Does McDonald’s Still Have the Bacon Smokehouse Burger? Unpacking the Smoky Legend

---

Hey there, burger lovers! If you’re like me, you’ve probably got a soft spot for those limited-time fast food gems that come and go before we’re ready to say goodbye One that’s been on my mind lately is the Bacon Smokehouse Burger from McDonald’s. Man, that thing was a flavor bomb! But the big question remains—does McDonald’s still have the Bacon Smokehouse Burger on their menu today? Spoiler alert I’m pretty sure it’s gone, but stick with me as we dive into the juicy details, reminisce on what made this burger epic, and figure out if there’s any way to get that smoky goodness back in our lives

I’ve been craving this burger ever since I first tried it years ago, and I ain’t alone in this obsession. So, let’s take a trip down memory lane break down what this burger was all about, and see if McDonald’s has anything close to it now. Plus, I’ll throw in some ideas to recreate that magic at home if the Golden Arches let us down. Grab a snack (maybe a burger?) and let’s get into it!

What Was the Bacon Smokehouse Burger Anyway?

Before we get all sad about whether it’s still around, let’s talk about what made the Bacon Smokehouse Burger so dang special. Launched back in 2018 as part of McDonald’s Signature Crafted line this wasn’t just any burger. It was a fancy pants version of their Quarter Pounder made with fresh beef patties—yep, not the frozen stuff they used to sling. McDonald’s went hard on the marketing for their fresh beef, and this burger was one of the shiny new toys they rolled out to show it off.

Here’s the rundown of what went into this bad boy:

• Fresh Beef Patty: Juicy, well-seasoned, and a huge step up from the old-school frozen patties. It tasted more like somethin’ you’d grill at home.
• Thick-Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon: Crunchy, smoky, and piled on so you got a piece in almost every bite. Even bacon haters had to give props.
• Sweet and Smoky Bacon-Onion Sauce: This was supposed to be a game-changer, though I gotta admit, sometimes it felt like they forgot to add it.
• Crispy Onion Strings: Added a nice crunch—at least for the first few bites before they got soggy.
• Real White Cheddar Cheese: Melty and just the right amount of sharp to balance the richness.
• Mild Sweet Mustard Sauce (aka Tavern Sauce): Kinda like a tart Big Mac sauce, though it didn’t always hit the mark for me.
• Toasted Artisan Roll: A fancier bun that sounded cool but often just made the burger feel dry and bready.

This burger came with options too—you could get it with one or two patties, or even swap the beef for fried or grilled chicken. I stuck with the single patty version, and even then, it was a hefty meal. Priced around $8.39 for a large combo back in the day, it wasn’t cheap, but it felt worth it for somethin’ different from the usual McDonald’s fare.

When I first bit into it, I was hooked. That smoky bacon mixed with the fresh beef? Chef’s kiss! But I gotta be real—sometimes the execution was off. Skimpy toppings, missing sauces, and a bun that couldn’t hold it together made some bites a letdown. Still, when it was done right, it was straight-up fire.

So, Does McDonald’s Still Have the Bacon Smokehouse Burger?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Does McDonald’s still have the Bacon Smokehouse Burger on their menu? From everything I’ve dug up and remembered, the answer is a big fat no. This burger was a limited-time offer back in 2018, and by 2021, it was already off the menu for good. I ain’t seen it pop up in my local McDonald’s since, and I’ve been keepin’ an eye out, trust me.

That said, McDonald’s menus can be sneaky. They vary by location, and sometimes regional spots or international markets bring back old faves or test new stuff. If you’re desperate to know for sure, I’d say check the McDonald’s app or website for your area. Heck, swing by your local joint and ask. Who knows, maybe they’ve got some secret stash of Bacon Smokehouse Burgers hidin’ in the back (just kiddin’—or am I?).

What is still around, though, is the Quarter Pounder with Bacon. It’s not the same as our beloved Smokehouse, but it’s got that fresh beef patty and some smoky bacon action goin’ on. It’s the closest thing on the current menu, and we’ll talk more about how to tweak it later.

Why Did McDonald’s Discontinue the Bacon Smokehouse Burger?

Now, you might be wonderin’, why the heck would McDonald’s ditch somethin’ as tasty as the Bacon Smokehouse Burger? Well, that’s just how fast food rolls, fam. Limited-time items are their bread and butter (or burger and bun, I guess). They drop these special menu items to create buzz, get us all hyped, and then yank ‘em away to make room for the next big thing.

