Illumeably

17 Fast Food Sides That Were Better Than the Main Dish

Sometimes, the real star of a fast-food meal wasn’t the burger or sandwich, but the side dish.

  • Chris Graciano
  • 5 min read
17 Fast Food Sides That Were Better Than the Main Dish
Robin Stickel on Pexels

Fast food chains are known for their signature food, but sometimes, their side items stole the spotlight. From cheesy bites to crispy creations, these extras became the main reason people kept coming back. Let’s take a look at 17 fast food sides that outshined the entrées they were meant to support.

1. McDonald’s Fries

Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr Like_the_Grand_Canyon on Flickr

McDonald’s fries are the undisputed icon of the fast-food world. Golden, thin, and perfectly salted, they deliver that ideal balance of crispness and tenderness that keeps people coming back. Whether eaten fresh from the fryer or snacked on during a long drive, they’ve become a comfort food.

2. Taco Bell Cinnamon Twists

Shane Ronemus on Flickr Shane Ronemus on Flickr

Taco Bell’s Cinnamon Twists brought something unexpected to the fast-food world: a light, crispy dessert that felt more like a carnival snack than a side. Airy and sweet, these spiral puffs melted in your mouth with each bite, offering a satisfying crunch without the heaviness of fried dough.

3. KFC Biscuits

Willis Lam on Flickr Willis Lam on Flickr

Fluffy, buttery, and perfectly golden, KFC’s biscuits are a staple that practically defines comfort food. Their soft interior pairs beautifully with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of gravy, making them impossible to resist. Some customers admit to buying KFC just for a box of biscuits, skipping the chicken altogether.

4. Arby’s Curly Fries

wEnDy on Flickr wEnDy on Flickr

Arby’s Curly Fries have become a legend in their own right: spiraled, seasoned, and bursting with flavor. Their unique shape and perfect crispness make them addictive, while the blend of spices gives them an unmistakable kick. Many fans claim they’re the best thing on the Arby’s menu, hands down.

5. Wendy’s Baked Potato

Stefano A. on Flickr Stefano A. on Flickr

Wendy’s baked potato broke fast-food convention when it debuted, offering a warm, hearty alternative to fries. Loaded with toppings like cheese, bacon, and sour cream, it often became a meal in itself. It catered to those looking for something wholesome yet indulgent.

6. Popeyes Red Beans and Rice

Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons

Popeyes’ Red Beans and Rice is the perfect example of how a simple side can steal the spotlight. Smoky, creamy, and seasoned to perfection, it captures the soul of Southern cooking in a small container. The earthy flavor of the beans pairs beautifully with the hint of spice, creating a dish that feels homemade despite its fast-food roots.

7. Burger King Onion Rings

Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons

Burger King’s onion rings stand out as one of the most crave-able sides in the fast-food game. Crunchy, golden, and slightly tangy, they bring a satisfying contrast to the usual fries. Paired with the zesty onion ring sauce, they become downright addictive.

8. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Famartin on Wikimedia Commons Famartin on Wikimedia Commons

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are practically as iconic as their chicken sandwiches. Their large, lattice-cut shape makes them perfect for dipping into Chick-fil-A sauce or ketchup, and their texture strikes that ideal balance; crispy edges with a soft, potato-filled center.

9. Jack in the Box Tacos

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Jack in the Box’s tacos are one of the strangest yet most beloved sides in fast-food history. Greasy, crunchy, and stuffed with a mystery blend of beef, lettuce, and cheese, they’ve developed a cult following. What they lack in polish, they make up for in pure, unapologetic flavor.

10. Long John Silver’s Hush Puppies

Kevin Trotman on Flickr Kevin Trotman on Flickr

Long John Silver’s hush puppies brought a touch of the South to seafood dining. These golden-fried balls of cornmeal offered a savory, slightly sweet bite that perfectly balanced out the salty fish. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they were a textural dream.

11. White Castle Mozzarella Sticks

José Pérez (Artesano) on Pexels José Pérez (Artesano) on Pexels

White Castle’s mozzarella sticks are proof that sometimes, cheese can outshine everything else on the menu. Hot, gooey, and encased in a crisp breaded shell, they were the ultimate comfort snack, especially for late-night customers. Dipped in marinara sauce, they hit the perfect note of indulgence.

12. Sonic Tater Tots

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Sonic’s tater tots are fast-food perfection; crispy, golden, and satisfying with every bite. Served fresh from the fryer, they’re the kind of side that goes with literally anything on the menu. You could dip them in ketchup, cheese sauce, or even Sonic’s chili and still get that perfect crunch.

13. Boston Market Cornbread

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Boston Market’s cornbread is the side that everyone remembers long after the meal is over. Sweet, buttery, and soft with a golden crust, it tastes like something straight out of grandma’s kitchen. It pairs perfectly with anything, from roasted chicken to mashed potatoes.

14. Rally’s/Checkers Fries

Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons Michael Rivera on Wikimedia Commons

Rally’s (or Checkers, depending on where you live) fries have earned a cult following for good reason. Heavily seasoned, extra crispy, and perfectly fried, they pack more flavor than most entire meals. Their signature spice blend sets them apart from every other fast-food fry out there.

15. Dairy Queen Cheese Curds

Jonathunder on Wikimedia Commons Jonathunder on Wikimedia Commons

Dairy Queen’s cheese curds brought a taste of Wisconsin to the masses. Bite-sized, golden, and bursting with molten cheese, they were a delicious detour from DQ’s usual sweet fare. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they delivered that perfect comfort food crunch.

16. A&W Cheese Curds

Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons Willis Lam on Wikimedia Commons

A&W’s version of cheese curds delivered the same Midwest magic with their own signature flair. Salty, rich, and impossibly satisfying, they became a must-have for anyone pulling up to the drive-in. The warm, stretchy cheese contrasted beautifully with the crispy coating, creating bite after bite of pure indulgence.

17. El Pollo Loco Mac & Cheese

Terence T.S. Tam on Flickr Terence T.S. Tam on Flickr

El Pollo Loco’s mac & cheese is the definition of comfort food done right. Creamy, gooey, and loaded with melted cheese, it brings a richness that perfectly complements the chain’s flame-grilled chicken. Its smooth texture and deep flavor make it hard to resist.

Written by: Chris Graciano

Chris has always had a vivid imagination, turning childhood daydreams into short stories and later, scripts for films. His passion for storytelling eventually led him to content writing, where he’s spent over four years blending creativity with a practical approach. Outside of work, Chris enjoys rewatching favorites like How I Met Your Mother and The Office, and you’ll often find him in the kitchen cooking or perfecting his coffee brew.

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