Culver's Sides Menu — Cheese Curds, Fries & More with Prices
The sides at Culver's do more heavy lifting than you'd expect. Wisconsin Cheese Curds alone have built a cult following — crispy shell, molten cheddar core, dangerously addictive. But the rest of the lineup holds up too: solid crinkle fries, surprisingly good onion rings, and even some lighter options if you're watching your intake. Here's every side with current prices, calories, and how to work them into your order.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds — The Side That Became a Star
Let's start with the main attraction. Culver's Wisconsin Cheese Curds are made with real, fresh cheddar cheese sourced from Wisconsin dairy farms. Each curd is battered and fried to order, producing a golden, crunchy coating that gives way to hot, gooey, stretchy cheese inside. They're not mozzarella sticks — the cheddar has a sharper, more complex flavor that sets them apart from any other fried cheese side you've had at a fast-food chain.
A regular order is enough for one person or to share between two. The large is for tables of three or more, or for that one person who knows they're going to eat the whole thing and has made peace with that decision. If you've never tried them, this is the single must-order side at Culver's — even regulars who come for the ButterBurgers will tell you the curds are the real star.
Complete Sides Price Table
| Side Item | Regular | Large | Cal (Reg) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Cheese Curds | $4.49 | $6.49 | ~510 | Fried / Indulgent |
| Jalapeño Cheese Curds | $4.79 | $6.79 | ~520 | Spicy / Fried |
| Crinkle Cut Fries | $2.99 | $3.79 | ~370 | Classic |
| Onion Rings | $3.49 | $4.49 | ~480 | Fried |
| George's Chili | $3.79 | $4.79 | ~290 | Hearty / Warm |
| Soup of the Day | $3.79 | $4.79 | Varies | Rotating |
| Coleslaw | $2.49 | — | ~180 | Fresh |
| Side Salad | $3.29 | — | ~90 | Light / Fresh |
| Steamed Broccoli | $2.29 | — | ~40 | Healthiest |
| Mashed Potatoes & Gravy | $2.99 | — | ~210 | Comfort |
Prices are approximate and may vary by location. "—" indicates size not available.
Fried Sides Breakdown
Culver's has four fried side options, and each fills a different craving. Here's how they compare head to head:
Lighter Side Options
Not every side needs to be fried. Culver's has a handful of lighter options that work well if you're pairing with a heavier entrée or just watching your calorie intake:
Steamed Broccoli (~40 cal, $2.29) — The lightest side on the menu. It's simple, well-steamed, and brings the total calorie count of any meal way down. Pair it with a Grilled Chicken Sandwich for the leanest possible Culver's meal.
Side Salad (~90 cal, $3.29) — Mixed greens, tomato, and croutons with your choice of dressing. The ranch adds ~120 calories, or go with a vinaigrette to keep it lighter. Good as a side or as a fries replacement in a Value Basket.
Coleslaw (~180 cal, $2.49) — Creamy, tangy, and pairs especially well with Cod and Shrimp dishes. It's the traditional Fish Fry accompaniment and adds a cool, refreshing contrast to fried entrées.
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy (~210 cal, $2.99) — Comfort food in a cup. The potatoes are smooth and the gravy is savory without being overly salty. Good comfort-food pairing with any burger or chicken order.
George's Chili — A Hidden Gem
Named after Craig Culver's father George, this is a hearty, Midwest-style beef chili with beans, tomatoes, and a well-balanced blend of spices. It's not trying to be competition chili or Texas-style — it's honest, warming, comfort food. At ~290 calories for a regular bowl, it's also one of the more sensible sides on the menu. It works great as a standalone light meal, as a side with a ButterBurger, or poured over fries for a messy but satisfying chili-fries situation (order both and combine them — the staff won't judge you).
Best Side Pairings by Entrée
| If You're Ordering... | Best Side | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ButterBurger Deluxe | Wisconsin Cheese Curds | The iconic Culver's combo — burger + curds is the full experience |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | Crinkle Cut Fries | Classic pairing, don't overthink it |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Steamed Broccoli or Side Salad | Keeps the meal light and protein-focused |
| North Atlantic Cod Dinner | Coleslaw | Traditional Fish Fry pairing — cool + crispy contrast |
| Chicken Tenders | Jalapeño Cheese Curds | Fried-on-fried indulgence with a spicy kick |
| Bacon Deluxe ButterBurger | Onion Rings | Sweet onion crunch complements the smoky bacon |
🧀 5 Sides Ordering Tips
- Cheese Curds are a must on your first visit. Even if you order nothing else off the sides menu ever again, you need to try these once. They're the reason people drive to Culver's.
- Share the regular curds, don't solo the large. A regular order is ~510 calories and plenty for two people. The large pushes 750+ calories — it's a meal by itself.
- Sub curds into your Value Basket. Most locations let you replace fries with Cheese Curds for ~$1.50 extra. It's the most popular side substitution at Culver's.
- George's Chili + Fries = unofficial menu item. Order both separately, pour the chili over the fries, and you've got a Midwest chili-fries situation that hits different in cold weather.
- Steamed broccoli is the calorie hack. At just 40 calories, swapping fries for broccoli saves you 330 calories per meal. Over a few visits, that adds up fast.