The burger gets the glory, but the side makes the meal. Culver's sides lineup runs from legendary (Wisconsin cheese curds, obviously) to underrated (the soups deserve your attention), and choosing well can turn a good order into a great one. We ranked every major side, with honest tasting notes and pairing suggestions for each.
The Ranking
1. Wisconsin Cheese Curds — The Undisputed Champion
No contest. Culver's cheese curds are little nuggets of real Wisconsin cheddar, battered and fried until the outside is golden and the inside goes gloriously melty. The signature move: the squeak — fresh curds squeak against your teeth, and even fried, these retain a hint of it. They arrive piping hot with marinara for dipping. One of the higher-calorie side options, but this is the side you came for. Order them every time.
Best pairings: Everything, but especially the classic single ButterBurger — the curds are the Midwestern stamp on the meal.
2. Crinkle-Cut Fries — The Reliable Classic
The ridged, golden fries are the backbone of the side menu. The crinkle cut isn't just a shape — those grooves catch salt and hold more crispy surface area. They're cooked fresh and arrive hot, fluffy inside and crisp outside. Not fancy, just excellent.
Best pairings: The fish sandwich or cod dinner (Friday-fish-fry rules apply), or anything where you want a no-drama, perfect fry.
3. Onion Rings — The Crunch King
Thick-cut onion rings with a sturdy, seasoned breading that actually stays on the onion — a rarer achievement than it sounds. Sweet onion, savory crunch, and they hold up well even during a short drive home.
Best pairings: Spicier or bolder mains. The sweetness of the onion balances a double ButterBurger beautifully.
4. Coleslaw — The Unsung Hero
Creamy, tangy, crunchy — Culver's coleslaw is the side that improves everything around it. Pile it on a pulled-pork-style sandwich (where available), tuck it next to fried fish, or just eat it with a fork between fries. It's the freshness note that rich, fried meals need.
Best pairings: The cod dinner — coleslaw plus tartar sauce plus fried fish is the holy trinity of the fish fry plate.
5. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy — Comfort in a Cup
Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes under a ladle of savory gravy. This is the side that tastes like somebody's grandmother is in the kitchen. Slightly less exciting than the fried options, but on a cold day or with a hearty sandwich, it hits deep.
Best pairings: Walleye or cod dinners for the full comfort-food spread; also great alongside a roast-beef-style sandwich where available.
6. Soups — The Quiet Contender
Depending on the location and season, you'll find offerings like tomato basil, chicken noodle, or broccoli-cheddar-style soups. They're hearty, genuinely good, and the most underrated item on this list. A cup of soup plus a salad is a complete, satisfying lunch — and in winter, a cup of soup plus fries is a mood.
Best pairings: Any salad, or a grilled chicken sandwich when you want a lighter-but-warm meal.
Honorable Mention: Steamed Broccoli & Applesauce
For the health-conscious or the kids' table, steamed broccoli and applesauce are the quiet workhorses. Nobody's ranking them above cheese curds, but they exist and they're fine.
This is an independent guide and is not affiliated with Culver's.
Pairing Cheat Sheet
- Classic burger meal: ButterBurger + crinkle-cut fries. Timeless for a reason.
- Midwest sampler: Any burger + cheese curds. You can't go wrong.
- Fish fry plate: Cod dinner + coleslaw + fries. Friday perfection.
- Crunch lover: Onion rings + crispy chicken sandwich. Texture heaven.
- Light-but-warm: Salad + cup of soup. The adult lunch.
- Comfort maximum: Mashed potatoes & gravy + walleye dinner. Sweater weather food.
Size Strategy: Regular vs. Large
Sides come in multiple sizes, and here's the honest math: the large is almost always the better value if you're sharing, but a regular is plenty for one person alongside a sandwich. Cheese curds in particular disappear fast — if two people are splitting, go large. Prices and nutrition information may vary by location, but sides generally run from a few dollars for a regular up to a bit more for a large.
Dipping Sauces: The Secret Layer
Don't sleep on the sauce game. Ranch, honey mustard, marinara (for the curds), and tartar sauce (for the fish) each come into play. Ask for extras — a side of ranch with onion rings or honey mustard with fries can elevate the whole experience. Some locations have signature sauces worth asking about.
Sides for Kids and Lighter Appetites
The kids' menu sides deserve a mention: applesauce, steamed broccoli, and small fries give younger diners (and lighter eaters) real options. Applesauce is the unsweetened-style cup you'd expect — simple and fine. Steamed broccoli is exactly what it sounds like, a genuinely light counterpoint on a menu full of fried glory.
For adults watching portions, here's a trick: order a regular sandwich with a side salad or steamed broccoli instead of fries, and add a small order of cheese curds to share with the table. You get the indulgence without building the whole meal around it. The side salad, while simple, is fresh and gives the plate some color — and nobody ever regretted having both greens and fried cheese on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sides at Culver’s?
Wisconsin cheese curds top most fans' lists, followed by crinkle-cut fries and onion rings. Coleslaw, mashed potatoes with gravy, and soups round out a strong lineup.
Are Culver’s cheese curds worth it?
Absolutely. They're one of the chain's signature items — real Wisconsin cheddar curds, battered and fried to melty perfection. If you've never had fried cheese curds, this is the place to start.
Does Culver’s have onion rings?
Yes — thick-cut, breaded onion rings are a standard side option at most locations.
What’s the healthiest side at Culver’s?
Steamed broccoli or applesauce are the lightest choices. Coleslaw is a middle ground — creamy but vegetable-based. The fried sides (curds, fries, onion rings) are among the higher-calorie options.
Does Culver’s serve soup?
Yes, most locations offer soups that rotate seasonally — look for options like tomato basil, chicken noodle, or broccoli-cheddar styles. Availability varies by restaurant and time of year.
Can I substitute sides in a meal?
Typically yes — meals usually let you choose your side, and you can often swap fries for curds, rings, or other options, sometimes for a small upcharge. Ask your local restaurant.
Conclusion
Culver's sides are a strength, not an afterthought. The cheese curds alone are worth a trip, the fries are textbook-perfect, and the supporting cast — rings, slaw, mashed potatoes, soups — covers every craving from crunchy to comforting. Mix and match with the pairing cheat sheet above, and your next order will be your best one yet.
Ready to build your perfect combo? Head to Culver's order page to order pickup or delivery from your local restaurant.
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