Gwynedd Stuart
The best frozen sides are good enough to convince your dinner guests that they’re made from scratch. Don’t worry! They do exist.
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We’ve tried a plethora of frozen sides here at Sporked and these are the ones that really stood out in each category. Whether you’re prepping for a big holiday meal or just looking to get dinner for one on the table after work, these are the best store bought sides from the freezer section you can buy.
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- Grown in Idaho Golden Supreme Mashed Potatoes
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When it comes to frozen potatoes, you generally can’t go wrong with Grown in Idaho. They make great frozen fries, and they make the best frozen mashed potatoes, too. These Golden Supreme Mashed Potatoes are unbelievably smooth and creamy and have a warm golden color that makes them look as wonderfully buttery as they taste. You really can’t tell these are frozen, and you don’t have to endure the laborious process of peeling, cutting, boiling, and mashing potatoes. When it comes to the best frozen sides, these would please even your most difficult dinner guest. —Jordan Myrick
Read the full ranking of the best frozen mashed potatoes
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Grown in Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries
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What did I just say about Grown in Idaho! They also make the best frozen french fries. These rival even the best fast food french fries. They’re crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and perfectly salty and seasoned. Your nuggets will thank you for picking up a bag of these. —Jordan Myrick
Read the full ranking of the best frozen french fries
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
- Ore-Ida Crispy Mini Tater Tots
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Bigger is usually better, but not when it comes to tater tots. Ore-Ida’s mini tots—which are about half as big as regular tots—have better ratios. They’re still creamy and soft on the inside, but you get more crunchy exterior per tot. Delish! —Gwynedd Stuart
Read the full ranking of the best tater tots
Credit: Merc / Target
- Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings
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If you want restaurant-quality onion rings at home, I guess it makes sense to buy a restaurant’s grocery store brand, huh. These are stunningly good. The breading is thick and crisp, and the onion rings themselves are HUGE. You get nice whole pieces of onion you can actually bite through. They may not be quite as delicious as Red Robin ring straight from the deep-fryer, but they’re pretty close! —Gwynedd Stuart
Read the full ranking of the best frozen onion rings
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Patti’s Good Life Mac & Cheese
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Patti LaBelle makes the best frozen mac and cheese. Not only is it the best frozen mac and cheese, it’s also one of the best store bought sides you can buy in general. This mac and cheese is so rich and decadent. The noodles are al dente. Yes, this is a frozen side dish, but you can also enjoy this as a very luxurious dinner. Either way, you will be extremely happy. —Jordan Myrick
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Bettergoods Cheesy Grits Casserole
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This creamy combo of grits, cheese, and red peppers is an anytime sort of casserole. It’s decadent enough for a hungover brunch, sophisticated enough for the Thanksgiving dinner table, and simple enough for a regular ol’ weeknight when you don’t feel like actually cooking. —Gwynedd Stuart
Read the full ranking of the best frozen casseroles
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread
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Listen, I love a slice of Texas toast as much as the next guy, but there’s something to be said for the versatility of a full loaf of garlic bread. We love what Pepperidge Farm has done here. The whole thing is bisected, so you can separate the halves if you want each side to toast OR you can heat it up whole if you like a squishier garlic bread situation. It’s really good either way, trust us. —Gwynedd Stuart
Read the full ranking of the best garlic bread
Credit: Merc / Walmart
- Green Giant Simply Steam Creamed Spinach Sauced
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Add some green to your plate with the best frozen creamed spinach! This stuff is creamy, savory, and there’s plenty of spinach in it. We’re talking real leaves with a real bite to them. On top of being delicious, Green Giant creamed spinach is super affordable. If you like frozen sides that technically qualify as vegetables but are super creamy and indulgent, look no further. —Jordan Myrick
Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart
- Green Giant Riced Veggies Cauliflower
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Cutting down on carbs or just a freak for cauliflower? This is the best frozen cauliflower rice in the frozen section. It’s one of the best frozen sides for whipping up a quick and healthy meal. Cook this cauliflower rice up with some garlic and herb butter and serve it alongside a nicely seared steak. If you want dinner to take literally zero time, pair this with rotisserie chicken. Healthy and fast! —Jordan Myrick
Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart
Best Mashed Potatoes
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best French Fries
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Tater Tots
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Onion Rings
Rating:
9.5/10
Sporks
Best Mac & Cheese
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Frozen Casserole
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Frozen Garlic Bread
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Best Creamed Spinach
Rating:
9.5/10
Sporks
Best Cauliflower Rice
Rating:
10/10
Sporks
Matt Crowley
Jessica Block
Ariana Losch
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