the Hot Cross Bun Pie was pretty tragic - and that's coming from a hot cross bun fan. The filling left me with so many questions that I had to Google what it actually was before I'd even swallowed my first mouthful. The butter cream was too savoury and I can only describe the spiced fruit mix as stodgy raisin juice.

Thankfully the pastry was crispy because there wasn't much else going for it. I've got to admit, it wasn't the warmest by the time I got around to eating it, so maybe the only saving grace would be trying it piping hot. But I won't be ordering it again to find out. I can see this dessert being pretty controversial - especially as it's stood in for the axed Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie. RIP.

Nia Dalton