The Best Frozen Sides We’ve Found in Our Taste Tests

The best frozen sides are good enough to convince your dinner guests that they’re made from scratch. Don’t worry! They do exist.

We’ve tried a plethora of frozen sides here at Sporked and these are the ones that really stood out from each category. Whether you’re prepping for a big holiday meal like Thanksgiving 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.


best frozen mashed potatoes

Best Mashed Potatoes

Lamb Weston Golden Supreme Mashed Potatoes

When it comes to frozen potatoes, you can never go wrong with Lamb Weston. 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.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

best frozen french fries

Best French Fries

Lamb Weston Grown in Idaho Hand Cut Style Fries

What did I just say about Lamb Weston! 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.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

best frozen sides

Best Onion Rings

Ore-Ida Gourmet Onion Rings

If you’re looking for the best frozen onion rings, Ore-Ida should be your go-to grocery store brand. These are as close as you can get to the onion rings at a burger joint without leaving your house or dishing out tons of dough for delivery. They’re crispy, oniony, and a little greasy, which is exactly what you want from onion rings! They’re one of the best frozen sides if you want to treat yourself to some weeknight fun.

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

frozen sides

Best Creamed Spinach

Green Giant Simply Steam Creamed Spinach Sauced

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.

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

frozen sides

Best Mac & Cheese

Patti’s Good Life Mac & Cheese

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.

Credit: Liv Averett / Walmart

Rating:

10/10

Sporks

best frozen sides

Best Cauliflower Rice

Green Giant Riced Veggies Cauliflower

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!

Credit: Liv Averett / Instacart

Rating:

10/10

Sporks


About the Author

Jordan Myrick

Jordan is an L.A.-based writer and comedian who believes all food should come with extra sauce. When they're not writing for Sporked, Jordan is at the movies or sharing an order of french fries with their elderly chihuahua.

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