2024 has been a wild ride for fast food lovers, with chains constantly trying to one-up each other with bold new flavors and mashups. For the sake of fast food aficionados the world over, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to compile the ultimate list of the top 10 fast food items that are a must-try this year. We’re willing to be that these picks will have your taste buds doing backflips. Let’s dive in!
Popeyes Golden BBQ Chicken Sandwich
This mouth-watering Popeyes creation features a buttermilk-coated chicken breast made with all white meat, smothered in a sweet and tangy Golden BBQ sauce, and served on a buttery toasted brioche bun with barrel-cured pickles. You can even customize it with optional add-ons like Havarti cheese or applewood smoked bacon for an extra kick of flavor.
KFC Saucy Nuggets
For those who prefer their chicken nuggets hot and spicy, KFC’s new Saucy Nuggets featuring five bold sauce options, namely Nashville Hot, Georgia Gold, Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour, Korean BBQ, and Honey Sriracha, are a welcome proposition. With flavors, this exciting, good luck picking just one!
Little Caesars Crazy Puffs
Who says pizza has to be round? Since its nationwide launch back in March, Little Caesars’ bite-sized, crispy-edged pizza muffins drizzled with garlic butter have become a roaring success. So much so that Little Caesars allegedly has plans to make it a permanent menu item, complete with multiple flavors, varied toppings, and everything. The restaurant chain has reportedly invested in sturdy new pans specifically for the Crazy Puffs, indicating Little Caesars’s plan to continue offering them beyond just a short-term promotion. At just $3.99 for a box of four, these addictive little puffs are a steal.
Pizza Hut My Hut Box
Pizza Hut’s My Hut Box is perhaps the ultimate remedy for a fast-food craving. With this offering, you get to mix and match your favorite pizza toppings (you may choose two toppings for your personal pan pizza) or melts/half melt with a side of fries or boneless wings (Buffalo Medium or Honey BBQ). It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure novel but for your taste buds.
Burger King BBQ Bacon Whopper Jr
Burger King’s BBQ Bacon Whopper Jr is a flavor-packed twist on the classic Whopper Jr that’s perfect for those craving a smaller burger with a big taste. This mouthwatering sandwich features a flame-grilled beef patty topped with crispy bacon, melty American cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, fresh tomatoes and lettuce, mayo, crunchy pickles, and sliced white onions on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Taco Bell The Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco
A standout from Taco Bell’s new Cantina Chicken Menu, the Cantina Chicken Crispy Taco features a white-corn taco shell coated with a layer of grilled cheese on the outside. Priced at just $2.99, the taco is loaded with slow-roasted Cantina Chicken, jalapeño sauce, and a three-cheese blend. The chicken is moist, tender, and well-seasoned, while the grilled cheese adds a unique crispy texture. The Taco comes with a side of avocado Verde salsa, but many agree it’s best enjoyed on its own.
Cracker Barrel Southern Apple Cobbler
Cracker Barrel’s Southern Apple Cobbler is a comforting, home-style dessert that the restaurant chain has introduced as part of its Fall menu. This warm, gooey treat features tender apples baked in a sweet, cinnamon-spiced filling, topped with a buttery, golden-brown crust. Served with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, this indulgent cobbler is a classic Southern home-style favorite that many fans find to be a nostalgic treat.
McDonald’s The Chicken Big Mac
The iconic Big Mac gets a poultry makeover with the highly-anticipated Chicken Big Mac. This sandwich swaps out the usual beef patties for two crispy tempura chicken ones while keeping the trademark Big Mac toppings and sauce. The combination of the crunchy chicken, tangy pickles, shredded lettuce, and that unmistakable Big Mac sauce creates a familiar yet exciting flavor profile that both chicken and Big Mac lovers will adore.
Taco Bell Luxe Cravings Box
Taco Bell’s Build Your Own Cravings Box is a dream come true for indecisive eaters and those of us craving a Mexican spread on a whim. For just $7, you get a Chalupa Supreme, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Double Stacked Taco, chips, and nacho cheese, and a carbonated drink (medium). That’s a whopping $15 worth of food for less than half the price!
Carl’s Jr. Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger
A variation of the classic Western Bacon Cheeseburger, this scrumptious burger is a must-try for any foodie. The burger features two charbroiled all-beef patties, two strips of crispy bacon, two slices of melted American cheese, crunchy onion rings, and a generous slathering of tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled on a seeded bun. The smoky, savory flavors meld perfectly with the sweet and zesty BBQ sauce, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures that keep fans coming back for more. While many have tried to replicate this iconic burger, Carl’s Jr.’s version remains the gold standard.