Boston Market, a name synonymous with homestyle cooking and rotisserie chicken, has long been a staple for families seeking convenient and satisfying meals. While their chicken is undoubtedly the star of the show, the restaurant’s sides play a crucial supporting role, elevating the entire dining experience. But beyond the traditional mashed potatoes and gravy, lies a selection of “premium” sides, offering a more indulgent and flavorful complement to your meal. This article delves into the world of Boston Market’s premium sides, exploring their ingredients, taste profiles, nutritional information, and overall value.
Unveiling the Premium Side Selection
What exactly constitutes a “premium” side at Boston Market? Generally, these sides feature higher-quality ingredients, more complex preparation methods, or simply offer a richer, more distinctive flavor profile compared to their classic counterparts. They often come at a slightly higher price point, but many customers find the enhanced taste and experience well worth the extra cost.
The premium side offerings can vary slightly depending on location and seasonal availability, but some consistent favorites consistently appear on the menu. Let’s explore some of the most popular options.
The Creamy Spinach Artichoke Side
One of the most beloved premium sides is the Creamy Spinach Artichoke. This decadent side dish takes the classic spinach and artichoke dip and transforms it into a satisfying component of a complete meal. The creamy base, often featuring a blend of cheeses like Parmesan and mozzarella, perfectly complements the earthy spinach and tangy artichoke hearts.
This side delivers a rich and comforting flavor profile. The creaminess coats the palate, while the spinach and artichoke provide a subtle bitterness that balances the richness. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with chicken, meatloaf, or even as a standalone vegetarian option.
The Sweet Corn Succotash Side
For a taste of Southern comfort, the Sweet Corn Succotash is a strong contender. This vibrant side dish is a medley of sweet corn, lima beans, diced tomatoes, and often, pieces of bell pepper. The combination creates a burst of textures and flavors that awaken the taste buds.
The sweetness of the corn is balanced by the earthy lima beans and the acidity of the tomatoes. The addition of bell peppers adds a touch of freshness and crunch. It’s a hearty and flavorful side that adds a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
The Mac and Cheese Side
While Boston Market offers a classic Mac and Cheese, the premium version often features a richer, more decadent cheese sauce and sometimes includes added toppings like bacon or a blend of gourmet cheeses. This elevates the simple comfort food to a new level of indulgence.
The key to a good mac and cheese is the cheese sauce, and Boston Market’s premium version typically uses a blend of cheeses that create a complex and satisfying flavor. The addition of bacon or other toppings adds another layer of flavor and texture, making it a truly irresistible side.
The Loaded Mashed Potatoes Side
Taking the classic mashed potatoes to the next level, the Loaded Mashed Potatoes side adds a medley of toppings, such as cheddar cheese, bacon pieces, and green onions, transforming a simple side into a flavor-packed experience.
This side is all about texture and flavor contrast. The creamy mashed potatoes are complemented by the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, the saltiness of the bacon, and the freshness of the green onions. It’s a hearty and satisfying side that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little bit of everything.
The Fresh Vegetable Medley Side
For a lighter and healthier premium side option, the Fresh Vegetable Medley offers a mix of seasonal vegetables, often including broccoli, carrots, green beans, and bell peppers. These vegetables are typically steamed or roasted to perfection, retaining their natural flavors and nutrients.
The key to a good vegetable medley is to ensure the vegetables are cooked properly – tender-crisp, not mushy. Boston Market’s version usually achieves this balance, delivering a healthy and flavorful side that’s perfect for those watching their calorie intake.
The Garlic Dill New Potatoes Side
These are small, round potatoes, often red-skinned, tossed with garlic, dill, and other herbs. They offer a more sophisticated flavor profile than plain mashed or roasted potatoes.
The garlic and dill provide a fragrant and savory flavor that complements the earthy potatoes. This is a simple yet elegant side that adds a touch of sophistication to any meal. The use of new potatoes ensures a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
A Comparative Analysis of Taste and Texture
Each premium side offers a unique sensory experience. The Creamy Spinach Artichoke is smooth and rich, while the Sweet Corn Succotash provides a burst of textures and flavors. The Loaded Mashed Potatoes are creamy and savory, and the Fresh Vegetable Medley offers a refreshing crunch. The Garlic Dill New Potatoes offer an earthy, herby counterpoint. Understanding these differences can help you choose the perfect side to complement your main course.
Nutritional Considerations
While these premium sides offer enhanced flavor and indulgence, it’s important to consider their nutritional content. Generally, premium sides tend to be higher in calories, fat, and sodium compared to the classic sides. The Creamy Spinach Artichoke and Loaded Mashed Potatoes, for example, are richer in calories and fat due to their cheese and bacon content. The Fresh Vegetable Medley is the healthiest option, offering a good source of vitamins and fiber.
Always check the Boston Market website or in-store nutritional information for the most up-to-date details on each side dish. This will allow you to make informed choices that align with your dietary needs and preferences.
The Value Proposition: Are Premium Sides Worth the Price?
The question of whether premium sides are “worth it” is ultimately a matter of personal preference and budget. They undoubtedly offer a more flavorful and indulgent experience compared to the classic sides, but they also come at a slightly higher cost.
Consider your priorities when making your decision. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, the classic sides might be a better choice. However, if you’re willing to spend a little extra for enhanced flavor and variety, the premium sides are definitely worth exploring.
