The Mystery Cheese: Filet-O-Fish's Special Ingredient

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich has been a permanent fixture on the menu since 1965. The sandwich is made with fried fish, tartar sauce, and a half-slice of cheese. The cheese used is American cheese, which is melted over a crispy fish fillet patty made with wild-caught Alaskan Pollock. The addition of cheese to the sandwich has sparked some debate, with some questioning why cheese is included on a fish sandwich at all. However, McDonald's maintains that the half-slice of cheese is essential to the mojo of the sandwich, complementing the tangy tartar sauce and crisp coating without overwhelming the delicate flavour of the fish.

The Filet-O-Fish was originally conceived without cheese

The Filet-O-Fish is a McDonald's classic, but it's also a sandwich that has sparked many questions over the years. One of the most intriguing queries is, "Why does the Filet-O-Fish only have a half-slice of cheese?" The answer lies in the history of its creation.

However, there was a catch. McDonald's requested that Groen swap halibut for a more affordable fish. This change prompted him to make a concession of his own—adding a slice of cheese to the sandwich. "I had to fall back on Atlantic cod, a whitefish, and I added a slice of cheese," Groen told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But my halibut sandwich far outshines that one."

Despite this adjustment, the Filet-O-Fish has always been about finding the perfect balance of flavours. According to McDonald's, a full slice of American cheese would overpower the mild, delicate taste of the fish. As Julie Caturano, a McDonald's spokesperson, explained, "When you think of a cheeseburger, it's really cheesy. With the filet, a half slice complements the taste, rather than overwhelming it." This sentiment was echoed by McDonald's Canada in 2012: "We only use half a slice of cheese because that's exactly the perfect balance for the tangy tartar sauce and crispness of the Filet-o-Fish coating."

While the amount of cheese on the Filet-O-Fish may have been a point of contention for some, it's clear that McDonald's has always aimed to strike a delicate balance with this sandwich. Customers who feel differently can always ask for extra cheese to be added to their Filet-O-Fish, customising their order to suit their taste.

A full slice of cheese may overpower the fish

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich has been a menu staple since 1965, but it has always sparked questions—especially about its half-slice of cheese. The fast-food giant has maintained that a full slice of cheese would "throw off the mojo" of the sandwich, and that a half-slice is crucial to "save on the flavor."

Indeed, a full slice of cheese may overpower the fish. The Filet-O-Fish was originally conceived without any cheese at all, with the fish patty and tartar sauce taking center stage. When cheese was added, it was introduced in a half-slice to complement the mild, delicate flavor of the fish without overwhelming it. This balance is particularly important given the other strong flavors in the sandwich, such as the tangy tartar sauce and the crisp, fried coating.

The half-slice of cheese also has practical benefits. It reduces the overall calorie count and fat content of the sandwich, making it a slightly healthier option compared to other fried fish sandwiches on the market. Additionally, the pre-assembled sandwiches with a half-slice of cheese ensure efficiency in the kitchen, and customers who want a full slice can always request it when ordering.

While some customers may still prefer a full slice of cheese, the half-slice is a deliberate choice by McDonald's to strike a balance in the flavors and textures of the Filet-O-Fish sandwich. This decision also takes into account the health-conscious customer, as a smaller portion of cheese makes the sandwich slightly lighter. Ultimately, the half-slice of cheese is an integral part of what makes the Filet-O-Fish a unique and popular menu item.

For those who are curious about the type of cheese used, it is a slice of classic American cheese—melty and mild, the perfect complement to the fish without being too rich or overpowering.

A half-slice of cheese is a good balance

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich has been a menu staple since 1965, but it has always been a source of intrigue due to its half-slice of cheese. This unique feature has sparked debates and discussions among customers, with some speculating that it is a cost-saving measure, while others wonder if it is to maintain the sandwich's flavour profile.

The half-slice of cheese on the Filet-O-Fish is indeed a deliberate choice by McDonald's, and the company maintains that it is the perfect balance for the sandwich. The tangy tartar sauce and the crisp, lightly breaded fish patty are complemented by the melty American cheese, without being overpowered. This balance ensures that the delicate flavour of the fish, whether it is Atlantic cod or Alaska pollock, remains the star of the sandwich.

