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10 Best Thanksgiving Items from Trader Joe’s, According to a Former Crew Member
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10 Best Thanksgiving Items from Trader Joe’s, According to a Former Crew Member

Thanksgiving is all about coming together; it’s the perfect time to celebrate friends, family and especially the food. As a former Trader Joe’s crew member, one of my favorite times is gobbling up the delicious, seasonal favorites that TJ’s rolls out every year. From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, Trader Joe’s has mastered the art of festive flavors, offering everything you need to create a memorable celebration without spending countless hours in the kitchen.

As a former Trader Joe’s employee, these are the ten items I’m bringing to the table this Thanksgiving.

Appetizers

When it comes to appetizers, there are plenty of sweet and savory options to choose from, and they’re all ready in minutes.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Bites

Trader Joe’s


Perfectly crispy on the outside, deliciously creamy on the inside: these mac and cheese bites are sure to add a cozy feeling to your appetizer spread. Butternut squash offers a sweet, seasonal twist that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. I love popping these in the oven for a quick, satisfying snack that guests can grab quickly while mingling. Make sure you set aside a few for yourself, they won’t last long!

Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese

Trader Joe’s


Creamy, tangy and packed with delicious, festive cranberries, this goat cheese is a must-have on any charcuterie board this Thanksgiving. The cranberry coating not only adds a touch of sweetness, but also gives the cheese a vibrant color, making it both delicious and eye-catching. I love spreading this cheese on a cracker or baguette for an effortless way to add a little elegance to your appetizer table.

Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas

Trader Joe’s


These bite-sized samosas are the perfect way to add some spice to your Thanksgiving lineup. With a crispy exterior filled with spiced pumpkin, this appetizer has a kick that perfectly complements the flavors of the holidays. I like to include these in my spreads to give my heat-seeking guests something different, but everyone seems to love them! Try combining them with a yogurt dip or chutney to round out the flavors.

Pumpkin Cranberry Chips

Trader Joe’s


Light, crunchy, and packed with fall flavors, these chips are the perfect pairing for any cheese or dip at your gathering. Made with real pumpkin and studded with dried cranberries, they add a hint of sweetness that complements savory spreads. These chips are the perfect addition to any charcuterie board: they’re firm enough to scoop, but delicate enough to snack on solo. They are a simple, flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Main courses and sides

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know that Trader Joe’s has a variety of suitable entrees and sides to choose from. Of course, there is also plenty of choice for meat eaters.

Breaded turkeyless stuffed roast

Trader Joe’s


This breaded, turkey-less stuffed roast is a dream come true for vegetarians and vegans, but it’s so satisfying that even meat lovers will enjoy it! Loaded with wild rice, cranberries and veggies, then topped with a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb, this plant-based roast brings all the holiday flavor. Plus, it even comes with its own vegan gravy: just slice, heat, and drizzle for a hearty dish that your plant-based peeps (and meat lovers) will absolutely love.

Cornbread stuffing

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the filling — and this cornbread stuffing from Trader Joe’s makes it easy to serve the classic side dish without all the work. Made from a base of fluffy cornbread croutons and seasoned with parsley, sage and a hint of thyme, this filling has the classic savory herb flavor that everyone knows and loves. All you have to do is heat it up and it’s ready to pair with your favorite main course (or to take away a leftover sandwich).

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Who says you can’t eat ravioli on Thanksgiving? Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli brings a sweet and savory combination that is sure to turn heads at the dinner table. Each piece is packed with pumpkin and ricotta, with a hint of honey, brown sugar and molasses, all wrapped in paste that is as delicious as it is vibrant. These just need to be cooked quickly, and I like to serve them with a drizzle of browned butter or a bit of sage to create a warm, seasonal flavor. This is a fun and easy way to add an unexpected twist to Thanksgiving dinner.

Desserts

When it comes to desserts and sweet treats, Trader Joe’s does not disappoint. The Thanksgiving offering is particularly delicious and is sure to delight your holiday guests.

Nantucket-style cranberry pie

Bring some New England charm to the holiday table with this festive dessert. Made from a base of tart cranberries and crunchy walnut pieces, this pie is an unexpectedly delicious twist on a classic. Whether you consider it a pie, cake or cobbler, one thing is clear: it’s a refreshing break from traditionally overly sweet Christmas desserts. Simply heat it in the oven or let it thaw at room temperature, then serve it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for the perfect finish that will have guests begging for a second slice.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants

Trader Joe’s


These Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants are a personal favorite of mine because they bring the best of both worlds together: a crispy puff pastry and a rich pumpkin filling. It really is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, wrapped in buttery layers. Just pop them in the oven and they’re ready to serve for an impressive dessert that you might even pass off as homemade! They are my personal favorite for a sweet ending that is as festive as it is delicious.

Salted Maple Ice Cream

Trader Joe’s Salted Maple Ice Cream is everything you could want in a fall dessert. It’s creamy, rich and infused with the sweetness of real maple syrup and even a pinch of sea salt. While it’s incredible on its own, I personally love adding a scoop to a slice of warm apple pie, fresh from the oven. Not an apple pie fan? Try finishing this ice cream with some nuts for an extra crunch.