I Relied on 19 Cheap Sides To Get Us Through a Tough Grocery Week

ByMandy

Grocery runs got skipped, but somehow 19 cheap sides held everything together. They showed up next to every meal like they belonged there. Nobody complained, which felt like a small miracle. Even the leftovers disappeared without anyone pretending to be polite about it.

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You won’t believe how versatile this dish is. Baked Rice makes a great side because it pairs well with almost anything. It’s hearty enough to stretch meals but simple enough to keep grocery costs down. Perfect for tight budgets while still feeling like you’ve made an effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Homemade bread can truly change a meal. Focaccia Bread is soft, airy, and brings something extra to the table without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for dipping or as a side to just about any dish. Budget-friendly and reminds you of simple traditions.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Cheese Grits

Creamy polenta in a skillet, topped with chopped herbs and black pepper, and stirred with a wooden spoon.
Cheese Grits. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A creamy side that’s both affordable and comforting always proves to be a smart pick. Cheese Grits are easy to throw together and can be served with breakfast or dinner. They’re a great option for stretching meals. Add them to your next cost-saving week.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

A bowl of mixed salad with grilled shrimp, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing.
Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need a colorful dish to bolster your weeknight meals? Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing blends protein and greens in a way that feels special yet affordable. Great for boosting health without adding extra expense. Your plate looks restaurant-worthy even when you’re saving money.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When fresh veggies feel unexciting, there’s always this smoky option. Grilled Asparagus adds a charred edge that complements heavier sides like potatoes or rice. It’s light while balancing the rest of a meal easily. Fancy enough for guests yet simple for weekly dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Cowboy Caviar

Close-up of a mixed salad with tomatoes, feta cheese, black beans, chickpeas, corn, cucumber, red onion, and parsley, being drizzled with dressing.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

This side doubles as a snack, and that’s a win during tight weeks. Cowboy Caviar is packed full of texture and flavor, turning everyday meals into something interesting. Ideal for chip dipping or even eating solo. Affordable ingredients, but it feels like a treat!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Add some bold style to midweek dinners with this flavor-packed dish. Mexican Street Corn Salad swaps traditional mixture for a more budget-friendly, colorful twist. It’s rich yet easy to make, giving extra flair to tableside offerings. Works well for cookouts or just family meals indoors.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery.
Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Stale bread becomes a budget-saver with Bread Stuffing. The warm bite brings heartiness to any meal during tight grocery budgets. It’s simple but still feels comforting as an add-on next to any protein or solo snack. Great for making leftover ingredients go further.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Filling and easy on the wallet, this dish works hard on busy nights. Dense Bean Salad delivers protein and texture all in a single bowl, great for those cutting grocery costs. Whether a side or a leftover-lunch option, it holds up well. Perfect for meal prepping without effort.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Add some substance to any plate with Mississippi Mud Potatoes on tough grocery stretches. They bring hearty bites without overcomplicating the meal plan. Perfect for pairing with proteins or adding a layer of filling to lighter meals. Their simplicity keeps weeks manageable and meals affordable.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for something light but filling, here’s a side that delivers. Healthy Chicken Salad balances flavor and affordability with a hearty punch. It’s easy to prep ahead and pairs well with just about everything. Ideal for saving cash without skimping on value.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Homemade bread makes tight budgets feel less restrictive. Sourdough Bread gives meals more texture while remaining simple and cost-effective. It’s great for stretching stew nights or adding comfort to snack time. With its chewy finish, it’s a dish worth the little effort involved.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Mango Shrimp Salad

A bowl of shrimp ceviche with diced mango, avocado, red onion, red pepper, and cilantro, with a spoon inside.
Mango Shrimp Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Want more vibrant options during grocery weeks? Try Mango Shrimp Salad, mixing sweetness with light protein to upgrade basic meals. A refreshing option, but it still works for stretching small budgets. Perfect when you’re bored of everyday sides. Simple and low effort.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Slower weeks feel a little more special when Bacon Wrapped Smokies come into play. These bite-sized additions give a fun kick without spending much. Great for sharing alongside mains or keeping hunger at bay during snack time. Perfect to switch things up when options feel limited.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

This reliable classic always earns a spot on cost-conscious tables. Potato Salad stretches out meals while keeping prep straightforward. Perfect for pairing with grilled foods or heavier mains. A cold addition that’s great for saving time while serving similar charm to larger spreads.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes it’s about simple treats that feel fancy. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon works as a side or crumbly topper to finish dishes without extra effort. The crisp texture keeps meals exciting on a budget. Quick to prep and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Buffalo Chicken Dip

A hand dips a tortilla chip into a cheesy baked dish topped with sliced green onions.
Buffalo Chicken Dip. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Chips or veggies change to something better with Buffalo Chicken Dip in play. Its creamy bite stands as a great snack or side during stretched groceries. It doesn’t need much add-ons and works well on rushed or low-cost evenings. Affordable and simple, while keeping everyone happily full.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Don’t underestimate the impact of some crunch. Crispy Shallots bring a flavorful texture to any dish, working well over soups, salads, or just by themselves as an affordable side. They’re quick, making tight grocery runs a little easier. Perfect for adding a slight flair without high costs.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You can boost any weekday meal; here’s proof. Southern Mash is creamy, filling, and a smart choice for smaller budgets needing something comforting. Works well with proteins or veggies, rounds everything out with ease. A classic side that never feels boring!
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *