A former McDonald’s chef, Mike Haracz, has been sharing insider secrets about how the fast-food chain prepares its famous burgers, including details about its Big Mac sauce recipe and specific cooking techniques. Haracz, who now shares his insights on TikTok, explains the process in a video that has gained over 16.7 million views.
In the video, Haracz commends an employee for following McDonald’s strict burger assembly guidelines, explaining that typically eight patties are cooked on a platen grill. He adds that the type of grill can vary by location, sometimes affecting the process. Haracz compares the cooking method to using “a big old George Foreman” grill.
Haracz also emphasizes the importance of cleanliness, pointing out that employees wear blue gloves when handling raw meat. After cooking, each burger patty is seasoned with a single shot of salt and pepper mix before being stacked in piles of four. The patties are then transferred to a Universal Heat Cabinet (UHC) to stay warm and ready for orders.
A glimpse into McDonald’s burger preparation process
However, Haracz’s video sparked debate online. Some former employees questioned the seasoning and grilling practices. One viewer remarked, “I’ve never tasted salt and pepper on a McDonald’s burger in my life,” while another ex-employee suggested that grills aren’t cleaned as often as Haracz described, saying, “They ain’t gonna clean that grill until the end of the shift.”
The video also received feedback about the stacking method, with some users correcting Haracz’s technique. One commenter claimed, “The way he put the patty down in that stack was wrong and his stacking was a mess,” while another added, “Close the platen as soon as all the patties are down. The ones on the far right have already started cooking.”
Despite the mixed reactions, Haracz’s behind-the-scenes insights have piqued the curiosity of fast-food fans, offering a glimpse into McDonald’s burger preparation process.