Pairing Premium Sides with Boston Market Entrees
The key to a satisfying Boston Market meal is to choose sides that complement your entree. Here are some suggestions for pairing premium sides with popular entrees:
- Rotisserie Chicken: The Sweet Corn Succotash or Fresh Vegetable Medley would be excellent choices, providing a balance of sweetness and freshness. The Garlic Dill New Potatoes also pairs excellently with rotisserie chicken.
- Meatloaf: The Loaded Mashed Potatoes or Creamy Spinach Artichoke would provide a comforting and indulgent complement.
- Turkey: The Sweet Corn Succotash or Garlic Dill New Potatoes would be a great choice, enhancing the savory flavor of the turkey.
- Vegetarian Options: The Creamy Spinach Artichoke or Mac and Cheese (premium version) can serve as a satisfying and flavorful vegetarian main course when paired with a salad or other vegetable-based sides.
Seasonal Variations and Limited-Time Offerings
Boston Market occasionally introduces seasonal variations and limited-time offerings for their premium sides. These variations often feature ingredients that are in season, such as butternut squash in the fall or asparagus in the spring. Keep an eye out for these special offerings, as they provide an opportunity to try new and exciting flavor combinations.
Tips for Ordering and Customizing
When ordering premium sides at Boston Market, don’t be afraid to ask questions about the ingredients and preparation methods. The staff should be able to provide you with more detailed information about each side, helping you make an informed decision.
While customization options may be limited, you can sometimes request modifications, such as omitting certain ingredients or adding extra cheese. It never hurts to ask!
The Future of Premium Sides at Boston Market
As consumer tastes evolve, Boston Market is likely to continue innovating and expanding its premium side offerings. We can expect to see new and exciting flavor combinations, as well as healthier and more globally-inspired options. The focus will likely remain on using high-quality ingredients and creating sides that complement the restaurant’s signature rotisserie chicken and other homestyle entrees.
What defines a “premium” side at Boston Market, and how does it differ from their standard sides?
Boston Market’s “premium” sides typically refer to options that are made with higher-quality ingredients, involve more complex preparation methods, or offer unique flavor profiles compared to their standard side offerings. These sides aim to elevate the dining experience beyond the typical fast-casual experience, providing a restaurant-quality taste and texture.
While standard sides might be familiar and comforting classics, the premium sides often feature artisanal ingredients or more sophisticated cooking techniques, resulting in richer flavors and textures. This distinction justifies the slightly higher price point associated with the premium options, appealing to customers seeking a more indulgent side dish.
Are Boston Market’s premium sides worth the extra cost, considering the portion size and flavor compared to standard sides?
Whether the premium sides are “worth it” depends on individual preferences and priorities. The extra cost translates to a perceived increase in quality, complexity, and overall enjoyment for many diners. If you prioritize flavor exploration and appreciate artisanal ingredients, the premium sides likely offer good value.
However, if you are more concerned with quantity and value per dollar, or are satisfied with the traditional flavors of the standard sides, then sticking to the regular options might be more economical. Consider your personal preferences and budget when deciding between the standard and premium side selections.
Which premium side at Boston Market is generally considered the most popular and why?
While popularity can vary regionally and change over time, the loaded mashed potatoes are frequently cited as a customer favorite premium side. They usually involve adding toppings like cheese, bacon, and chives to creamy mashed potatoes, creating a decadent and satisfying combination.
The appeal of the loaded mashed potatoes lies in their familiar yet elevated flavor profile. The combination of comforting mashed potatoes with savory and flavorful toppings provides a rich and textural experience that many find irresistible, making it a consistently popular choice among Boston Market customers.
Can you describe some of the unique ingredients or cooking methods that distinguish Boston Market’s premium sides?
Boston Market often uses higher-quality dairy products like real butter and cream in their premium sides to enhance richness and flavor. They may also incorporate ingredients like artisan cheeses, roasted vegetables, or gourmet seasonings to create more complex flavor profiles than their standard offerings.
Cooking methods used for premium sides sometimes include roasting, which brings out natural sweetness in vegetables, or slow-cooking techniques for tenderizing ingredients. These methods often require more time and attention than simpler preparation techniques, contributing to the premium quality and flavor.
Do the premium sides at Boston Market cater to any specific dietary needs or preferences, such as vegetarian or gluten-free?
Some of Boston Market’s premium sides may be suitable for certain dietary preferences, but it is crucial to check the ingredient list and nutritional information for each item to ensure it aligns with your specific needs. While some vegetable-based sides may be naturally vegetarian, others might contain meat-based ingredients like bacon or chicken broth.
Similarly, while some sides might appear gluten-free based on their primary ingredients, cross-contamination during preparation is always a possibility. Individuals with strict dietary restrictions should always confirm the absence of allergens or unwanted ingredients with a Boston Market employee before ordering.
How frequently does Boston Market update or change its premium side offerings?
Boston Market periodically updates its menu, including the selection of premium sides, although the frequency can vary. These updates may be influenced by seasonal ingredient availability, customer feedback, and the desire to introduce new and exciting flavor combinations.
Keep an eye out for limited-time offerings or seasonal specials that might feature unique premium side dishes. Regularly checking the Boston Market website or app for menu updates is the best way to stay informed about any changes or additions to their premium side selections.
What tips can you offer for maximizing value when ordering premium sides at Boston Market?
Consider ordering a family meal that includes a selection of sides, as this can often provide a more economical way to try multiple premium options compared to ordering them individually. Look for promotional deals or coupons that may offer discounts on premium sides or bundles.
Pay attention to portion sizes and consider sharing a larger premium side with a friend or family member to reduce individual costs. Also, check online reviews and customer feedback to get insights into which premium sides offer the best flavor and value for money before making your selection.