The decision to use a half-slice of cheese was likely influenced by the sandwich's history. When the Filet-O-Fish was first introduced by franchisee Lou Groen in 1961, it did not contain any cheese at all. The original recipe consisted of fried halibut and tartar sauce on a bun, designed to appeal to customers during Lent. However, when McDonald's requested that Groen switch to a cheaper fish, he added a slice of cheese to the sandwich to compensate.

Over the years, the Filet-O-Fish has undergone some changes, including a switch from cod to Alaska pollock, but the half-slice of cheese has remained a constant. This consistency is part of the sandwich's appeal, and McDonald's has emphasised that altering the amount of cheese would throw off the "mojo" of the sandwich. While some customers may prefer a full slice, the half-slice has become an iconic part of the Filet-O-Fish's identity.

Ultimately, the half-slice of cheese on the Filet-O-Fish is a strategic choice by McDonald's to create a harmonious blend of flavours. It showcases the company's attention to detail and their commitment to providing a consistent and enjoyable dining experience for their customers. While personal preferences may vary, the half-slice has stood the test of time and continues to be a defining characteristic of the Filet-O-Fish sandwich.

The Filet-O-Fish has 380 calories

The Filet-O-Fish sandwich from McDonald's is a classic. It features a crispy fish fillet patty made with wild-caught Alaskan Pollock, topped with melty American cheese and creamy McDonald's tartar sauce, all served on a soft, steamed bun. The sandwich has 380 calories, 18 grams of fat, and is sourced from sustainably managed fisheries.

The Filet-O-Fish is a popular choice for those observing Lent, and its unique composition has sparked many questions about its recipe. One of the most prominent queries is regarding the amount of cheese used in the sandwich. McDonald's has consistently provided only half a slice of cheese on their Filet-O-Fish, contrary to popular belief that they might be shorting customers.

The reason for this is not to cut costs, but to achieve a balance of flavours. According to McDonald's spokesperson Julie Caturano, a full slice of American cheese would overpower the mild, delicate flavour of the lightly breaded fish patties. The tanginess of the tartar sauce and the crispness of the fish coating are meant to be complemented by the half-slice of cheese, creating a harmonious combination of tastes.

However, some customers have expressed their preference for a full slice of cheese, and McDonald's has accommodated this by allowing customers to request 'extra' cheese when ordering. This option caters to those who want a cheesier experience without compromising the sandwich's freshness, as cooked-to-order sandwiches are prepared with the customer's preferences in mind.

The Filet-O-Fish, with its unique combination of ingredients, has become a staple on the McDonald's menu, offering a flavourful and satisfying experience to customers worldwide.

You can ask for extra cheese

The McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich has been a menu staple since 1965. The sandwich is made with fried fish, tartar sauce, and a half-slice of cheese. This iconic sandwich has sparked many debates, especially regarding its half-slice of cheese.

The half-slice of cheese on the Filet-O-Fish is a deliberate decision by McDonald's. According to the company, the half-slice is the "perfect balance" for the tangy tartar sauce and crispy fish coating. A full slice of cheese would purportedly overpower the mild, delicate flavour of the fish patty.

However, not everyone agrees with this decision. Some customers have expressed their disappointment or anger upon realising their sandwich only has a half-slice of cheese. There are even reports of customers requesting a full slice of cheese when ordering.

If you're a cheese lover and want to customise your Filet-O-Fish, you can ask for extra cheese! That's right, you can make your sandwich cheesier. By asking for extra cheese, you can enhance the flavour and make your sandwich even more indulgent. It's a great option for those who want a cheesier bite without compromising the overall taste of the sandwich.

To accommodate your preference, simply inform the staff about your request for extra cheese when placing your order. This way, they can prepare your sandwich accordingly, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience. Whether you're dining in or using the drive-thru, don't be afraid to ask for that extra slice or two.

So, the next time you're craving a Filet-O-Fish, remember that you have the option to customise it with extra cheese. It's a great way to make your favourite sandwich even better, ensuring you get the perfect bite every time.

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