Sides – Snacks, Fries & Curds’ Prices and Calories

I recall the day I wandered into Culver’s, feeling a bit peckish and curious about their side dishes. While I’d tasted their famous burgers before, I wanted a lighter bite or a small snack. I was surprised to see so many interesting options; from crunchy pickles to deliciously creamy Mashed Potatoes & Gravy.

Right away, I found my answer. Culver’s offers a variety of sides that are more than just an afterthought. If you’re here for the prices, calories, and ingredients, then you’re in the right place. I’m about to break it all down based on my experience sampling these side items.

My Experience with Culver’s Sides

I came multiple times, usually when I was between meals or just needed a small snack to keep me going. Sometimes I’d get something like the Steamed Broccoli for a healthier option, or I’d go for Chili Cheddar Fries when I felt indulgent. The staff were always ready to answer my questions about ingredients or cooking methods, which made my exploration easier.

One thing I loved is how each side can stand alone as a mini-meal or pair up with a burger or sandwich. For instance, Crinkle Cut Fries can be a crunchy companion to a ButterBurger, but they’re also a solid snack on their own if you’re just in the mood for fries. I made sure to note the prices and calories in case I needed to pick something lighter on certain days.

From cheese-filled bites to fresh greens, Culver’s sides made me appreciate how varied a fast-casual menu can be. Below, I’ll share the highlights of each side dish, focusing on the details you might want to know. That way, you can choose the best match for your taste buds.

Hot Honey Cheese Curds: Sweet Heat in Every Bite

I first tried the Hot Honey Cheese Curds on a whim because I was curious about the sweet-and-spicy pairing. A friend warned me they’d be addictive, and she wasn’t kidding. These curds are made with Wisconsin cheddar, giving them that distinct squeak when you bite in. Once fried, they’re coated in a honey-infused glaze that has a gentle kick—enough to make it interesting but not overwhelming. I noticed how the honey balances the chili spice, creating a pleasant warmth that lingers on your tongue.

1. Price: $6.29
2. Calories: ~350–440 cal range
3. What to Expect: Golden-brown cheese curds with a crunchy exterior, melty cheddar center, and a sweet, mildly spicy glaze.
4. Allergens: Gluten, Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Pairing: I found they go well with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or even plain ketchup.
   • Portion Size: It’s big enough to share, but once you start eating, sharing becomes hard!
   • Tips: If you’re spice-shy, you’ll likely still be okay—this is more sweet heat than a full-on burn.

Crinkle Cut Fries: Crisp Ridges, Classic Flavor

I’m a big fries fan, and Crinkle Cut Fries are a timeless favorite. The ridged edges help lock in a bit more oil during frying, which leads to an extra-crisp texture. Culver’s sources their potatoes from the Pacific Northwest, famous for producing quality spuds that fry up nicely. Each batch is cooked fresh, so they usually arrive at your table piping hot.

1. Price: Small $2.49, Regular $3.29, Large $3.89
2. Calories: 240 (Small) to 460 (Large)
3. What to Expect: Golden-brown fries with a crisp outside and fluffy inside; ridges that hold onto salt and sauce.
4. Allergens: Nuts
5. Extra Insights:
   • Flavor Profile: Slightly salty and lightly starchy.
   • Pairings: Ketchup, ranch, or cheese sauce. I’ve also tried dipping them in chili—tasty for sure.
   • Serving Tip: Eat them while hot. Once cool, crinkle fries lose some crispness, but they reheat decently in an air fryer.

Wisconsin Cheese Curds: Classic Midwest Indulgence

When I think of Culver’s, I think of Wisconsin Cheese Curds—gooey, squeaky cheddar morsels battered and fried. They’re offered in different sizes, so you can grab a single serving or feed a crowd with a family portion. The curds themselves come from Wisconsin dairy, known for its high butterfat content, which helps them melt in a delightful way.

1. Price: Regular $4.69, Large $7.09, Family $8.49
2. Calories: ~510 (Regular) to 1020 (Large)
3. What to Expect: Squeaky-fresh cheddar curds in a crisp batter, warm and salty.
4. Allergens: Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Taste & Texture: Expect a savory, buttery flavor. If they’re very fresh, you may hear a slight squeak when biting in.
   • Portion Size: A Regular can serve as a snack for two, but if you’re a cheese fiend like me, you might just keep them to yourself.
   • Condiment Advice: Marinara or ranch is a nice contrast to the salty cheese.

