Fast Food’s Best-Kept Secrets
Fast food sides get so repetitive when everyone just defaults to the same things without exploring what else is actually available. Some chains have delicious options that barely anyone orders because they're overshadowed by the usual suspects. Branching out from your typical order opens up a whole world of flavors you've been missing this entire time. Check out underrated fast food sides that need serious recognition because they're too good to be ignored.
1. Cheese Curds (Culver’s)
Made from rich Wisconsin cheddar, Culver’s Cheese Curds hit the perfect blend of texture and flavor. Their crisp coating gives way to a creamy center that melts beautifully. The fact that they’ve inspired their own holiday shows how loved they’ve become among fans.
Family to Family: Inside Culver’s Wisconsin Cheese Curds | Culver's by Culver's
2. Jalapeño Bites (Arby’s)
Hidden beside Arby’s sandwiches are these fiery pockets of creamy flavor. The Jalapeño Bites bring together spice and smoothness in every crunchy bite. Pair them with that tangy Bronco Berry Sauce, and suddenly, they outshine the fries that usually steal the spotlight.
3. Cinnamon Twists (Taco Bell)
Light and coated in cinnamon sugar, these twists are Taco Bell’s sweetest underdog. They puff into delicate spirals that crunch with every bite to offer a quick treat after a taco run. Simple yet satisfying, they’re proof that dessert doesn’t have to be heavy to delight.
HOW TO MAKE COPYCAT TACO BELL CINNAMON TWISTS! by Cooking With Kiona
4. Zesty Onion Rings (Burger King)
Burger King’s Onion Rings offer a tangy twist on a classic. Their finely chopped onion filling gives each ring a consistent crunch, while the zesty dipping sauce adds a punch of flavor. With that hint of horseradish and a golden-brown finish, these rings truly deserve more spotlight.
Reed Reviews Burger King Onion Rings With Zesty Sauce by casualgamerreed
5. Coleslaw (Raising Cane’s)
The secret star at Raising Cane’s might not be the chicken—it’s the coleslaw. Cool, crunchy cabbage meets a creamy sauce that resets your taste buds after each bite. It’s that quiet harmony on the plate that ties the meal together perfectly.
6. Cheddar Bites (Zaxby’s)
Zaxby’s Cheddar Bites take the humble cheese snack and give it a Southern swagger. They’re lightly coated and fried until golden, releasing warm cheddar in every satisfying bite. Paired with Zax Sauce, they turn from side dish to scene-stealer in seconds.
Zaxby's White Cheddar Bites || First Impression || Food Review by Hannah Martin
7. Fried Okra (Church’s Chicken)
Fried okra from Church’s proves that sides can steal the show. Tiny, crunchy morsels pack a surprising punch of flavor. Guests discover that fast food doesn’t always have to be predictable, and that a little Southern flair goes a long way.
Top 10 Most Popular Church’s Chicken Menu Items by BabbleTop
8. Chili (Wendy’s)
Wendy’s chili is that reliable side you forget—until you taste it again. Simmered with ground beef and a tangy tomato base, it’s comfort food disguised as drive-thru fare. Add hot sauce or crushed crackers, and suddenly your “quick meal” feels like a home-cooked moment.
RightCowLeftCoast on Wikimedia
9. Tater Tots (Sonic Drive-In)
Sonic’s Tater Tots turn simplicity into obsession. Each bite-sized puff offers the perfect ratio of crisp to fluff, especially when dunked in cheese or chili. Served hot in that red paper boat, they somehow make every drive-in order feel nostalgic and new all at once.
Sonic drive-in frozen tater tot review by nickscoolkitchen
10. Hushpuppies (Long John Silver’s)
Long John Silver’s hushpuppies quietly carry Southern charm onto every seafood plate. Crunchy outside and tender inside, they’re a golden mix of cornmeal and comfort. Their folklore name gives them even more character, making them a hidden treasure among fried favorites.
