Whether Burger King makes cheese fries is a common question for fast food fans. As one of the major fast food burger chains, Burger King has an extensive menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, sides, drinks, and desserts. However, their menu differs across locations and has evolved over time. So the availability of specialty items like cheese fries can vary.
The Basics of Burger King’s Menu
Burger King was founded in 1954 in Miami, Florida and has grown to over 18,000 locations worldwide. Their menu features flame-grilled burgers, chicken sandwiches, french fries, soda, milkshakes, and other standard fast food fare. Some of their most iconic menu items include:
- Whopper – their signature burger with mayo, ketchup, pickles, onions, and tomatoes
- French fries – their standard side of french fries available in various sizes
- Chicken fries – breaded chicken in the shape of fries
- Milkshakes – thick, creamy milkshakes in chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry
While Burger King offers some variety with burger toppings and customization options, their menu is still fairly straightforward compared to other chains. They focus on burgers, fries, nuggets, and drinks rather than specialized regional or seasonal items.
Availability of Cheese Fries
Regular french fries are a core menu item at Burger King. However, loaded cheese fries are not a standard offering. The availability of cheese fries depends on the specific location.
Some Burger King locations, particularly in certain regions like the Midwest and West Coast, have offered cheese fries as a limited time promotional menu item. For example, in 2021 Burger King locations in the Des Moines, Iowa area offered cheese fries topped with cheese sauce and bacon as a special menu item for a few months. Testing specialty regional menu options like this allows Burger King to evaluate demand.
Burger King also sometimes offers loaded cheese fries as a seasonal menu item during the colder months. For instance, in late 2022 and early 2023, some locations brought back bacon cheesy tots on the menu. These tots with cheese sauce and bacon bits essentially function as cheese fries.
Additionally, international Burger King menus like the Philippines and India do feature cheese fries as a standard menu option. So the availability tends to be higher outside the United States.
Ordering Cheese Fries at Burger King
Because cheese fries are not a permanent menu item, they are not available to order year-round at all Burger King locations in the U.S. Here are some tips for ordering cheese fries:
- Check the menu boards or ask the cashier if they currently offer loaded cheese fries.
- Try visiting locations in areas where specialty regional menus are common like the Midwest.
- Go during seasons like winter when limited time loaded fries may be available.
- Order cheese sauce as a topping for regular fries to create your own cheese fries.
- Consider substituting a side of fries for cheesy tots if available for a similar cheesy experience.
Burger King gives their franchises flexibility with menus, so your best bet is checking with your local restaurants. You may find cheese fries at some locations but not others in the same city. With some trial and error, you can find the Burger King restaurants serving cheese fries in your area.
Hacks to Make Your Own Cheese Fries
If you’re craving cheese fries but your Burger King isn’t currently offering them, you can still find ways to create your own version:
- Ask for a side of nacho cheese sauce and pour it over your french fries
- Get a side of chicken fries and dip them in ketchup mixed with nacho cheese sauce
- Order extra packets of Whopper/cheeseburger sauce and use as a cheese sauce for fries
- Mix mayo and ketchup to make a quick fry sauce
- Top fries with shredded cheese from a side salad
- Bring your own shredded cheese or cheese sauce from home
While not the same as proper loaded cheese fries, these simple hacks can help you get your cheese fry fix using standard Burger King ingredients. Just ask for a few extra sauces and toppings on the side to DIY it.
Nutrition Information for Burger King Cheese Fries
For those watching their calorie, fat, carb, or sodium intake, the nutrition information for cheese fries at Burger King is:
| Cheese Fries | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 440 | 26g | 38g | 810mg |
| Medium | 610 | 39g | 53g | 1150mg |
| Large | 820 | 50g | 71g | 1500mg |
As you can see, a large loaded cheese fries from Burger King provides over half your daily value of both fat and sodium. So these should be an occasional treat in your diet rather than a regular menu item!
Prices for Burger King Cheese Fries
Pricing for cheese fries when available at participating Burger King locations is typically:
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| Small | $2.49 |
| Medium | $3.29 |
| Large | $3.99 |
However, prices can vary by franchise location. There may also be promotional discounts or meal deals like adding cheese fries and a drink for just a dollar more. Compare your options to find the best value!
Chicken Fries vs. Cheese Fries
Since chicken fries are a unique signature menu item at Burger King, some customers wonder how they compare to cheese fries:
- Taste: Chicken fries have a crispy breaded outside and chicken inside. Cheese fries are soft fries smothered in warm, gooey cheese sauce.
- Ingredients: Chicken fries contain chicken breast meat while cheese fries are potatoes and cheese sauce.
- Availability: Chicken fries are a standard menu item but cheese fries are limited time offerings.
- Nutrition: Chicken fries are higher in protein while cheese fries have more carbs, fat, and sodium from the cheese sauce.
- Price: Chicken fries cost slightly more than regular cheese fries.
So in summary, chicken fries give you crispy fried chicken in fry shape while cheese fries are actual fries loaded with cheese. Both can satisfy fried food cravings!
Cheese Fries at Other Fast Food Chains
Some other fast food chains that frequently offer loaded cheese fries include:
- Arby’s – Loaded Curly Fries with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon, and ranch dressing
- Carl’s Jr. – Cheese Fries with shredded cheddar and nacho cheese sauce
- Checkers/Rally’s – Big Buford Fries with bacon and cheese
- Hardee’s – Loaded Cheese Fries with bacon and ranch dressing
- Jack in the Box – Cheesy Fries covered with American and cheddar cheese
- McDonald’s – Cheesy Bacon Fries with cheddar cheese sauce and bacon bits
- Sonic – Cheese Fries layered with shredded cheddar and cheese sauce
- Wendy’s – Cheese and Bacon Baked Potato with sour cream, cheese, and bacon bits
So for more consistent cheese fry options, check out some of these other fast food chains. Their menus regularly include loaded cheese fries rather than just offering them for limited times.
Making Gourmet Cheese Fries at Home
Rather than trying to hunt down cheese fries on a fast food menu, consider making them fresh at home. You can customize them exactly to your taste and use high quality ingredients like:
- Golden brown russet or sweet potato fries
- Gooey melted cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco
- Crumbled bacon or diced ham
- Chives, scallions, or jalapeños for texture and flavor
- Sour cream, ranch, or ketchup for dipping
Aim for even coverage so every fry is smothered in cheese. Bake or broil briefly so the cheese gets hot and melty. Fresh, custom loaded cheese fries can be so much better than fast food versions!
Conclusion
Burger King does occasionally offer loaded cheese fries, but availability is limited and inconsistent. Certain locations provide cheese fries as a seasonal or regional menu item rather than a permanent offering nationwide. Check with your local Burger King to see if they currently have cheese fries. Or get creative and make your own by customizing regular fries with extra sauces and toppings. For more cheese fry options, try other fast food chains like Arby’s and Jack in the Box that regularly feature them. And you can always cook up gourmet cheese fries at home with high quality ingredients baked to crispy, melty perfection.