10 Terrible Fast Food Sides That Ruin Your Meal & 10 Great Ones That Complete It
Fast Food Sides Can Make or Break Your Meal
No fast food meal is complete without some tasty sides to go with it. After all, a burger is nowhere near as good as when it's paired with some fresh and crispy fries, right? To help you avoid ruining your meal, we've listed 10 fast food sides that have received negative reviews in recent years. But on the flip side, we've also provided 10 amazing ones that help elevate your fast food experience.
Photo by Ka Ho Fa Yuen & RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia Commons
1. In-N-Out Fries
Even though In-N-Out is a fan-favorite fast-food joint, they serve up some of the worst French fries in the game. Which is seriously disappointing considering how fresh and delicious their burgers are. Stale, bland, and simply boring, In-N-Out fries definitely need a lot of work.
2. Jack in the Box Egg Rolls
Listen, there's a reason why no other fast food restaurant sells egg rolls on their menu. If you're expecting crispy fried goodness that you'd get from a Chinese restaurant, we recommend skipping out on this item. Unless you've got an air fryer on hand, don't be surprised if they don't have the crunch and flavor you're expecting.
TaurusEmerald on Wikimedia Commons
3. Culver's Green Beans
While this item is supposedly now discontinued, we imagine some of you are shocked to hear that there were once green beans sold at Culver's. A fast-food restaurant serving up veggies? Something about that just sounds like it won't be good. And as expected, there's a reason it got taken off the menu.
4. KFC Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese sounds like it would be the perfect complement to some fried chicken, but not when you're at KFC, unfortunately. Many online claim that they have the worst in the fast food game. It lacks the freshness and creaminess a good mac and cheese should have.
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5. Dairy Queen Fries
You might be wondering how a fast food joint could mess up their staple side, but Dairy Queen seems to be repeatedly voted online as one of the worst places to grab French fries. It's not just that they're not well seasoned or crispy; many also say the portions are too small.
6. Church's Chicken Corn
Eating a delicious corn on the cob paired with some fried chicken and gravy sounds absolutely delicious. It sounds like a home-cooked meal, doesn't it? Sadly, this could've been the most amazing combo if only the corn at Church's Chicken wasn't lathered in so much butter. We wish they had dialed it back a bit so it wouldn't coat your lips and feel too overwhelming. Let the corn shine on its own!
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia
7. Burger King Onion Rings
Made with minced onions, Burger King definitely took a gamble with their onion rings and failed. Missing that signature texture, their onion rings tend to taste a bit soggy and mushy. It would help if the exterior were nice and crispy, but oftentimes, it fails to live up to that expectation.
8. Sonic Tater Tots
In recent years, it seems like Sonic has received more and more negative comments about their tots. While they were once a highly prized menu item, many seem to think the quality has gone down. Instead of being served hot and fresh tots, it appears many are getting cold and underwhelming ones instead. There's nothing really special about them - you'd get a better bang for your buck just buying a bag from the grocery store.
Mike Mozart from Funny YouTube, USA on Wikimedia Commons
9. KFC Coleslaw
Far too mayo-y, KFC's coleslaw is definitely not one of their best sides. It always feels like it's drenched in too much sauce, making it overly watery. We think you'd enjoy their gravy and mashed potatoes far more.
10. Sonic Fries
If you're lucky enough to be served a fresh, crispy batch of Sonic fries, it's not terrible, but still not amazing. Most of the time, it seems that people are left disappointed by this side. Even if it is fast food, no one wants overly greasy or soggy fries with their burger.
William F. Yurasko from Alexandria on Wikimedia
1. McDonald's Fries
Arguably the best fries in the game, McDonald's fries have never been considered less than amazing. They are deliciously crispy and perfectly salted, with the right amount of thinness for the ideal crunch. This side goes well with every item on the menu. Everyone always has a lot to say about McDonald's, but you'll never hear anything bad about their fries.
2. Culver's Cheese Curds
A unique menu item you don't see in many places, a lot of people go to Culver's just for their cheese curd side. When they're served up hot and crispy, they're an indulgent and rich side that will definitely leave you feeling full and satisfied.
3. In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
While we did say In-N-Out serves up some of the worst fast food fries, it's a different story when it comes to their Animal Style version. Topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and a healthy dose of their secret sauce, customers just can't get enough of this iconic side. It's crazy how much these toppings elevate their mediocre fries.
Ryan Forsythe from Seattle, Washington, USA on Wikimedia
4. KFC Gravy
Can't have your fried chicken without gravy now, can you? The ultimate fast food pairing, KFC gravy not only gives their chicken added moisture, but the flavor is so rich, hearty, and delicious too! Once you try it, you can never go back. You'll be ordering this gravy with the chicken every time.
5. Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries
It's safe to say Chick-fil-A's waffle fries get as much attention as their beloved chicken sandwiches. Not only do people love these types of fries for their fun shape, but it also allows them to get much crispier than the normal kind. It's a must-order when you visit this fast food joint.
6. Wendy's Chili
Craving something a bit more filling and hearty? You might be surprised to see that Wendy's has a chili option as a side on their menu, but don't be alarmed, we recommend you give it a try. It's absolutely delicious and hits the spot every time. Works great as a dip for your fries too!
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia Commons
7. Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese
If there's one side in the fast-food world that gets a lot of positive attention, it's Chick-fil-A's mac and cheese. Many say it tastes like it's homemade! Super creamy, cheesy, and even occasionally having a crispy crust on top, it's the perfect place to go if you need a quick fix.
8. Shake Shack Cheese Fries
How could you ever go wrong with cheese and fries? The two were just meant for each other! When plain old fries just aren't doing it for you, head over to Shake Shack to try their game-changing cheese fries that are covered in the most delicious cheese sauce. It's truly next level.
9. McDonald's Hash Brown
In the morning, nothing will wake you up faster than a delicious McDonald's hash brown alongside your breakfast burger. If you thought fries were the best form of potato, you haven't tried their hash browns. So crispy on the outside, while soft and hot in the middle, these make any breakfast item taste 10x better.
10. Popeyes Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Comforting and hearty, Popeyes definitely does their mashed potatoes and gravy right. When you dip your fried chicken into the mix, the flavor combination will have you jumping with joy. It's seriously that good. You'll try to model your Thanksgiving mash after this recipe once you've tried it.
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