Ever find yourself eyeing the crispy fries or creamy coleslaw on someone else’s tray more than their actual burger? You’re certainly not alone. Fast food, a cornerstone of modern convenience, often conjures images of juicy burgers and crispy chicken sandwiches. But beneath the surface of these iconic main courses lies a universe of equally compelling culinary companions: the fast food sides.
While the main event often steals the spotlight, fast food sides play a pivotal role in completing the meal, providing a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, and even occasionally becoming the star of the show. From universally adored french fries to surprisingly delightful mac and cheese, the world of fast food sides is rich and diverse. This article will take you on a journey through this delicious landscape, evaluating some popular and lesser-known offerings based on taste, value, and overall appeal. We’ll explore classic favorites, hidden gems, and even point out a few items you might want to approach with caution. So, buckle up and prepare to rediscover the delicious potential that lies beyond the burger.
The Classics: Time-Tested and Beloved Complements
No discussion of fast food sides would be complete without acknowledging the reigning champions, the menu staples that have earned a place in the hearts (and stomachs) of millions.
French Fries: The Undisputed King
The history of the humble french fry is deeply intertwined with the rise of fast food itself. Whether it’s Belgium or France that claims ultimate credit for its creation, one thing is certain: the french fry has conquered the world. From thin-cut delights to thick, steak-style potatoes, the variations are endless. McDonald’s, with its consistently crispy and salty fries, has set the gold standard for many. Burger King offers a slightly thicker cut, while Wendy’s distinguishes itself with its skin-on natural-cut fries. Arby’s Curly Fries offer a playful alternative.
The universal appeal of fries is undeniable. The satisfying crunch, the salty seasoning, and the ability to be dipped in everything from ketchup to ranch contribute to their enduring popularity. The perfect fry is crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and seasoned just right. They are the quintessential fast food side, a comforting and familiar treat that transcends age and cultural boundaries. They are truly the perfect fast food sides to complement any main dish.
Onion Rings: Crispy, Golden Goodness
Another perennial favorite, onion rings offer a satisfying alternative to fries. These crispy circles of onion, coated in batter or breading, deliver a burst of flavor and texture that is hard to resist. Burger King is perhaps best known for its onion rings, offering a classic version that pairs perfectly with their burgers. Sonic, with its wide variety of dipping sauces, provides ample opportunity to customize your onion ring experience. Whataburger also boasts a loyal following for its version.
The key to a great onion ring is the balance between the sweetness of the onion and the crispness of the coating. Dipping sauces are crucial, with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, and barbecue sauce being popular choices. A well-prepared onion ring should be golden brown, not greasy, and offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. They are a satisfying fast food sides that satisfies every craving.
Coleslaw: A Creamy, Crunchy Contrast
Coleslaw, a simple yet versatile salad of shredded cabbage and dressing, has a surprisingly long history. From its humble beginnings as a simple cabbage salad, coleslaw has evolved into a variety of regional variations, from creamy to vinegar-based, with additions like pineapple or cranberries. KFC is famous for its creamy coleslaw, which provides a cooling contrast to their fried chicken. Popeyes offers a spicier version, reflecting their Louisiana roots. Chick-fil-A’s coleslaw, known for its sweetness, was a staple for decades before being retired.
Coleslaw offers a refreshing counterpoint to richer, heavier fast food items. It is one of the fast food sides that’s packed with flavor. Whether you prefer a creamy, sweet coleslaw or a tangy, vinegar-based one, this classic side provides a welcome dose of freshness and texture.
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Discovering Hidden Gems
While fries, onion rings, and coleslaw dominate the fast food landscape, there are other fast food sides worth exploring, offering unique flavors and textures.
Mac and Cheese: Comfort in a Cup
Mac and cheese, a quintessential comfort food, has found its way onto the menus of several fast food chains. Popeyes’ mac and cheese, with its creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni, has garnered rave reviews. KFC’s mac and cheese is another popular choice, offering a similar level of cheesy goodness.