Here’s my take on why it probably got the boot:

• Limited-Time Hype: The Bacon Smokehouse was part of the Signature Crafted line, which was all about testin’ out premium burgers. Once the hype for fresh beef died down, they likely moved on to other experiments.
• Cost and Complexity: With all them fancy ingredients—Applewood bacon, two sauces, artisan buns—it prolly wasn’t cheap or easy to keep on the menu. Fast food is all about speed and profit, and this burger mighta slowed things down.
• Mixed Reception: While I loved it (when done right), not everyone did. Some folks, includin’ myself at times, found the toppings sparse or the sauces off. If enough customers weren’t raving, McDonald’s mighta decided it wasn’t worth keepin’.
• Menu Overload: McDonald’s got a ton of items already. They can’t keep every limited-time offer forever, or we’d have a menu the size of a novel.

It stinks, but that’s the game. They want us chasin’ the next shiny thing—think McRib or whatever seasonal shake they’re pushin’. Still, I can’t help but feel a lil’ salty about losin’ this one.

Can You Get Somethin’ Close to the Bacon Smokehouse Burger at McDonald’s Today?

Don’t despair just yet! Even though the Bacon Smokehouse Burger ain’t on the menu, McDonald’s still got some options that can scratch that itch. Like I mentioned, the Quarter Pounder with Bacon is your best bet. It’s got the fresh beef patty and bacon, which were the heart and soul of the Smokehouse anyway.

Here’s how you can customize it to get closer to the original vibe:

• Ask for Extra Bacon: The Smokehouse had a generous amount, so don’t be shy—pile it on if you can.
• Add Cheese: Go for a sharper cheese if they’ve got it, to mimic that white cheddar kick.
• Request Onions: Some locations might toss on raw or grilled onions. It ain’t crispy onion strings, but it’s somethin’.
• Sauce Swap: See if they can hook you up with a mustard-based sauce or anything smoky. You might not get the exact “tavern sauce,” but you can experiment.

Keep in mind, customization depends on the location and the staff’s mood that day. Some McDonald’s are cool with mixin’ it up, others might look at you like you’ve grown a second head. Worth a shot, though!

If that don’t work, keep an eye out for limited-time offers. McDonald’s loves bringin’ back fan faves or droppin’ new burgers with smoky flavors. Follow their social media or sign up for their app deals—you never know when somethin’ similar might pop up.

Recreatin’ the Bacon Smokehouse Burger at Home

Alright, if McDonald’s ain’t gonna deliver, we gotta take matters into our own hands. Recreatin’ the Bacon Smokehouse Burger at home ain’t as hard as you might think, and honestly, it might even taste better ‘cause you’re in control. Here’s my DIY guide to bringin’ this legend back to life.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. Here’s what to grab from the store:

• Ground Beef: Get somethin’ with a lil’ fat, like 80/20, for that juicy patty. About a quarter pound per burger.
• Thick-Cut Bacon: Look for Applewood smoked if you can find it. It’s gotta have that deep, smoky flavor.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Slices or shredded, whatever melts good.
• Onion Strings or Rings: You can buy ‘em pre-made or fry your own if you’re feelin’ fancy.
• Burger Buns: Skip the artisan nonsense and get a soft, sesame seed bun. Trust me, it’s better.
• Sweet Mustard Sauce: Mix some Dijon mustard with a touch of honey or grab a pre-made honey mustard.
• Smoky Sauce: Try a BBQ sauce with a bacon or smoky flavor. If you’re crafty, sauté some onions with bacon grease and mix into the sauce.

Cookin’ It Up

Now, let’s get to the fun part. Here’s how to put it together:

1. Cook the Bacon: Fry up that bacon ‘til it’s crispy but not burnt. Set aside on a paper towel to drain the grease.
2. Shape and Grill the Patty: Form your ground beef into a patty, season with salt and pepper, and cook on a hot skillet or grill. Aim for medium to medium-well, ‘bout 3-4 minutes per side. Fresh beef vibes, baby!
3. Melt the Cheese: In the last minute of cookin’ the patty, slap on a slice of white cheddar and let it get all melty.
4. Toast the Bun: Lightly toast your bun on the skillet for extra flavor and to keep it from gettin’ soggy.
5. Fry Onion Strings (if makin’ ‘em): Thinly slice onions, dredge in flour, and fry ‘til golden. Sprinkle with salt.
6. Assemble the Beast: Stack it like this—bottom bun, sweet mustard sauce, patty with cheese, bacon strips, onion strings, a drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce, then the top bun.
7. Dig In: Take a big ol’ bite and let the nostalgia wash over ya.

