Opinion: The Fast Food Sides You'll Love More Than Fries

Fries have dominated the fast food side scene for a long time. They're classic, but there’s more out there worth your attention now thanks to the innovation from some of our favorite fast food standbys. These sides are slowly changing the "burger and fries" saying one by one. Here’s a look at some of the alternative options, that in our humble opinion, are worth the change in your order.

Arby's fries.Photo byShutterstock.

Culver’s Cheese Curds

Culver’s is renowned for its Butterburgers and frozen custard, but it also offers an array of mouthwatering sides that highlight its Wisconsin heritage. Among the favorites are the Wisconsin Cheese Curds, featuring un-aged yellow and white cheddar from La Grander Hillside Dairy, acclaimed for pairing perfectly with marinara sauce.

Chick-fil-A’s Mac and Cheese

Chick-fil-A’s macaroni and cheese is a creamy dream, blending Parmesan, Romano, and cheddar into a cheesy masterpiece. Baked to crispy perfection on top, it’s a comfort food side that makes their chicken sandwiches taste even better — a tall order!

Jack in the Box’s Egg Roll

Jack in the Box stands out with its array of unconventional fast food offerings, like crispy stuffed jalapeños filled with gooey cheese and jumbo egg rolls brimming with a flavorful mix of ground pork and veggies, served with sweet and sour sauce.

Sonic’s Pickle Fries

Sonic shakes up the side dish scene with its innovative Pickle Fries, a quirky twist on traditional fries that pickle lovers will go crazy for. These crinkle-cut dill pickles are battered and fried to create a tangy, crispy treat that’s unlike anything else on the menu.

Cheese curds.Photo byShutterstock.

Wendy’s Baked Potato

Wendy’s breaks the mold of typical fast-food sides with its Baked Potato, a hearty and healthier alternative that stands out. Cooked to fluffy perfection, these potatoes come with a variety of toppings, from cheddar cheese and sour cream to bacon bits and chives, giving the customer a customizable and satisfying side option.

Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks

Arby’s adds a cheesy twist to its menu with Mozzarella Sticks, serving up a deliciously gooey and crispy side that cheese lovers can’t resist. These sticks are coated in a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb exterior, fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

Carl’s Jr.’s Fried Zucchini

Carl’s Jr. spices up its side dish lineup with Fried Zucchini, offering a tasty and unique alternative to standard fast-food options. These zucchini slices are coated in a light batter and fried to a perfect golden crisp, offering a savory and slightly sweet flavor that’s served with a side of creamy ranch dressing for dipping.

Stack of onion rings.Photo byShutterstock.

Burger King’s Onion Rings

Burger King’s Onion Rings are the unsung heroes of the side dish world, bringing a crispy, golden crunch to the table that’s hard to resist. Wrapped in a perfectly seasoned batter and fried to crispy perfection, these rings are the ideal pick for anyone looking for something other than fries but with the same effect. Dunk ’em in BK’s zesty sauce for an extra flavor kick, and you’ve got a side that turns any meal into a crunchy, sweet, and savory party in your mouth.

Popeye’s Biscuits

Popeye’s Biscuits are a little slice of heaven that perfectly complement any meal. Buttery, flaky, and with just the right touch of saltiness, these biscuits are more than just a side—they’re a must-have. Fresh from the oven, they pull apart in layers of tender, mouthwatering goodness.

Smashburger’s Tater Tots

Smashburger takes the humble tater tot and turns it into a crunchy, golden delight that’s stealing the spotlight. These little nuggets of joy are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and just begging to be dipped into your favorite sauce. A far cry from the tots you might remember from the school cafeteria, Smashburger’s version is a grown-up twist on a childhood classic.