Sides at Applebee’s

Every great plate needs a great supporting cast, and that is exactly what applebees sides prices help you plan. The side menu at Applebee’s covers the classics you expect from a neighborhood grill: crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, garlicky green beans, and a few surprises like the loaded mashed potatoes that regulars swear by. When you understand applebees sides prices before you order, you can build a plate that fits your appetite and your budget without any guesswork.

Side dishes at Applebee’s usually land in the lower single digits, which makes them one of the easiest ways to round out a meal. A basket of fries or a bowl of broccoli typically costs less than a soft drink at many restaurants, and the portions are sized to share or to satisfy on their own. If you are comparing applebees sides prices across the menu, you will notice that most options cluster in a tight range, so your choice comes down to craving rather than cost.

The Menu Vault put together this guide so you can see typical applebees sides prices, learn what drives small differences from one location to the next, and pick the sides that deliver the most flavor per dollar. Adding a side to an entree, building a lighter meal from two sides, or feeding a table of hungry kids, the sections below walk through every option with honest price ranges.

One reason applebees sides prices matter more than guests expect is that sides shape the whole value of a visit. Two people can order the same burger, but the one who adds broccoli and a side salad eats a more balanced meal for just a few dollars more. Sides also rescue a meal when the entree portion feels light. A basket of fries alongside a sandwich turns a snack into dinner, and applebees sides prices keep that upgrade affordable.

Applebees Sides Prices: Typical Ranges

Most applebees sides prices fall between about two and six dollars. Classic fries and steamed vegetables sit at the friendlier end of that range, while loaded or topped sides like loaded mashed potatoes and the more elaborate options land a dollar or two higher. These are typical ranges seen across many locations, not promises, because franchise pricing varies by market.

Several things nudge applebees sides prices up or down. Location is the biggest factor: restaurants in high cost cities and airports price higher than suburban spots. Portion upgrades also matter. A standard side of fries costs less than a loaded version piled with cheese sauce, bacon, and green onions. Limited time sides tied to seasonal promotions can price slightly above the everyday menu too.

One more thing worth knowing about applebees sides prices is that sides ordered a la carte cost a bit more per ounce than sides included with an entree. Many entrees come with two sides built into the plate price, which is almost always the better deal. If you are watching your spending, compare the cost of an entree with sides against ordering a burger plus a separate side. The entree bundle usually wins.

Dipping sauces deserve a mention in any honest look at applebees sides prices. Most standard sauces served with fries and appetizers are included, but extra sides of specialty sauces can carry a small charge. Ask your server if you want a second ramekin, because policies differ by location.

Takeout orders follow the same side prices as dine in, though packaging is simpler. Fries travel reasonably well if you eat them quickly, while mashed potatoes and broccoli hold up even better in a to go box. If you order delivery through a third party app, expect the menu prices to run a little higher than the in restaurant side prices, since delivery platforms add their own markup.

Most Popular Applebees Sides

The side menu at Applebee’s leans on crowd pleasing classics. Here are the options guests order most, with typical applebees sides prices for each.

Classic Fries

The classic fries are the workhorse of applebees sides prices. A basket of golden, salted fries typically runs in the lower single digits, making it one of the cheapest ways to add something filling to your plate. The fries are cut thick enough to stay crisp and pair well with everything from burgers to the fiesta chicken. When guests compare applebees sides prices, fries are the baseline everything else gets measured against.

Fries also show up as the default side with many entrees, which is why regulars rarely pay the a la carte price. If you love fries, ordering an entree that includes them as one of two sides stretches your dollar further than buying a basket on its own. For dipping, the standard ketchup is free, and ranch or honey Dijon usually comes with specific dishes.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and flecked with roasted garlic, the garlic mashed potatoes are a comfort food favorite. Typical applebees sides prices for mashed potatoes land in the mid single digits, a touch above fries because of the prep involved. The portion is generous, and the garlic flavor is present without overpowering the plate.

Mashed potatoes pair especially well with the bourbon street steak and the chicken tenders platter. If you are deciding between starches, mashed potatoes feel more like a full side dish while fries lean snackable. Guests who track applebees sides prices often note that the mashed potatoes eat like a bigger portion than the price suggests.

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Take the garlic mashed potatoes, then pile on cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and green onions, and you have the loaded version. Applebees sides prices for the loaded mashed potatoes typically sit a dollar or two above the plain version, which is fair given the extra toppings. This is one of the most filling sides on the menu and can honestly work as a small meal with a cup of soup.

The loaded mashed potatoes are a favorite for sharing. Split between two people as an extra alongside entrees, the per person cost drops to just a couple of dollars, which is excellent value by any measure of applebees sides prices.

Steamed Broccoli

For guests who want something lighter, steamed broccoli is the go to. Typical applebees sides prices for broccoli land in the lower single digits, right alongside fries. The broccoli is cooked tender crisp and lightly seasoned. It is the side that health minded diners reach for, and it rounds out heavier entrees like ribs and fried chicken nicely.

