What's the highest protein breakfast item at McDonald's?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to official nutritional data, the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes offers a significant 36 grams of protein, making it the highest protein breakfast item at McDonald's available on a single menu listing. This substantial meal includes scrambled eggs, a sausage patty, a hash brown, and three hotcakes, setting the standard for protein content on the breakfast menu.

Quick Summary

We break down McDonald's breakfast menu to reveal which item offers the most protein. The top contender is the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, though we also examine high-protein sandwich alternatives and customization tips for a more tailored meal.

Key Points

Big Breakfast with Hotcakes: Offers the highest total protein at 36 grams, but also has the most calories and carbs.
Sausage Egg McMuffin: The top single sandwich for protein, providing a solid 20 grams.
Lighter High-Protein Sandwiches: The classic Egg McMuffin and Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit both contain 17 grams of protein.
Customization is Key: Boost your protein easily by adding extra eggs or meat patties to your order.
Consider Macroscopic Goals: High-protein options often come with higher fat and calories; choose based on your overall dietary needs.

The Highest Protein Powerhouse: Big Breakfast with Hotcakes

For those seeking the absolute maximum protein from a single breakfast item at McDonald's, the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is the clear winner. Combining several components into one meal, it delivers a powerful 36 grams of protein. While this option provides a significant energy boost, it is also the highest in calories and carbohydrates due to the inclusion of hotcakes and syrup. This makes it an excellent choice for a morning when you need substantial, long-lasting fuel.

What's in the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes?

Scrambled Eggs: A fluffy portion of scrambled eggs provides a foundational source of protein.
Sausage Patty: The seasoned pork sausage patty is a dense protein source.
Hash Brown: A single, crispy hash brown adds texture and flavor.
Hotcakes: Three warm, soft hotcakes come with a side of butter and maple syrup.

The Big Breakfast: The High-Protein, Lower-Carb Alternative

If you want high protein but with fewer carbohydrates than the hotcake platter, the standard Big Breakfast is the way to go. This item removes the hotcakes, bringing the total protein count down to a still-impressive 26 grams. While still substantial, this option offers a more balanced macro profile for those who want to limit sugar intake. It still features the scrambled eggs, sausage patty, and hash brown, delivering a hearty and protein-rich start to the day.

Top Protein Breakfast Sandwiches

If you prefer a grab-and-go sandwich, several McDonald's items offer a solid protein dose. While they don't match the platters, they are excellent for a quick meal.

Sausage Egg McMuffin

Coming in at around 20 grams of protein, the Sausage Egg McMuffin is the king of the breakfast sandwiches. It features a savory sausage patty, a freshly cracked egg, and a slice of American cheese, all served on a toasted English muffin. It’s a classic for a reason and provides a great balance of protein, carbs, and fat.

Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

The Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit is another strong choice, delivering approximately 17 grams of protein. It swaps the English muffin for a warm, fluffy biscuit and the sausage patty for crispy bacon. This provides a different flavor profile while still offering a substantial protein count to keep you full longer.

Egg McMuffin

For those looking for a slightly lighter option, the classic Egg McMuffin contains 17 grams of protein and fewer calories than its sausage-filled counterpart. Made with a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, and cheese, it offers a solid protein boost in a convenient package.

Comparison of High-Protein McDonald's Breakfast Items


Item	Protein (grams)	Calories	Main Components
Big Breakfast with Hotcakes	36	1340	Eggs, Sausage, Hotcakes, Hash Brown
Big Breakfast	26	1060	Eggs, Sausage, Hash Brown
Sausage Egg McMuffin	~20	480	Sausage, Egg, Cheese, English Muffin
Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit	17	460	Bacon, Egg, Cheese, Biscuit
Egg McMuffin	17	310	Canadian Bacon, Egg, Cheese, English Muffin
Sausage McMuffin	14	400	Sausage, Cheese, English Muffin

Customizing Your McDonald's Breakfast for More Protein

If your favorite item isn't the highest in protein, there are simple ways to boost its nutritional content. Ordering a la carte is key to building a personalized, protein-packed breakfast.

Quick Customization Tips:

Add an extra egg: Order an extra scrambled or round egg and add it to your sandwich or burrito. Eggs are a fantastic, low-calorie protein source.
Double up on meat: Ask for an extra sausage patty or a double-patty sandwich. This can significantly increase your protein intake, though it will also increase calories and fat.
Request no bun or biscuit: Ordering an item like the Sausage Egg McMuffin without the English muffin or a biscuit can reduce carbs and calories while maintaining the full protein content. You can eat it with a fork or wrap it in a napkin.
Combine items: If you have the time, you can combine two smaller items. For example, get two Sausage Egg McMuffins for approximately 40 grams of protein.

Example High-Protein, Lower-Carb Custom Meal

Start with the basics: Order a Sausage Egg McMuffin.
Add more protein: Ask for an extra round egg on the side.
Adjust for macros: Discard the English muffin to reduce carb and calorie count.

By following these simple steps, you can create a high-protein, lower-carb meal that is both satisfying and tailored to your nutritional goals.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Best High-Protein Option

While the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes undeniably holds the title for the highest protein breakfast item at McDonald's, it is a meal, not a sandwich. The Sausage Egg McMuffin is the best choice for a quick, single sandwich with a great protein-to-calorie ratio. However, for those with specific dietary needs, customizing your order with extra eggs or meat offers the most flexibility. With a little planning, you can easily find a McDonald's breakfast that meets your high-protein requirements.

For a complete listing of nutrition information, you can visit the official McDonald's Nutrition Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Sausage Egg McMuffin is the single sandwich with the most protein, packing around 20 grams per serving.

While the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes is the highest in protein at 36 grams, it also has a high calorie count (1340) due to the addition of hotcakes, hash brown, and syrup. It's a calorie-dense meal suitable for those needing substantial energy rather than a light, 'healthy' option.

To increase the protein in an Egg McMuffin, you can ask for an extra round egg on the side to add. Alternatively, you can order two Egg McMuffins for nearly double the protein.

The standard Sausage McMuffin, which does not include an egg, contains 14 grams of protein.

Yes, you can customize your order. For example, ordering a Sausage Egg McMuffin or Big Breakfast without the bun or hotcakes will significantly reduce the carbohydrate count while maintaining the high protein content from the meat and eggs.

Compared to other fast-food breakfasts, McDonald's high-protein options are competitive. Many competitors offer similar egg and meat-based sandwiches, but their specific protein counts vary. Always check the official nutrition information for the most accurate comparison.

The Sausage Burrito contains a respectable 13 grams of protein. While not the highest on the menu, it is still a good source of protein for a quick, convenient breakfast.