The 14 Most Legendary Fast Food Sides Ever—How Many Have You Tried?

Fast food isn’t just about burgers and sandwiches—sometimes the sides steal the show! These legendary accompaniments have earned cult followings and sparked road trips just to get a taste.

From crispy potatoes to cheesy delights, these sides have become stars in their own right. How many of these mouthwatering creations have made it onto your fast food bucket list?

1. Chilli Cheese Bites, McDonald’s

Spicy, gooey pockets of perfection that bring the heat to McDonald’s menus in various locations around the world. The crispy outer shell gives way to melted cheese with a kick of chili that warms your taste buds without overwhelming them.

These bite-sized treats first appeared as limited-time offerings but quickly developed devoted fans who demanded their return. Paired with McDonald’s signature dipping sauces, they transform from simple side to crave-worthy indulgence.

2. Twisted Dough Balls, Domino’s

Fluffy on the inside, golden-brown on the outside – these twisted delights from Domino’s UK have revolutionized the pizza side game. Brushed with garlic butter and herbs, each dough ball offers a satisfying chew that complements any pizza order.

Unlike traditional breadsticks, their twisted shape creates pockets that trap extra flavor. Served with a pot of garlic dipping sauce, they’ve become the unexpected hero of many Domino’s orders across the United Kingdom.

3. Mozzarella Dippers, McDonald’s

Stretchy cheese heaven awaits inside these crispy breadcrumb-coated sticks found at McDonald’s across the UK and Ireland. The satisfying pull as you break one apart reveals strings of real mozzarella that stretch dramatically with each bite.

McDonald’s pairs these golden treasures with a tangy marinara dipping sauce that cuts through the richness perfectly. A staple on British and Irish menus since their introduction, they’ve survived numerous menu revamps – proof of their enduring popularity with cheese lovers everywhere.

4. Mashed Potatoes and Cajun Gravy, Popeyes

Buttery clouds of potato perfection topped with a spice-infused gravy that showcases Popeyes’ Louisiana roots. The smooth, creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect canvas for the bold, peppery Cajun gravy that’s become a signature flavor.

Many fans consider this combo the ultimate comfort food side. The contrast between the mild potatoes and zippy gravy creates a flavor harmony that pairs beautifully with Popeyes’ famous fried chicken.

5. Cajun Fried Corn, Wingstop

Sweet corn kernels take on a spicy personality after being fried and tossed in Wingstop’s signature Cajun seasoning. Each kernel bursts with juicy sweetness, immediately followed by a gentle kick of Louisiana-inspired spices.

The contrast of natural corn sweetness with savory Cajun flavors creates an addictive quality that keeps fans coming back. Available throughout Wingstop locations in the USA and Canada, this unique side offers a welcome break from the typical french fry options at most fast food joints.

6. Tater Tots, Smashburger

Crispy potato cylinders with a perfectly seasoned exterior and fluffy interior that puts regular fries to shame. Smashburger elevates this childhood favorite with expert preparation that ensures each tot achieves the ideal crunch-to-softness ratio.

Served piping hot and lightly salted, these tots have earned a reputation as some of the best in the fast-casual restaurant world. Many customers admit to ordering Smashburger specifically for these golden nuggets of potato goodness, regardless of what burger they choose.

7. Poutine, KFC Canada

A Canadian cultural icon given the Colonel’s special treatment – crispy french fries smothered in rich gravy and topped with squeaky cheese curds. KFC Canada’s version of this Quebec classic combines their signature gravy with the traditional components for a uniquely satisfying side dish.

The magic happens as the hot gravy slightly melts the cheese curds while the fries underneath maintain some crispness. This hearty side often becomes a meal in itself for many KFC Canada customers, especially during those famously cold Canadian winters.

8. Sweet Potato Fries, Smashburger

Vibrant orange batons with a naturally sweet flavor profile that regular potatoes can only dream about. Smashburger’s version achieves the elusive perfect texture – crisp edges with tender middles – that makes sweet potato fries so satisfying when done right.

The natural sugars caramelize during frying, creating complex flavor notes that range from sweet to slightly smoky. These colorful alternatives to regular fries have converted countless customers who previously dismissed sweet potatoes, proving that proper preparation makes all the difference.

9. Pimento Cheese, Chick-fil-A

Southern charm in a cup – this creamy, slightly spicy cheese spread elevates any Chick-fil-A meal with its distinctive flavor. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and diced pimentos, this regional specialty brings homestyle comfort to fast food.

Perfect for dipping waffle fries or spreading on sandwiches, this versatile side showcases Chick-fil-A’s commitment to Southern culinary traditions. The bright orange spread has particularly strong followings in the Southern United States, where pimento cheese has long been a staple at family gatherings.

10. Tempura Green Beans, Habit Burger & Grill

Vegetables get the star treatment with this innovative side that transforms ordinary green beans into crunchy, craveable delights. Fresh green beans are coated in light tempura batter and fried until golden, creating an addictive contrast between the crisp coating and tender vegetable inside.

Habit Burger’s creation makes eating vegetables feel indulgent rather than obligatory. Served with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, these green beans have converted countless customers who normally skip veggies at fast food restaurants.

11. Tortilla Chips and Guacamole, Chipotle

Hand-cut corn tortilla chips fried daily and dusted with real lime juice and salt – then paired with Chipotle’s famous hand-mashed guacamole. The chips provide the perfect crispy, sturdy base for scooping up the creamy avocado mixture studded with chunks of tomato, onion, and cilantro.

Chipotle’s commitment to fresh ingredients shines in this simple yet perfect combination. The guacamole is made throughout the day in small batches, ensuring that customers experience the bright flavors and creamy texture that have made this side a must-order for many Chipotle fans.

12. Onion Rings, Burger King

Thick-cut onion slices encased in a distinctive breadcrumb coating that shatters satisfyingly with each bite. Burger King’s version of this classic side stands out with its substantial size and sweetness that develops as the onion cooks inside its crispy shell.

Unlike the thin, stringy offerings at some competitors, BK’s rings highlight the natural sweetness of the onion. Their zesty dipping sauce adds the perfect tangy counterpoint to the rings’ natural sweetness, creating a flavor combination that’s kept them on Burger King menus worldwide for decades.

13. Animal Style Fries, In-N-Out

A not-so-secret menu item that transforms ordinary fries into an indulgent flavor explosion. In-N-Out’s crispy fries get smothered with melted American cheese, their famous spread, and caramelized onions to create a fork-required side dish experience.

The combination of creamy, tangy, sweet, and salty elements makes these fries truly unique. Devoted fans make pilgrimages to In-N-Out locations across the American West just to satisfy their Animal Style cravings, often waiting in notoriously long drive-thru lines for the privilege.

14. Waffle Potato Fries, Chick-fil-A

Distinctive waffle-cut potatoes fried to golden perfection have become a signature element of the Chick-fil-A experience. The unique shape creates more surface area for crispiness while maintaining a tender interior, offering the perfect textural contrast in every bite.

Seasoned simply with sea salt, these fries let the natural potato flavor shine. Their waffle pattern also makes them ideal for dipping in Chick-fil-A’s famous sauces, as the grid pattern captures more sauce than traditional fries – a design feature that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the chain’s loyal customers.