Double Cheeseburger or McDouble: Burger Face-Off

Double cheeseburgers have become a classic fast-food indulgence for people across America.

Tasty treats feature two beef patties with melted cheese slices layered between them.

Many burger lovers debate whether the extra cheese makes all the difference in flavor satisfaction.

The McDouble offers a slight variation on this beloved formula while maintaining a similar taste profile.

Fast food restaurants often price these items differently despite their comparable ingredients.

Both options satisfy intense hunger cravings when nothing else will do.

Next time you visit the drive-thru, pay attention to the subtle distinctions that make each burger uniquely delicious.

Is The Double Cheeseburger Really Better Than McDouble?

McDonald's offers two similar-looking burgers with one key difference - the double cheeseburger includes two cheese slices while the McDouble comes with just one. These popular menu items also differ in several other ways beyond their cheese content.

Their unique origin stories explain how each sandwich became a staple for hungry customers over time. Flavor profiles between these two options vary slightly, with the extra cheese creating a more intense taste experience in the double cheeseburger.

Price points separate them as well, making the McDouble a more budget-friendly choice for anyone watching their spending. Nutritional information shows some differences too, so your choice might depend on dietary preferences.

Many loyal McDonald's fans have strong opinions about which burger deserves the top spot in the restaurant's lineup of classic American fast food favorites.

McDonald’s – Timeless Name for Burgers

McDonald's is a global fast-food giant known for its iconic burgers, fries, and quick service. Founded in 1940, it has grown into one of the world’s largest restaurant chain, with more than 35,000 restaurants across the globe.

The brand emphasizes consistency, convenience, and affordability, making it a staple in fast food culture.

When customers look at the menu, they often face a tough choice between two popular items - the double cheeseburger and McDouble.

At first glance, these burgers seem almost identical since both come with juicy beef patties and gooey melted cheese that makes mouths water.

Double Cheeseburger

The McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger is a classic menu item featuring two juicy beef patties layered with two slices of melted American cheese.

It’s served on a soft bun with pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, offering a satisfying balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors. Known for its affordability and hearty taste, the Double Cheeseburger is a popular choice for those seeking a filling, flavorful burger without the extra frills.

McDouble

The McDouble from McDonald’s is a popular, budget-friendly burger featuring two beef patties, a slice of melted American cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard on a soft bun.

Compared to the Double Cheeseburger, it has one less slice of cheese, making it slightly lighter but still packed with flavor. The McDouble is known for delivering great taste and value, making it a favorite for quick, satisfying meals.

McDonalds created the McDouble as a spin on their famous double cheeseburger, launching it in 1997 before pulling it from menus 11 years later. This tasty burger earned a reputation for being affordable and somewhat healthier than other menu options.

Differences Between Double Cheese and McDouble

McDonald's menu can be confusing when two burgers look almost identical, but small details make them different. Here is a table showing you some ideas to set them apart.

Origin

The Double Cheeseburger has roots tracing back to Bob’s Big Boy, a popular restaurant founded in 1937. Although its exact introduction date at McDonald’s is unclear, it has become a staple item across many fast-food chains in America, including Burger King and Wendy’s.

The McDouble is an original creation of McDonald’s, launched in 1997 as an affordable option. It gained popularity quickly for its low price but was removed from the menu in 2008, a decision that disappointed many fans. Fortunately, some McDonald’s locations have started bringing it back due to customer demand.

Ingredients

Both burgers share similar core ingredients - two seasoned beef patties, pickles, chopped onions, mustard, ketchup, and two buns.

The key difference lies in the cheese: the Double Cheeseburger has two slices of American cheese, placed between and on top of the patties, while the McDouble contains only one slice between the patties. This seemingly small difference significantly impacts the flavor and texture of the burgers.

Taste

The Double Cheeseburger offers a richer and more indulgent taste, thanks to the extra slice of cheese that adds creaminess and balances the savory beef patties. The combination of juicy meat, melted cheese, and tangy pickles creates a classic, satisfying burger experience.

