McDonald’s Is Bringing Back the Sandwich Fans Wait All Year For

Few seasonal launches at McDonald’s get fans fired up more than the Shamrock Shake’s return during St. Patrick’s Day. Yes, customers love when the Holiday Pie and Spicy McNuggets come back, but those menu items are pretty unpredictable in availability.

If you thought the Shamrock Shake had a cult following, it’s practically nothing compared to another menu item: the McRib. In 2020, Mickey D’s brought back its McRib sandwich nationwide for the first time in eight years. Since then, customers have again fallen for the saucy rib sandwich—so much so that McDonald’s added it to menus even after the famous “farewell tour.”

While McDonald's didn't discontinue the sandwich after its 2022 farewell tour, it didn’t return to nationwide menus in 2023. This year, though, McRib fans can breathe a sigh of relief because the McRib is going national again.

McDonald's McRib Returns 2024

Beginning Dec. 3, McDonald’s McRib sandwich is returning to menus nationwide for a limited time.

To refresh your memory on this seasonal sandwich, the McRib is a pork sandwich smothered in barbecue sauce and topped with pickles and onions on a toasted bun. The McRib has always been as divisive as it is beloved—however, it does have some famous fans. 

"Today" weatherman Al Roker is one of the sandwich’s biggest fans. He told Allrecipes that even though he knows many people consider the McRib an “abomination,” it’s his go-to McDonald’s order when available. 

Well, Mr. Roker, it seems Christmas came early for you!

Because the McRib is so beloved, Mickey D's is going big this year with its return. In addition to the sandwich's return, McDonald's is introducing A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce, a half-gallon jug filled with the McRib barbecue sauce. The sauce will be available to purchase online for $19.99 beginning Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. EST while supplies last.

McDonald’s U.S. McRib launch follows the UK launch in October. The fast food chain brought back the sandwich across the pond for the first time in 10 years, to many fans’ excitement.

With all this back and forth, maybe the U.S. Mickey D’s should be like McDonald’s Germany and offer the McRib year-round. However, until that happens, you’ll want to get your fill of sandwiches now—there’s no telling when it might leave menus again.