Onion Rings: Thick-Cut Sweetness

I’ve always loved onion rings for that onion-sweetness behind the batter, and Culver’s version keeps that flavor intact. The onions are thick-cut, so you get a substantial bite each time. The batter itself has a mild spice; it’s enough to be interesting without overpowering the natural sweetness of the onion.

1. Price: Regular $3.29, Large $4.29
2. Calories: ~400 cal
3. What to Expect: Thick-cut onion slices dipped in a lightly spiced batter, fried to a golden crisp.
4. Allergens: Gluten, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Taste: Slight peppery note in the batter, plus the mild sweetness of the onion.
   • Dip Pairing: They’re tasty with ketchup or Culver’s signature sauces.
   • Eating Tip: Best enjoyed right away—onion rings can get soggy if left to steam in the bag.

Chili Cheddar Fries: Comfort Food in a Basket

If you’re craving something heartier, Chili Cheddar Fries make an ideal mini-meal. I tried them on a chilly night, and it felt like the perfect match for the weather. You get a bed of crinkle-cut fries topped with savory chili, gooey cheddar cheese, and sometimes diced onions, depending on your preference.

1. Price: $4.89
2. Calories: ~520 cal
3. What to Expect: Classic Culver’s fries layered with a rich chili and melty cheddar.
4. Allergens: Gluten, Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Flavor: Salty, slightly spicy chili, plus the tang of cheddar.
   • Texture: If you eat them quickly, the fries stay somewhat crisp under the chili.
   • Portion Size: Decent for one if you’re really hungry, but also shareable.

George’s® Chili Supreme: Loaded Chili Bowl

For a more loaded take on chili, George’s® Chili Supreme steps it up by adding cheese, sour cream, and onions. It feels closer to a chili bar experience, where each spoonful has layers of flavor—tomatoes, beef, peppers, plus that cool topping of dairy.

1. Price: Medium $4.69, Large $5.99
2. Calories: ~370 cal (Medium)
3. What to Expect: A hearty beef chili with beans, peppers, topped with shredded cheddar, sour cream, onions.
4. Allergens: Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Taste: Bold tomato base, mild spice, creamy finish from the sour cream.
   • Serving Suggestion: Perfect lunch choice on a cool day. Add a side of crackers or bread if you want extra carbs.

George’s® Chili: Simple, Cozy Comfort

Sometimes, simplicity is key. George’s® Chili, minus the “Supreme” toppings, gives you a more straightforward bowl of chili—just beef, beans, peppers, onions, and a tomato base.

1. Price: Medium $4.69, Large $5.99
2. Calories: ~320 cal (Medium)
3. What to Expect: Beef chili with beans, peppers, onion, in a tomato-based sauce.
4. Allergens: Nuts
5. Extra Insights:
   • Customization: You can add cheese or other toppings at home if you want more pizzazz.
   • Flavor Profile: A bit milder than the Supreme version but still hearty enough to satisfy.

Pretzel Bites: Salty, Chewy Happiness

Pretzel Bites combine my love of baked dough with a side of Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce. The pretzel pieces themselves are lightly salted, giving a satisfying chew. When dipped in the cheese sauce, you get a salty, creamy combo that’s hard to beat.

1. Price: $4.79
2. Calories: ~450 cal
3. What to Expect: Bite-sized pretzels with a salty exterior, served with warm cheese sauce.
4. Allergens: Gluten, Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Texture: Chewy interior, lightly crisp exterior.
   • Sharing Factor: Great for groups—although I’ve been known to finish an order solo.
   • Flavor Boost: Try adding a small side of mustard for an extra tangy dip.

Steamed Broccoli: A Lean, Green Side

Steamed Broccoli is my go-to when I want something light and relatively healthy. Culver’s prepares it fresh, so it retains that bright green color and mild crunch. Salt is minimal, letting the natural flavor of the broccoli shine.

