Is the McRib Back at McDonald's?
Is the McRib back? After much speculation, one of the most iconic items from the McDonald’s menu will be reappearing at selected U.S. branches, including drive-throughs, just in time for Christmas 2024.
That’s not the end of the good news for McRib fans either! Not only is the McRib back, but McDonald's is also giving customers the chance to buy a bottle of McRib sauce to enjoy at home. If you're a fan of this cult classic or are interested in getting a taste of the popular McRib for the first time, read on to discover everything to know about this exciting product re-release.
Jump to Section
Is McDonald’s McRib Back?
After disappearing from the official McDonald’s menu more than a decade ago, the McRib has made a few limited-time-only appearances to the thrill of fans everywhere. Having not been available for a while, the same question has been on a lot of people’s minds recently: "Is the McRib back?"
This question isn't out of the blue either. The anticipation around the return of this iconic fast-food treat started in June 2024, when McDonald’s USA President, Joe Erlinger, mentioned that the McRib would be reappearing on the menu sometime this year.
No official details were released until November 2024, when a press release confirmed that the beloved McRib is back and would go live on the menu at specific McDonald’s locations across the U.S. in December 2024, with a larger rollout planned after this, likely in 2025.
When Is the McRib Coming Back?
Now we know that the McRib is definitely returning, fans are desperate to learn: "When is McRib coming back?" And will it be available at McDonald’s in every state? In the official press statement released on November 20, 2024, McDonald’s announced that the McRib would be available at selected locations on December 3, 2024.
Even better, McDonald’s has accompanied the release of the McRib with a unique limited edition product. Fans now have the chance to buy their very own jugs of A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce to use at home.
Where Is the McRib Available?
Now you know the McRib is on its way back to McDonald's, you might be wondering: "Is the McRib back at my local Golden Arches?" Sadly, the McRib sandwich won’t be appearing at all McDonald’s sites. At the moment, we know that the McRib will initially appear on menus in Kansas, Illinois and the Ozarks area. From there, it should be spreading to other locations across the U.S.
But it’s not just McDonald's fans in the States who are eagerly asking: "Is the McRib back?" Following a limited appearance on menus in the U.K. and Ireland in 2016, the McRib sandwich is also back in these areas for a limited time in winter 2024. There’s not a complete list of all of the outlets offering the McRib but you can check your local options on the McDonald’s website.
Why Is the McRib Sandwich So Popular?
Part of the reason behind the McRib’s popularity is its unusual preparation method. A tender, boneless pork patty, seasoned with a distinctive blend of herbs is shaped to resemble a rack of ribs and dipped in a signature barbecue sauce. The meat patty is then served in a home-style bread bun topped with sliced pickles and onions.
The McDonald’s McRib has achieved cult classic status since it was first introduced as a test item at a Kansas City McDonald's in 1981 and nationwide in 1982. Developed by McDonald’s Executive Chef Rene Arend, who also developed McNuggets, the McRib was an immediate success and quickly became one of the most popular McDonald's items.
Since then, the McRib has had periodic stints on menus, reappearing and disappearing sporadically. Despite not being an official menu item for almost 10 years, this ubiquitous sandwich still has a unique presence among fast food items and there are even dedicated groups of fans who follow the McRib as it appears on menus around the world!
Is McDonald’s McRib Back for Good?
Okay, now it’s time for the less good news for anyone wondering: "Is the McRib back for good?" Unfortunately not. It’s expected that the McRib will remain on menus into January 2025 but there has been no official McDonald’s statement on the McRib’s limited-time return.
November 2022 was the McRib’s official ‘Farewell Tour’ but 2023 saw its return on the McDonald’s festive menu. Since then, McDonald’s has adopted more of a seasonal approach to the McRib, tying it into the festive menu and creating a McRib ‘SZN’. There’s even a McRib Christmas song to accompany its return! There are also McRib collaborations planned for social media, along with some themed merchandise.
Much like the Shamrock Shake, released to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, this festive association with the McRib helps to build seasonal excitement around the sandwich. It also boosts customer visits and helps to introduce a new audience to the brand as families share their nostalgic memories of the McRib with a younger generation.
So, if you don't get your hands on one this year, there's a good chance the McRib will be back at a McDonald's near you around the holiday period next year.
What Is the Exclusive McRib Sauce Jug?
We’ve already established that anyone asking: Is the McRib back? should get ready for a merry Christmas. Not only is the McRib back, but McDonald’s is also treating rib fans to a chance to buy the signature McRib sauce to use at home.
For the first time ever, this half-a-gallon jug of sauce will allow you to recreate your very own version of a McRib in your kitchen or add the distinctive McRib flavor to your favorite dishes.
Where Can I Buy McDonald’s McRib Sauce at Home?
Fans can buy jugs of A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce online from the official website. The sauce retails online at $19.99 and comes in a half-gallon bottle.
However, you’ll need to be quick as the sauce is only available while stocks last. When we had a quick peruse of the website, the first batch of sauce (released for sale at 10 a.m. ET on November 25th) had already sold out.
Ways To Use the McRib Sauce at Home
The McRib sauce isn’t just for pork sandwiches — it’s a sweet and smoky way to bring a touch of Golden Arches magic to your cooking. Try it with pulled pork nachos for a crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for festive gatherings, potluck dinners or game-day snacks, these nachos are even better with McRib sauce on the side or slathered over top.
For another finger-licking option, country-style pork ribs are a must-try. Slow-cooked to tender perfection and finished in the broiler for a caramelized crust, these ribs pair beautifully with the rich flavor of McRib sauce. The sauce also works wonderfully on burgers, sandwiches, and chili con carne, adding a bold, savory twist to your favorite dishes.
If you're been wondering: "Is the McRib back?", this update should have answered your question. McDonald’s is making McRib lovers Christmases this year by introducing the legendary sandwich in time for the festive season. According to information from McDonald’s, the McRib will be launched on December 3rd, 2024.
Not only is the McRib back, but customers will also be able to buy jugs of A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce online. At the moment, the sauce is sold out but McDonald’s may add more to the site soon.
While the McRib is not back forever, it might become a part of the annual McDonald’s festive menu, helping to keep Christmas merry for fans across the country!
To stay up to date, check out other food and drink news on Cozymeal.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.