The appeal of mac and cheese lies in its simplicity and comforting familiarity. A rich, creamy cheese sauce coats tender macaroni, creating a symphony of flavor and texture that is simply irresistible. It can be a welcome change from the usual fried offerings.
Corn on the Cob: A Seasonal Delight
For a brief period each year, KFC offers a seasonal treat: corn on the cob. This simple yet satisfying side is a welcome departure from the usual fried and processed offerings.
The appeal of corn on the cob lies in its natural sweetness and satisfying texture. When cooked properly, the kernels burst with flavor in every bite. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things are the best.
Fried Okra: A Southern Staple
Popeyes, true to its Southern roots, offers fried okra as a side. This crispy, savory treat is a popular choice in the South, and for good reason.
The unique texture of okra, combined with the crispy breading and savory seasoning, makes for a delightful snack or side dish. Dipped in ranch dressing or a spicy remoulade, fried okra is a satisfying and flavorful alternative to fries.
Healthier Choices: Lightening the Load
While fast food sides are often associated with indulgence, some options offer a slightly healthier alternative.
Side Salads: A Touch of Green
Many fast food chains offer side salads as a healthier option. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Chick-fil-A all offer side salads with varying ingredients and dressing options.
While side salads can be a good source of vitamins and fiber, it’s important to be mindful of the dressing. Many dressings are high in calories and fat, so opt for a light vinaigrette or ask for the dressing on the side. Remember that while they may be slightly healthier fast food sides, they may not fill you up.
Fruit Cups: A Refreshing Treat
McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A offer fruit cups as a refreshing and lighter side option. These cups typically contain a mix of fruits like grapes, apples, and oranges.
Fruit cups provide a welcome dose of vitamins and natural sugars. However, be mindful of added sugars in fruit preparations, such as syrups or glazes.
Mashed Potatoes: A Comforting Alternative
KFC and Popeyes offer mashed potatoes as a side dish, providing a creamy and comforting alternative to fries.
While mashed potatoes can be a good source of carbohydrates, they are often high in calories and fat, especially when served with gravy. Consider ordering them without gravy or opting for a smaller portion to keep the calorie count in check. These are some of the fast food sides that can still provide comfort.
Navigating the Menu: Avoiding the Disappointments
Not all fast food sides are created equal. Some are consistently disappointing, whether due to poor preparation or subpar ingredients.
It’s important to note that this section is based on subjective opinions. What one person finds disappointing, another may enjoy. However, some common complaints include soggy onion rings, flavorless coleslaw, and greasy french fries.
Rather than generalizing, it’s helpful to focus on specific examples. For instance, some reviewers have criticized the onion rings at certain fast food chains for being overly greasy or lacking in flavor. Others have found the coleslaw to be bland and watery.
The key is to pay attention to reviews and try different options until you find your favorites. Not all fast food sides will be winners for you.
Level Up Your Meal: Hacks and Customizations
To truly master the art of ordering fast food sides, consider exploring hacks and customizations.
Experiment with mixing dipping sauces. Try combining ketchup and mayonnaise for a creamy, tangy sauce. Or mix barbecue sauce and ranch dressing for a sweet and smoky flavor. Get creative and discover your own signature sauce combination.
Consider adding sides to your main dishes. Put fries inside your burger for added texture and flavor. Top your chicken sandwich with coleslaw for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
Explore the possibility of “secret menu” items. Some fast food chains have unofficial menu items that can be ordered by asking for specific combinations of ingredients.
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for your fries fresh. Many fast food chains will happily prepare a fresh batch of fries upon request.
Final Bite: Embracing the Versatility of Fast Food Sides
The world of fast food sides extends far beyond the typical burger accompaniment. They are an integral component of the fast food experience, presenting a spectrum of tastes, textures, and choices. From classic staples to hidden jewels, from slightly healthier alternatives to those best savored occasionally, the options are abundant.
So, the next time you find yourself ordering at your favorite fast food joint, take a moment to appreciate the possibilities that exist beyond the main dish. Try a new side, experiment with customizations, and discover your own favorite fast food side combinations. What’s your go-to fast food side and why? Share your discoveries in the comments below!