Long John Silver’s: Wild Alaska Pollock Tacos & Hush Puppies Review by Lunchtime Review
11. Cajun Fries (Five Guys)
Five Guys may be known for burgers, but its Cajun Fries are worth trying. Each hand-cut fry soaks up the house-made spice blend, balancing heat with rich potato flavor. It’s the kind of side that turns an ordinary meal into something fiery and unforgettable.
Former Five Guys Manager Reveals How to Make Their Fries at Home by THE FOOD-DEE
12. Stuffed Cheesy Bread (Domino’s)
Domino’s Stuffed Cheesy Bread feels like comfort disguised as a side. The gooey cheese center and garlic-brushed crust make it impossible to share willingly. Every variation, from spinach and feta to bacon and jalapeño, provides a different kind of cozy indulgence.
13. Cheddar Rounds (Bojangles)
Few breakfast sides get the love they deserve, but Bojangles’ Cheddar Rounds deserve applause. These golden potato bites melt with cheddar inside to give every crunch a warm, cheesy payoff. They’re an easy favorite for anyone who believes breakfast sides should shine brighter than the main meal.
Bo Rounds by DriveThru DriveBy
14. Baked Potato (Wendy’s)
Wendy’s Baked Potato brings a homestyle feel to fast food dining. Served piping hot and ready for toppings like melted cheese or sour cream, it’s hearty without feeling heavy. This fluffy classic stands out as one of the few fresh, made-to-order sides in the industry.
Eat With Me 😃Wendy’s 😃 Cheesy Baked Potato 🥔 5 Dollar Biggie Bag by CouponingGirl
15. Mozzarella Sticks (Sonic Drive-In)
Sitting quietly among burgers and shakes, Sonic’s Mozzarella Sticks deserve more fame. Every bite stretches with creamy mozzarella beneath a crisp, seasoned crust. The marinara adds just enough tang to cut through the richness, which turns this simple snack into something surprisingly addictive.
Sonic® | .99 Cent Mozzarella Sticks Food Review! 🚀🧀 by theendorsement
16. Chicken Rings (White Castle)
Somewhere between a nugget and a miracle, White Castle’s Chicken Rings redefine fun food geometry. These golden rings have juicy chicken inside a crispy halo. Dunk them in honey mustard or ranch, and you’ll wonder why other chains never thought circles could taste this good.
Watch This Before You Take A Bite Of White Castle's Chicken Rings by Mashed
17. Rice & Beans (El Pollo Loco)
Not every side needs flash to impress. El Pollo Loco’s Rice & Beans bring quiet comfort through texture and tradition. The seasoned rice pairs gently with slow-cooked beans to create a wholesome balance that anchors the chain’s signature flame-grilled dishes beautifully.
El Pollo Loco® | Double Chicken Enchilada Platter | Food Review! 🐔🍽️ by Peep THIS Out!
18. Fried Zucchini (Carl’s Jr.)
Carl’s Jr. serves up fried zucchini slices that could win over any skeptic. Thick-cut and seasoned just right, each piece offers a crispy shell with a tender, savory center. Dip them in buttermilk ranch, and you’ll understand why they deserve more love.
Carl's Jr Fried Zucchini Review by Jay Rules
19. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks (Papa John’s)
Pizza usually steals the show, but the breadsticks quietly win hearts. Soft, buttery, and dusted with parmesan, they call for a sauce dunk to reach full deliciousness. Once you taste them, it’s clear these little bites have more personality than the pizza slices they accompany.
Papa John's Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks by Jay Rules
20. Seasoned Curly Fries (Jack In The Box)
A swirl of flavor in every loop, Jack in the Box’s Curly Fries redefine fun food. Their unique shape grabs every bit of bold seasoning and creates a crispy, spiced twist in each mouthful. They’re the kind of fries that demand attention long after the burger’s gone.
Seasoned Curly Fries: Jack in the Box Recipe copy by Rebecca Brand
