Best & Worst Popeyes Side Dishes: Ultimate Ranking
When it comes to fast food, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a beloved chain that offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes. They’re most known for their crispy fried chicken, but one aspect of their menu that often goes overlooked is their signature sides.
While their sides may not be the main attraction, many of them are actually worth trying. From classic options like mashed potatoes and coleslaw to more unique offerings like Cajun fries and macaroni and cheese, Popeyes has a variety of sides to choose from. But which ones are the best?
In this article, we will rank all the Popeyes side dishes from best to worst. Let’s start!
Best Popeyes Side Dishes
Buttermilk Biscuits
In case you haven’t heard, Popeyes biscuits are legendary. They are fluffy, buttery, and ridiculously delicious. It’s honestly the perfect side dish to any of their main menu meal and is especially great with their regular fried chicken. We always get the biscuits in our family meals!
Red Beans and Rice
Popeye’s Red Beans and Rice is a classic side dish that has been on the Popeyes side menu for years. The dish is made with red beans, rice, and a blend of Cajun spices.
The result is a hearty side that pairs perfectly with Popeyes’ famous fried chicken. While the real thing in New Orleans is always going to be better, the beans in this dish are cooked until they are tender and flavorful, and the rice is cooked just right. This side dish is an awesome attempt for any fast food chain on recreating such a signature dish of Louisiana cuisine.
Homestyle Mac & Cheese
Personally, I think Popeye’s Homestyle Mac & Cheese is seriously one of the best side dishes on their menu. This creamy and cheesy macaroni dish is a perfect complement to your chicken tenders or spicy chicken sandwich.
The dish is made with a blend of delicious cheddar cheeses, mixed with cooked macaroni and and real butter. The flavors are rich and indulgent, and it’s the perfect comfort food!
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
The Mashed Potatoes with Gravy is a classic side dish that is loved by everyone. The potatoes are creamy and smooth, and the gravy is rich and flavorful. This side dish is the perfect complement to any Popeyes meal, and it’s also great on its own.
Cajun Fries
Popeyes Cajun Fries are a delicious and spicy alternative to traditional French fries in most other fast-food chains. These fries are seasoned with a blend of Cajun spices for extra flavor – and they do not disappoint! I recommend asking for a fresh batch, as it comes out hot and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Ugh, so much better than regular potato fries!
Onion Rings
The Onion Rings are crispy and perfectly seasoned! It’s made with sweet yellow onions that are dipped in authentic Louisiana spices and a homestyle flour coating, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Can’t complain!
Cole Slaw
For something on the lighter side, Popeyes Coleslaw is a refreshing and delicious side dish that is possibly the best option for anyone who wants a break from all the fried food. The slaw is made with raw cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing that perfectly complements the flavor of the vegetables. It’s a delicious option for anyone who wants to add a little bit of freshness to their crispy tenders or chicken sandwiches.
Cinnamon Apple Pie
The Cinnamon Apple Pie is a sweet and delicious dessert that is great for anyone with a sweet tooth (like me!). The pie is made with a flaky crust, filled with cinnamon-spiced apples, and topped with a sweet glaze. Eat it as a dessert or as a side, we love it either way!
Worst Popeyes Side Dishes
Green Beans
Green beans are a healthy side dish option, but unfortunately, Popeyes doesn’t do them justice. The green beans at Popeyes are often overcooked and lack flavor. They are also often too salty, which can be a turnoff for those watching their sodium intake.
Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a classic side dish that can be found at many fast-food restaurants, including Popeyes. However, the corn on the cob at Popeyes is often underwhelming. The corn can be tough and lacks the sweetness that many people expect from fresh corn. Additionally, the corn is often overcooked, making it dry and chewy.
Cajun Rice
Cajun rice is a staple at Popeyes, but it’s not for everyone. The rice is often dry and overcooked, and the Cajun seasoning can be overpowering. Additionally, the rice lacks any real flavor, making it a forgettable side dish.
Jalapenos
If you’re looking for a spicy side dish, the jalapenos at Popeyes may seem like a good option. However, the jalapenos can be disappointing. They are often too spicy, making them difficult to eat, and they lack any real flavor beyond the heat. Additionally, the jalapenos can be tough and chewy, making them unappetizing.
Bread Roll
While bread rolls may seem like a safe choice for a side dish, the bread rolls at Popeyes are often dry and flavorless. They can be a bit tough, making them difficult to eat, and they lack the buttery flavor that many people expect from a good bread roll.
In conclusion, while Popeyes has some great side dishes, there are a few that are not worth ordering. The green beans, corn on the cob, Cajun rice, jalapenos, and bread rolls are all sides that you may want to skip when ordering from Popeyes. Instead, consider trying some of the better side dishes, like red beans and rice, mashed potatoes with gravy, or biscuits.
Which ones do you think are the best Popeyes side dishes? Are there other ones we should include in this guide? Please leave a comment below – I’d love to hear!!
BONUS: Popeyes Sauces
Louisiana Hot Sauce
One of the most popular dipping sauces at Popeye’s is the Louisiana Hot Sauce. It’s a perfect blend of heat and flavor that pairs well with any of the chicken dishes. The hot sauce is made with aged cayenne peppers, vinegar, salt, and garlic, and it’s perfect for those who love a little kick in their food. The Louisiana Hot Sauce is also great for dipping fries and even biscuits!
Ranch
Ranch dressing is a classic dipping sauce that goes well with almost anything, and Popeye’s is no exception. Popeye’s Ranch dressing is made with a special blend of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the chicken dishes. It’s creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of seasoning. The Ranch dressing is also great for dipping the fries and biscuits.
Spicy Mayo
For those who love a little heat but don’t want to go all-in with the Louisiana Hot Sauce, the Spicy Mayo is a great option. It’s a creamy and spicy sauce that pairs well with the chicken dishes. The Spicy Mayo is made with mayonnaise, cayenne pepper, garlic, and paprika. It’s a great alternative to the Louisiana Hot Sauce and Ranch dressing.
Overall, Popeye’s has a great selection of dipping sauces that perfectly complement their chicken dishes. Whether you prefer something spicy or creamy, there’s a sauce for everyone. The Louisiana Hot Sauce, Ranch dressing, and Spicy Mayo are just a few of the many sauces available at Popeye’s. So, next time you visit Popeye’s, be sure to try out one of these delicious dipping sauces!
What sides did Popeyes discontinue?
Over the last few years, Popeyes has really leaned out its side menu items by discontinuing a few of its side dishes. This includes onion rings, cinnamon apple pie, Cajun rice, green beans, and a few others. Check the current Popeyes menu on their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Why did Popeyes get rid of the sides?
Any fast food restaurant like Popeyes often adjusts its menus to respond to changing trends and customer preferences, as well as to optimize its operations and profitability.
They may also introduce new items or temporarily remove less popular ones to keep their menu fresh and appealing to customers.
But as far as I’m aware, Popeyes still offers a variety of their best-selling sides to complement their menu.
How big is a large side from Popeyes?
The exact size of a large side from Popeyes may vary slightly depending on the specific item, but typically a large size is about 16 ounces or 454 grams.
How big is a regular side from Popeyes?
The size of a regular side from Popeyes may vary slightly depending on the specific item, but typically a regular size is about 8 ounces or 227 grams.
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