Tips for Extra Awesomeness

• If you wanna go all out, double up on the patties for that true fast food indulgence.
• Can’t find smoky BBQ sauce? Add a dash of liquid smoke to regular BBQ. Just don’t overdo it—it’s potent stuff.
• Pair it with some homemade fries and a milkshake to really feel like you’re at McDonald’s.

I’ve made this at home a few times, and while it ain’t exactly the same, it’s pretty darn close. Plus, you get to tweak it to your likin’. More bacon? Go for it. Extra sauce? Slather it on!

Why We Miss Burgers Like the Bacon Smokehouse

Let’s get a lil’ deep for a sec. Why do we even care so much about a burger that’s been gone for years? I think it’s ‘cause food like this ain’t just food—it’s memories. Maybe you tried the Bacon Smokehouse Burger with your buddies after a late-night study sesh. Or maybe it was your go-to treat during a rough week. For me, it was one of the first times I felt like McDonald’s was steppin’ up their game, givin’ us somethin’ that felt a cut above the usual.

Fast food joints know this. They play on our emotions with these limited-time drops, makin’ us feel like we gotta have it before it’s gone forever. And when it’s gone, we’re left dreamin’ about it. It’s kinda genius, even if it leaves us a lil’ heartbroken.

Other McDonald’s Classics We’ve Lost (and Some That Came Back)

Speakin’ of heartbreak, the Bacon Smokehouse Burger ain’t the only thing McDonald’s has taken from us. They’ve got a history of droppin’ bangers and then ghostin’ ‘em. Here are a few other menu items I still think about:

• McRib: This one’s a rollercoaster. It comes back every now and then, but never for long. That tangy BBQ pork sandwich got a cult followin’ for a reason.
• Szechuan Sauce: Remember the Rick and Morty chaos? They brought it back for a hot minute, but it’s mostly a distant memory now.
• Arch Deluxe: Marketed as a “grown-up” burger in the ‘90s, it flopped hard, but some of us still wanna taste that peppered bacon again.

On the flip side, McDonald’s does listen to fans sometimes. The McRib’s on-again, off-again status proves they know we got love for the oldies. So, who knows? Maybe if we make enough noise on social media, the Bacon Smokehouse could stage a comeback. Tweet at ‘em, y’all!

How to Stay in the Loop for McDonald’s Menu Updates

If you’re as obsessed with McDonald’s menu changes as I am, you gotta stay on top of their game. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss the next big burger drop:

• Download the McDonald’s App: They post deals and new menu items there first. Plus, you might snag some discounts.
• Follow ‘Em on Social Media: Twitter, Instagram, whatever—McDonald’s loves hypin’ up their latest stuff online.
• Join Rewards Programs: Sign up for MyMcDonald’s Rewards to get insider info and points for free food.
• Check Local Menus: Like I said, menus vary by spot. Pop into different locations or peek at their online menus for surprises.

I’ve caught a few limited-time items this way, and it’s worth the effort if it means gettin’ a taste of somethin’ new—or old, in the case of a revival.

Final Thoughts: Keep the Smokehouse Spirit Alive

So, does McDonald’s still have the Bacon Smokehouse Burger? Nah, prob’ly not, based on what I’ve seen and heard. It’s a bummer, but that don’t mean we gotta let go of the magic. Whether you customize a Quarter Pounder at your local spot or fire up the grill at home, you can still get a piece of that smoky, bacon-y goodness.

I’m keepin’ my fingers crossed for a comeback, though. McDonald’s, if you’re listenin’, bring this burger back, yo! Until then, let’s keep the memories alive by sharin’ stories of our fave bites and maybe even cookin’ up our own versions. Got a memory of the Bacon Smokehouse Burger? Or a killer recipe hack? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears!

For now, let’s raise a burger (or a fry) to the ones we’ve lost and the ones we still got. Fast food might change, but our love for a good meal never does. Catch ya on the next food adventure!