Meanwhile, the McDouble, with just one slice of cheese, tends to taste drier and less creamy. While it still delivers the familiar flavors of a McDonald’s burger, some find it less flavorful compared to its cheesier counterpart.

Price

The McDouble is known as one of McDonald’s most budget-friendly menu items. However, the Double Cheeseburger is generally priced higher due to the extra slice of cheese and perceived as a more indulgent option.

While still relatively inexpensive, it tends to cost about 30 to 50 cents more than the McDouble on average.

Nutrition Content

Nutritionally, the Double Cheeseburger packs about 450 calories and contains around 1120 milligrams of sodium, which can be significant for those watching their intake.

The McDouble is slightly lighter, with roughly 400 calories and 920 milligrams of sodium. It also has about 4 grams less fat than the Double Cheeseburger, making it a somewhat healthier choice without sacrificing too much on taste.

Here’s a nutrient comparison table of these burgers.

Availability and Regional Variations of Double Cheeseburger and McDouble

The Double Cheeseburger and McDouble are widely available across McDonald’s locations in the U.S., but their availability can vary internationally and by region.

The Double Cheeseburger is a staple on most menus, while the McDouble’s presence has fluctuated, with some locations removing it and others bringing it back due to popular demand.

Regional variations may include differences in toppings, portion sizes, or pricing to suit local tastes and market preferences.

Other Variations Of Double Cheeseburger and McDouble

McDonald’s offers several tasty variations of the classic Double Cheeseburger and McDouble to suit different tastes. These variations include added toppings or different sauces that enhance the original flavors.

Explore these options to find your favorite twist on these popular burgers.

Quarter Pounder

McDonald's famous quarter pounder has been part of their menu since 1973, getting its name from the hefty patty that weighs about a quarter of a pound.

It’s served on a sesame seed bun with two slices of American cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. Praised for its juicy, beef-forward flavor, the Quarter Pounder offers a heartier alternative to McDonald’s smaller burgers, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more substantial meal.

Daily Double

McDonald's Daily Double arrived on the menu in 2012 as a fresh take on the classic McDouble.

It is a lesser-known menu item that features two seasoned beef patties stacked on a soft bun, topped with pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard.

It’s similar in concept to the Double Cheeseburger but typically comes without cheese, offering a simpler, meat-forward option. The Daily Double appeals to customers looking for a hearty, no-frills burger at an affordable price.

Recreate McDonald’s Famous Burger at Home

Making your own version of McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger or McDouble at home is surprisingly easy and lets you customize the flavors to your liking.

First, let's prepare some ingredients, such as:

• Ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness)
• American cheese slices
• Pickle slices
• Diced onions
• Ketchup and yellow mustard
• Soft hamburger buns (sesame or plain)

How to Make These Burgers

• Step 1: Divide ground beef into small, thin patties about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Step 2: Cook Patties: Grill or pan-fry the patties over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until fully cooked but juicy.
• Step 3: For the Double Cheeseburger, stack two patties and two slices of cheese alternately on the bun. For the McDouble, stack two patties with one slice of cheese between them.
• Step 4: Add Toppings: Add pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard to taste.
• Step 5: Serve: Close the bun and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Got Questions? We’ve Got Solutions

1. What's the main difference between a McDouble and a Double Cheeseburger?

The main difference is that a Double Cheeseburger has two slices of cheese while a McDouble has only one slice, making the Double Cheeseburger slightly more expensive.

2. Which one has more calories?

The Double Cheeseburger has slightly more calories (about 50 more) than the McDouble because of the extra slice of cheese.

3. Are the patties the same size in both burgers?

Yes, both the McDouble and Double Cheeseburger use identical beef patties - two 1.6-ounce patties in each sandwich.

4. Why did McDonald's create the McDouble?

McDonald's introduced the McDouble in 2008 as a value menu option during economic hardship, offering a cheaper alternative to the Double Cheeseburger by using one less slice of cheese.