Broccoli also travels well for takeout, holding its texture better than fries in a closed box. If you are ordering to go and comparing applebees sides prices for the best traveler, broccoli is a safe pick.

Garlicky Green Beans

The garlicky green beans bring a little more flavor than plain steamed vegetables. Applebees sides prices for green beans usually match the broccoli, in the lower single digits. The beans are sauteed with garlic and a touch of seasoning, giving them a savory edge that works well next to grilled chicken and salmon dishes.

Green beans are one of those sides that taste more premium than their price. When you line up applebees sides prices side by side, the green beans deliver restaurant style flavor at fast food style cost.

House Salad

A small house salad can be ordered as a side, which is handy when you want something fresh without committing to a full entree salad. Typical applebees sides prices for the side salad fall in the mid single digits. It comes with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your choice of dressing. Pair it with a cup of soup and you have a light lunch for less than most entrees.

The side salad is also the easiest way to add vegetables to a burger focused meal. Swapping fries for a side salad with an entree is often free, which keeps your applebees sides prices flat while lightening the plate.

Coleslaw

Creamy coleslaw shows up as a side option that adds crunch and coolness to fried and grilled plates. Applebees sides prices for coleslaw are among the lowest on the side menu, typically in the lower single digits. It is a natural partner for the chicken tenders and works as a topping minded side for pulled pork style dishes.

Coleslaw portions are modest but the flavor is classic: creamy, slightly sweet, with good crunch. For the price, it is one of the best values hiding in the applebees sides prices lineup.

Building a Meal from Applebees Sides Prices

You do not need an entree to eat well at Applebee’s. Combining two or three sides creates a satisfying lighter meal, and applebees sides prices make the total easy to predict. A popular combination is the loaded mashed potatoes with a side salad: hearty, balanced, and usually under ten dollars total. Another favorite pairs the house salad with a cup of soup from the starters menu for a classic light lunch.

For kids, sides are a secret weapon. Children’s entrees come with sides included, but if your child eats lightly, a basket of fries plus a side of broccoli often satisfies for less than the kids menu price. Check the Applebee’s kids menu prices to compare, but many parents find the side route cheaper and less wasteful.

Guests with dietary preferences can also build around applebees sides prices. Broccoli, green beans, house salad, and coleslaw give vegetarians plenty to work with, and pairing two vegetable sides with a baked potato style approach keeps things simple. Ask your server about preparation if you have strict dietary needs, since cooking methods vary.

Best Value Among Applebees Sides Prices

If you want the most food for your money, the loaded mashed potatoes win on pure fullness per dollar among applebees sides prices. The cheese, bacon, and potato combination is dense and satisfying, and the portion is large enough that many guests split it. Classic fries take second place: cheap, shareable, and universally liked.

The smartest value play is not a side at all but the entree bundle. Since most entrees include two sides in the plate price, you effectively get those sides at a steep discount compared to a la carte applebees sides prices. If you were going to order a burger and a side of fries separately, look at the entree menu first. A chicken entree with fries and broccoli included often costs only a little more than the burger plus fries, and you get a full second side.

Another value angle is the 2 for 20 style deals that Applebee’s runs. These bundles sometimes include a shareable appetizer plus two entrees, and the entrees come with sides. When those promotions are live, your effective applebees sides prices drop to nearly nothing because the sides ride along with the deal.

For lighter appetites, pairing a cup of soup with a side salad or a side of broccoli creates a satisfying meal in the mid single digits total. It is one of the cheapest ways to eat at Applebee’s while still getting real, satisfying food, and the applebees sides prices make the math easy. Many guests are surprised how filling this combination feels, especially when the soup of the day is a hearty option like tomato basil or chicken tortilla.

How to Save on Applebees Sides Prices

The easiest savings trick is to let sides come with your entree instead of ordering them separately. A la carte applebees sides prices are fair, but bundled sides are always cheaper per bite. Scan the entree descriptions for the two side choices before you decide.

Joining the Applebee’s rewards program pays off for regulars. Members earn credit toward future visits, and birthday and welcome offers sometimes include free appetizers or sides. Over a few visits, those perks shave real money off your total, including the side portion of the bill.

Sharing is another simple strategy. A basket of fries or an order of loaded mashed potatoes splits easily between two people, cutting your per person side costs in half. This works especially well when everyone at the table orders entrees with their own sides and you just want one extra to share.

Watch for happy hour and late night deals at your local Applebee’s. While drink specials get the attention, some locations discount appetizers and select sides during off peak hours. The Applebee’s happy hour guide covers what to expect by location. Checking the full Applebee’s menu prices before you go also helps you spot the best value combinations in advance.

Do not be shy about customizing. Swapping a premium side for a standard one with an entree is often free or costs very little. If the entree comes with fries and broccoli but you want mashed potatoes, ask. Many locations accommodate the swap without changing your side prices at all.

