7 Fast Food Sides from the 80s You Completely Forgot About

The 80s were filled with some of the most iconic fast food inventions, many of which were beloved side dishes. These tasty bites often completed our meals, but over time, they slowly disappeared from menus. Whether you craved something crunchy or cheesy, fast food chains in the 80s had it all. Let’s revisit those unforgettable fast food sides that made every meal a little bit better.

Burger King’s Cheesy Tots

Cheesy Tots from Burger King combined the best of two worlds: crispy potato bites and melty cheese centers. These deep-fried nuggets were filled with gooey cheese and surrounded by a crunchy potato shell. You could replicate them by mixing shredded potatoes with cheese, forming small balls, and frying them until golden brown. The crispy exterior and soft, cheesy filling made them an instant favorite for anyone craving comfort food. Sadly, these disappeared from the menu, but they live on in fast food nostalgia.

KFC Cornbread Muffins

KFC’s cornbread muffins were a delicious, buttery side that paired perfectly with their famous chicken. The muffins had a slightly sweet flavor, with a moist texture that melted in your mouth. To recreate them, combine cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk, and sugar before baking until golden. Serve them warm with a little butter for that authentic taste. These muffins were the perfect complement to a hearty chicken dinner, and their soft texture made them a fan favorite.

Pizza Hut Priazzo

Pizza Hut’s Priazzo was a deep-dish pizza pie that also worked as a filling side dish. With layers of cheese, sauce, and toppings, this thick pie was like a cross between pizza and lasagna. You could recreate this by layering pizza dough, marinara sauce, cheese, and meats in a deep dish, then baking until golden and bubbly. The hearty filling made it a meal in itself, but it was often enjoyed as a side to traditional pizza orders. Its indulgent layers of flavor are missed by many.

McDonald’s Onion Nuggets

Before chicken nuggets took over the spotlight, McDonald’s tested out Onion Nuggets. These crispy bites were made of onions, battered and deep-fried, similar to onion rings but in nugget form. You could make them by cutting onions into small pieces, dipping them in batter, and frying them until golden brown. Served with a side of ketchup or BBQ sauce, they were a crunchy, savory addition to any meal. Although short-lived, Onion Nuggets were an innovative idea for fast food sides.

Hardee’s Frisco Fries

Hardee’s Frisco Fries were thin, crispy fries with a unique seasoning that set them apart from regular fries. These fries were seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, giving them an extra kick of flavor. To make them at home, slice potatoes thinly, fry them until crispy, and toss with a special seasoning mix of paprika, garlic, and onion powder. They were the perfect side to any Hardee’s burger, offering a flavorful twist on the traditional fry. These fries were loved for their crunch and bold taste.

Burger King Mozzarella Sticks

Burger King’s Mozzarella Sticks were a simple yet delicious side, featuring crispy breaded mozzarella served with marinara sauce for dipping. To make these at home, dip mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs and fry them until golden and crispy. The crunchy coating paired perfectly with the gooey cheese inside, creating a satisfying snack or side. Served with a tangy marinara sauce, these sticks were a crowd-pleaser. Though they were phased out, they remain a beloved memory for many.

Sonic Pickle-O’s

Sonic’s Pickle-O’s were a crunchy, tangy side made from deep-fried pickle slices. These dill pickle slices were battered and fried, offering a unique mix of salty, sour, and crispy. You can make them by slicing pickles, dipping them in batter, and frying until golden brown. Served with ranch dressing for dipping, they provided a fun, flavorful snack. Though they were a short-lived item, their tangy taste left a lasting impression.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

More From RetailShout

15 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods for Busy Weeknights

When you need to throw together a quick, satisfying dinner after a long day, Trader Joe’s frozen food selection is a lifesaver. From hearty meals to easy sides, their frozen options are perfect for anyone with a packed schedule. Read More.

13 Must-Try Snack Combos from Trader Joe’s for Every Craving

Do you have a go-to snack combo? If not, Trader Joe’s is about to fix that with some seriously tasty pairings. Whether you’re craving something sweet, salty, or a bit of both, these must-try combos are about to become your new snack. Read More.

16 Timeless ’50s Dishes That Deserve a Comeback

Remember those dishes your grandparents used to make that were comforting, simple, and full of flavor? The 1950s were packed with meals that brought families together around the dinner table. Read More.