We’re not here to hate—fries are great. However, the fast food scene has so much more to offer in terms of side dishes, and we found 15 that don’t deserve to be on the sidelines. These 15 underrated fast food sides are ready to upgrade your next combo meal; they bring nothing but big flavor and zero boredom!
15. Egg Rolls
Egg rolls are common in American-Chinese cuisine, so it won’t be surprising to see them in restaurants like Panda Express. However, they’re also available at Zaxby’s and Jack in the Box, with the latter known for its addictive egg rolls. Fans in this Reddit thread have nothing but praises for Jack in the Box’s jumbo egg rolls, with fresh, crunchy veggies and a sweet and sour sauce for dipping.
14. Onion Rings
There are two things that’ll make you choose onion rings over fries. First: crunch factor is supreme. It has a shatteringly crisp batter that fries couldn’t just match. Second: flavor explosion. Underneath that batter, the sweet and juicy onion adds an actual flavor, giving you a sweet-savory combo in every bite. The dipping game is strong, too; try them with ranch, spicy mayo, or BBQ sauce.
13. Mashed Potato
Let’s be honest, sometimes, fries don’t feel like a cozy hug for your taste buds. You know what is? Mashed potatoes! They’re warm, buttery, and soft, making them one of the best comfort foods out there. Beware of chains that use instant mashed potato flakes, though, because you’d want the real thing for the best experience. Jollibee is one fast food chain that seems to mash up real potatoes.
12. Mac & Cheese
Yes, you can sprinkle cheese on your fries, but mac & cheese is literally built on creamy, melty cheese. The latter is also the kind of side that warms your soul; it’s cozy, nostalgic, and feels like happiness in a bowl. The best fast food mac & cheese? It’s a tough call between Chick-fil-A and Potbelly.
11. Chicken Rings
These are literally rings of chicken, so what’s not to love? Chicken rings also fill you up because they’re protein-packed, unlike fries that could leave you feeling hungry after a couple of minutes. White Castle is popular for offering chicken rings, and you can also find these exact items on the freezer aisle. White Castle Chicken Rings lineup now includes Original, Spicy, and Ranch flavors.
10. Mozzarella Sticks
So you want something that’s cheesy but has a nice crisp like fries? Look no further than mozzarella sticks! They always win the fight when it comes to having stretchy-cheese confidence. The textural bliss they offer is also memorable, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Arby’s is well-regarded for having excellent mozzarella sticks; Sonic comes in a close second.
9. Pickle Fries
Pickle fries bring the zing that ordinary fries couldn’t. The former is salty, a little sour, and totally addictive. If you do a little bit of “math,” tart pickle + your choice of a creamy dip = flavor fireworks! Burger King is known for offering pickle fries with Hidden Valley Ranch sauce, but they’re a limited-time offering. Sonic, on the other hand, has pickle fries on the standard menu.
8. Coleslaw
We’re going fresh and bold with coleslaw, and it’s the complete opposite of fries. Coleslaw is cool, crisp, and refreshing, bringing you that crunch minus the oil. And if you have BBQ or chicken for your entree, coleslaw can cut through it perfectly, thanks to its balanced flavors with tang, sweetness, and a little creaminess. The best part? Coleslaw won’t make you want to nap afterward!
7. Fried Zucchini
For something that’s fried but still got that fresh veggie core, you can’t go wrong with fried zucchini. The golden, crunchy outside beautifully contrasts with the juicy and flavorful inside. Get ready for a flavor party when you dip that fried zucchini in garlicky aioli, herby ranch, or warm marinara. Yum!
6. Popcorn Shrimp
Here’s something that’s shrimply irresistible: popcorn shrimp from Popeyes! These are tender popcorn shrimp seasoned in a blend of Louisiana spices and then served in a Southern-style crumb breading. A tip? Get them with the blackened ranch! It’s also worth noting that ordering popcorn shrimp feels like treating yourself; it’s fancy and totally different from the same ol’ fries.
5. Stuffed Crazy Bread
Yes, we’re referring to the famous Crazy Bread stuffed with Cheese that you can get from Little Caesars. They provide enough surface area to dip into a cup of marinara without getting your fingertips saucy. They also make a great companion for your favorite pizza, but honestly, a double order of Stuffed Crazy Bread can already satisfy your pizza cravings. There’s dough, cheese, and sauce!
4. Jalapeño Bites
If you want some heat, coupled with creaminess and crunchiness, go for jalapeño bites, specifically the ones from Arby’s. These bites feature melty cream cheese loaded inside hollowed out jalapeños, coated in a crispy shell. They’re reminiscent of Arby’s fries but they’ve got their own personality. Bold, fiery, and totally unforgettable.
3. Fried Cheese Curds
If you want something similar to mozzarella sticks but more bite-sized, then you’ve got to try cheese curds! The ones from Culver’s will blow you away, but you can also find decent cheese curds at Zaxby’s and Freddy’s. Cheese curds are often made with young cheddar curds, giving you a fresh cheese bite. They’re slightly chewy, gooey, and considered little cheesy bombs of joy!
2. Chili
Chili is hands down one of the best fast food sides out there because it’s actually real food—not just a filler (sorry, fries). It’s hearty, protein-packed, and almost feels like a meal. Wendy’s Chili deserves the hype, and it’s been on the menus since the 80s. A true classic! How about we dig into that comforting bowl of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, onions, and peppers right now?
1. Baked Potatoes
Who would have thought that the best fast food side dish isn’t deep-fried? Yup, we’re talking about Wendy’s baked potatoes! And before you go into thinking that they’re bland, you can actually enjoy these baked treats with sour cream and chives or for the ultimate indulgence, with cheese, bacon, and chili! These baked potatoes are also genuinely filling, loaded with fiber, potassium, and protein.