Popeyes Launches New Cheese Bites — Price & Review
Popeyes has launched Cheese Bites as a new side item for summer 2026. The Cheese Bites are bite-sized fried cheese pieces, seasoned with Popeyes signature Cajun spices, and served with marinara dipping sauce.
Price: $3.99 per order (approx. 8 pieces) | Calories: ~360 per serving. Available at participating locations nationwide.
Check the full Popeyes menu with prices for all sides and the Chicken Sandwich.
What Are Popeyes Cheese Bites
Cheese Bites are a new summer 2026 side: bite-sized fried cheese pieces seasoned with Popeyes' signature Cajun spices and served with marinara dipping sauce. They slot into the sides section of the menu — a shareable, appetizer-style option alongside the chain's Southern classics like Red Beans and Rice and Mashed Potatoes with Gravy. Like most new Popeyes items, they're available at participating locations nationwide for a limited run.
Price & How They Compare to Other Popeyes Sides
At $3.99 per order (about 8 pieces), Cheese Bites sit at the top of the sides price range. For comparison, on the current Popeyes menu: Cajun Fries (Regular) are $2.49 (340 calories), Mashed Potatoes with Gravy are $2.99 (160 calories), Red Beans and Rice are $2.99 (200 calories), Coleslaw is $2.49 (180 calories), Mac & Cheese is $3.49 (270 calories), and the iconic Biscuits (2-pack) are $1.99 (340 calories). At roughly 360 calories per serving, Cheese Bites are comparable to Mac & Cheese and the 2-pack of biscuits on calories while landing right in the middle on price.
How to Order Them With Your Meal
Cheese Bites work as a side in a combo or standalone. If you're ordering the main event, the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich is $4.99 (700 calories) and the Spicy version $4.99 (710 calories), with the Chicken Sandwich Combo at $7.99 (1,170 calories) — Cheese Bites can be swapped in where sides are offered at participating locations. Popeyes Rewards members earn points on every purchase, with 150 points unlocking a free side or biscuit and 300 points a free Chicken Sandwich, so a Cheese Bites order moves you closer to a free side either way.
Nutrition Context & Lighter Alternatives
At about 360 calories per serving, Cheese Bites are a mid-range side on the Popeyes menu — lighter than the 8-piece Chicken Tenders (990 calories) but heavier than Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (160 calories) and Coleslaw (180 calories). If you're watching calories, the lowest-calorie protein on the menu is the Naked Chicken Tenders (3-piece, 150 calories), and the 3-piece Chicken Tenders run $4.49 (370 calories). As with any new limited-time item, prices and availability can vary by location — Popeyes menu prices are up about 3.9% versus 2025.
The Bottom Line
Popeyes Cheese Bites are a solid new side at $3.99 for about 8 pieces — reasonably priced next to Mac & Cheese and Cajun Fries, with the chain's signature Cajun seasoning plus marinara for dipping. Pair them with the $4.99 Chicken Sandwich, or use Popeyes Rewards to work toward a free side. Availability is limited to participating locations for summer 2026, so check the full Popeyes menu with prices before you go.