Level Up Culver's Fish And Chips With This Protein-Packed Side Upgrade

The best Culver's upgrades are usually the ones already waiting on the menu, just one order change away. You will find this to be quite true with its signature fish and chips. Culver's seafood dinner usually comes with two sides, one of which is the classic crinkle cut fries. Swap them out for the chili cheddar cheese version, and this familiar dish will take on a whole other type of allure.

This might just be one of the best ordering tips to try with Culver's seafood. If you didn't know already, Culver's chili cheddar fries are one of the chain's most beloved offerings, and for good reasons. Those same familiar crinkle cut fries that always accompany your battered fish fillets are smothered in a Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce and the brand's signature George's Chili. Its special version of chili con carne is hearty, a little meaty, somewhat nutty, and laden with intense spices — all the unexpected elements that make for delicious fish and chips.

Another great reason to opt for this upgrade is the protein boost. With a simmered blend of ground beef and beans, a full, medium-sized serving of Culver's chili cheddar fries comes with 14 grams of protein, roughly 10 grams more than the regular version. In your fish dinner, the chili cheddar fries can take the dish's protein content from 35 grams up to a whopping 45 grams. With way more protein and certainly a lot more flavor, this upgraded version of Culver's fish and chips might just have a permanent spot in your fast-food rotation.

You might be wondering if this delectable upgrade costs anything extra. While certain Culver's sides don't come with an upcharge, such as crinkle cut fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, and steamed broccoli, these chili cheddar fries are not one of them. According to Culver's website, they will cost an additional $1.40 (or more, depending on location) with every order of Culver's seafood dinner. 

You can also pile even more protein into the dish with George's chili on top of that as a second side, and pay another $1.30. Otherwise, simply take the classic fish and chips route with coleslaw, or opt for something lighter, like a garden salad, to balance out the meal. Furthermore, you can transform a classic Culver's fish dinner by getting malt vinegar to go along with it. Malt vinegar, with its tangy depth and acidic edge, is a frequent companion of British fish and chips, and you might like it just as much alongside these cheese-smothered fries. 

And guess what? This fun twist works for more than just the signature North Atlantic cod dinner. You can try it with other items on Culver's seafood menu as well, such as the Butterfly Jumbo Shrimp platter. Rather than a plump, flaky cod fillet, the shrimp offer a breaded crunch that delightfully contrasts the luscious chili cheese sauce. Alternatively, enjoy the chili cheese fries with Culver's North Atlantic cod sandwich in a value basket, which also includes a drink and a side of fries, with the same amount of upcharge for the chili cheese version.