Finally, consider the lunch menu. Midday portions sometimes pair an entree with one side at a reduced price, which lowers your effective applebees sides prices for that meal. Lunch combos are worth a look in the Applebee’s lunch combos section.

Family Size Applebees Sides Prices for Gatherings

When the backyard fills up or the team comes over, single servings stop making sense, and that is where family size applebees sides prices earn their keep. Many locations will prepare larger pans of popular sides for pickup, from seasoned fries and mashed potatoes to steamed vegetables and coleslaw, priced as catering style portions rather than individual add ons. A family size portion that feeds six to eight typically costs far less than six separate side orders, often landing in the range those six servings would cost at a grocery deli counter, with none of the cooking. For hosts, applebees sides prices at this scale solve the hardest part of feeding a crowd.

Call the restaurant directly when you plan a big order. The online menu shows the standard applebees sides prices, but a manager can confirm which sides the kitchen will scale up, what notice they need, and how the portions are packed for travel. A day of lead time is polite for very large pans, and pickup just before guests arrive keeps fries crisp and hot sides steaming. Pair two family size sides with your own grilled main dish and the per guest cost stays low, which is exactly why regulars treat applebees sides prices as their secret weapon for potlucks, game days, and holiday tables where the oven is already spoken for.

FAQs About Applebees Sides Prices

How much do sides cost at Applebee’s?

Most applebees sides prices fall between about two and six dollars a la carte. Fries, broccoli, green beans, and coleslaw sit at the lower end, while loaded mashed potatoes and side salads land a bit higher. Sides included with entrees cost less effectively because they are bundled into the plate price.

What sides come with Applebee’s entrees?

Most entrees include a choice of two sides from the standard lineup: fries, mashed potatoes, broccoli, green beans, coleslaw, and salad. Premium or loaded sides may carry a small upcharge when substituted. Your server can confirm the current options, since lineups shift slightly by location.

Can you order just sides as a meal?

Yes. Ordering two or three sides is a legitimate light meal strategy, and applebees sides prices make it affordable. A side salad plus broccoli, or loaded mashed potatoes with a cup of soup, keeps the total well under typical entree prices.

Does Applebee’s charge for extra dipping sauces?

The first serving of standard sauces with fries or tenders is usually included. Extra ramekins of specialty sauces sometimes carry a small charge that varies by location. Asking before you order avoids surprises on the check.

Are Applebee’s side portions shareable?

Fries, loaded mashed potatoes, and coleslaw split comfortably between two people. Vegetable sides like broccoli and green beans are portioned more as single servings. Sharing one hearty side while each person orders an entree is a solid way to lower everyone’s applebees sides prices.

What is the cheapest side at Applebee’s?

Coleslaw and classic fries are usually the cheapest sides on the menu, both landing in the lower single digits at most locations. Steamed broccoli and garlicky green beans are close behind. If you want the absolute lowest total, order an entree that includes two sides rather than buying sides a la carte, since the bundled sides cost far less per serving than individual orders.

Do sides cost the same at every Applebee’s?

No. Applebee’s is largely franchised, so applebees sides prices vary by market. Expect higher prices in big cities, airports, and tourist areas, and friendlier prices in suburban and small town locations. The ranges in this guide reflect what is typical across many restaurants. Calling ahead never hurts if you want exact numbers for your local spot.

How Applebees Sides Prices Compare to Other Chains

Stacked against other casual dining chains, applebees sides prices sit right in the middle of the pack. Chili’s and TGI Fridays price their sides in a similar two to six dollar band, while slightly more upscale spots like Cheesecake Factory tend to run a dollar or two higher for comparable sides. Fast casual chains like Chipotle charge more per side item because their sides are larger and more ingredient heavy, so the Applebee’s side menu actually looks like a bargain next to a three dollar bag of chips and guac.

Where Applebee’s stands out is the entree bundle. Few competitors include two full sides with as many entrees at similar plate prices. When you factor in the bundled sides, the effective cost per side at Applebee’s often beats the a la carte prices at rival grills. That bundle structure is a big reason regulars keep coming back, and it makes the headline side prices only part of the value story.

Against fast food, the comparison flips. A value menu side at a burger chain costs less in absolute dollars, but the quality and portion at Applebee’s justify the small premium for sit down diners. You are paying for the table service and the relaxed setting as much as the food, which is fair context when weighing applebees sides prices.

Keep Exploring Applebee’s

Sides are just one piece of the menu. The Applebee’s hub is the starting point for everything we cover, from secret ordering tricks regulars use to the full price breakdown. Browse the Applebee’s menu prices parent guide for the big picture, then dive into specific categories: handcrafted burgers, chicken entrees, fresh salads, desserts, and beverages. Planning a visit around deals? Check the Applebee’s happy hour page. For the wider world of chain prices, see our menu prices collection, secret menus, happy hours, or start at the Menu Vault homepage.