On rushed weeknights, I want a hearty side that makes dinner feel finished without demanding the evening’s remaining energy. These six Food Lion picks bring comfort and substance to the plate when the main dish needs a dependable partner.
Prices were checked at foodlion.com on October 31; they vary by store and change with each week’s ad.
1. Bob Evans Original Mashed Potatoes – $5.39
When dinner hinges on getting something comforting onto the table quickly, these refrigerated mashed potatoes are a reliable microwave shortcut. The 24-ounce package works especially well beside meatloaf, chicken, or pork chops when peeling potatoes is simply not happening.
Taste: They are buttery and noticeably peppery, with enough richness to stand up to a plainly seasoned main. The texture is smooth, thick, and creamy rather than lumpy.
Make It Better: Stir in a little extra butter and finish with chives for a fresher, more finished side.
Parting Thoughts: Busy cooks who prioritize creamy comfort over from-scratch prep should find the convenience worth the $5.39.
2. Glory Foods Seasoned Southern Style Collard Greens – $2.69
Deep Southern-style seasoning gives these shelf-stable collard greens more presence than a plain canned vegetable. I turn to them when chicken, pork, or black-eyed peas need a substantial green side without a long simmer.
Taste: Onion, garlic, spices, and savory broth create a full, smoky flavor. The greens are tender while retaining enough body to feel satisfying on the fork.
Make It Better: Warm them on the stovetop and serve with cornbread, which is ideal for catching the seasoned broth.
Parting Thoughts: At $2.69, this can earns its pantry space whenever a meal needs savory greens in a hurry.
3. Stove Top Stuffing Mix For Chicken – $3.58
A five-minute pot of stuffing can make an ordinary chicken dinner feel much closer to Sunday supper. This 6-ounce shelf-stable box is also handy alongside a roast or as an easy base for a casual Friendsgiving plate.
Taste: The poultry seasoning, herbs, and buttery notes are bold and distinctly savory. Prepared correctly, the bread turns moist, fluffy, and cohesive rather than dry or crumbly.
Make It Better: Fold in sautéed celery for extra character, or add cooked sausage when you want the side to carry more of the meal.
Parting Thoughts: Anyone sensitive to assertive seasoning may find it a bit much, but classic stuffing lovers will know exactly why it remains useful.
4. Bob Evans Tasteful Sides Macaroni & Cheese – $5.39
For nights when barbecue or fried chicken needs a crowd-pleasing partner, this refrigerated 20-ounce tray supplies enough macaroni and cheese for two to three servings. Microwave preparation keeps the evening moving without reducing the side to an afterthought.
Taste: The flavor is straightforward, cheesy, and comforting rather than sharp or complicated. Creamy sauce coats the tender pasta, with a pleasing bit of cheese pull.
Make It Better: Pair it with a smoky or crisp main so the rich, creamy pasta has some contrast on the plate.
Parting Thoughts: Families seeking an easy shared side will get more mileage here than solo diners who only need one portion.
5. Reser’s Broccoli Cheddar Au Gratin – $3.99
Tender broccoli tucked into cheddar sauce is an easy way to bring both vegetables and comfort to a weeknight plate. The refrigerated 12-ounce container microwaves in four minutes, making it especially practical beside chicken or fish.
Taste: Cheddar gives the dish a savory, creamy flavor while the broccoli keeps it from feeling like plain cheese sauce. The florets are tender, and the sauce stays smooth and substantial.
Make It Better: Serve it with a simply seasoned main; the cheddar sauce already brings plenty of richness.
Parting Thoughts: Broccoli skeptics may remain unconvinced, though cheese lovers wanting a heartier vegetable side have a solid option.
6. Reser’s Creamed Corn – $3.99
Sweet corn, red bell peppers, and green onions turn this refrigerated side into something more complete than plain kernels. Its four-minute microwave prep suits meatloaf or fried-chicken nights when a warm, spoonable vegetable sounds right.
Taste: Super-sweet corn brings the sweetness, balanced by real milk, butter, peppers, and green onions. The texture is creamy and luscious, with whole pieces of corn throughout.
Make It Better: Place it beside a salty, savory main so the corn’s gentle sweetness works as contrast rather than dominating the plate.
Parting Thoughts: Creamed-corn devotees should enjoy this convenient version, while diners who dislike sweet-leaning sides may prefer the collard greens.