1. Price: $2.49
2. Calories: ~50 cal
3. What to Expect: Fresh broccoli florets, lightly salted and steamed.
4. Allergens: Nuts
5. Extra Insights:
   • Nutrition: High in vitamins and fiber, a nice contrast to heavier items.
   • Pairing Idea: If you’re ordering a heavier meal, steamed broccoli can help balance it out.

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy: Classic Comfort

If you need a comforting side that tastes like home, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy does the job. They’re made with russet potatoes, milk, and butter, then topped with a savory gravy that has a lightly seasoned flavor.

1. Price: Medium $2.79, Large $3.29
2. Calories: ~130 cal (Medium)
3. What to Expect: Smooth mashed potatoes, enriched with dairy, paired with a classic gravy.
4. Allergens: Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Taste Profile: Reminds me of a simple holiday dinner side.
   • Consistency: Not too thick, not too runny—a happy medium.

Coleslaw: Tangy, Crisp Cabbage Mix

Coleslaw at Culver’s is fresh and lightly tangy, which stands out if you’re pairing it with fried food. It’s a simple mix of cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing.

1. Price: $2.49
2. Calories: ~150 cal
3. What to Expect: Shredded cabbage and carrots in a slightly sweet, tangy dressing.
4. Allergens: Nuts
5. Extra Insights:
   • Texture: Crunchy veggies with a creamy mouthfeel.
   • Pairing: Ideal for cutting through the richness of fried cheese curds or a burger.

Garden Side Salad: Greens for a Lighter Bite

For a lighter meal or a side that feels fresh, the Garden Side Salad includes mixed greens, cucumber slices, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and optional croutons.

1. Price: $3.49
2. Calories: ~50 cal
3. What to Expect: Crisp lettuce and veggies, a sprinkle of cheese, an optional crunch from croutons.
4. Allergens: Gluten, Nuts, Dairy
5. Extra Insights:
   • Dressing Choice: I like a vinaigrette to keep it lower in calories, but ranch or Caesar is available too.
   • Quick Health Boost: Easy way to slip in some greens alongside a heavier main.

Applesauce: Fruit-Based Sweetness

Applesauce is a nice option if you want a quick, healthy-ish treat without indulging in something fried or sugary. Culver’s uses Mott’s® No Sugar Added, which retains the natural sweetness of the apples.

1. Price: $2.49
2. Calories: ~100 cal
3. What to Expect: Smooth, tangy applesauce with no added sugar.
4. Allergens: –
5. Extra Insights:
   • Texture: Pureed apples that are slightly chunky or silky, depending on batch.
   • Use: Kids love it, and I sometimes get it as a refreshing palate cleanser.

Side of Pickles: Tangy Crunch on the Side

A small side of pickles can be surprisingly satisfying if you love sour, crunchy snacks. Culver’s offers crinkle-cut dill pickles that pack a vinegary punch.

1. Price: $1.49
2. Calories: ~5 cal
3. What to Expect: Salty, tangy dill pickles with a ridged cut for extra texture.
4. Allergens: Nuts
5. Extra Insights:
   • Flavor: Classic dill with a slightly salty, sour finish.
   • Pairing: Perfect next to a burger or a bowl of chili for a bright contrast.
   • Snack Tip: If you’re cutting calories, this can satisfy a savory craving without many carbs or fats.

Final Thoughts on Culver’s Sides

Every time I think about Culver’s sides, I’m reminded that these aren’t just throwaway menu items. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh broccoli or gooey cheese curds, there’s something here to satisfy any craving. I enjoyed mixing and matching lighter sides like Steamed Broccoli with heavier options like Chili Cheddar Fries to strike a balance.

Keep in mind that prices and calories can vary slightly by location, so it’s always good to double-check. But in general, these details should help you plan your next meal or snack at Culver’s. From my perspective, the variety is a big plus. I might go for cheese curds one day and garden salad the next; both experiences leave me happy.

So if you’ve been eyeing the Culver’s sides and were unsure where to start, hopefully this guide gives you a clearer picture. Whether it’s that sweet-spicy Hot Honey Cheese Curds or a warm bowl of George’s Chili, you can count on something tasty waiting for you. Enjoy!