Seattle Family Calendar
Subscribe
Simple pleasures for a simple holiday season
Thanksgiving is a big deal and we’re all excited to spend time with family and friends this year but we probably don’t want to waste too much time in the kitchen. Thankfully, you can buy some perfectly delicious appetizers, classic sides and impressive-looking desserts at your local store. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites from Trader Joe’s — so you get to spend less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your family.
Use the arrows above the image to see all the tasty ideas.
Autumn vegetable and white bean gratin
What’s a surefire way to get kids to eat veggies? Cover them with cheese. Autumn vegetable and white bean gratin is a combination of roasted vegetables, including cauliflower, butternut squash and kale, covered with rich white cheddar cheese. White beans make this side even more hearty and add to the delicious creamy texture. If your oven is spoken for between turkey and pies, no worries with this dish. Heat this in the microwave for four minutes and you are ready to serve.
Turkey gravy
Sometimes the finishing touches of a meal can be more stressful than satisfying to prepare. To beat that last minute cooking panic, try picking up this turkey gravy that can go from shelf-to-table in moments. Heat it up as is, or throw it on the stove and add a few spices of your own to give it your personal flare. Either way, this stuff can be a life saver.
Cranberry sauce that tastes homemade
If you are looking for a cranberry sauce shortcut that’s not in the shape of a can, this is your solution. This fresh cranberry sauce is made with whole cranberries cooked with water and sugar. They also offer fresh cranberry orange relish, if you like your cranberries with a tangy twist.
Pre-made stuffing mixes
Cut corners this holiday season and use one of TJ’s pre-made stuffing mixes. The classic version includes toasted white bread and cornbread croutons; for your gluten-free family members, TJ’s offers a stuffing mix of croutons made from various gluten-free flours. Enjoy in your turkey, or serve either stuffing on the side.
Brined turkey breast
For cozy family celebrations, this brined bone-in half turkey breast fully cooked is a great option. The vegetarians and vegans in your crew will love TJ’s turkey-less stuffed roast with gravy as a perfect Thanksgiving dinner centerpiece without the meat!
Apple pie
Did you leave room for dessert? If so, you’ll want to pick up this apple crumble pie. With a filling made of tender Northern Spy apples and a buttery oat crumble on top, this pie is sure to satisfy. If you are craving another type of pie, you can pick up some premade pie crusts and make your own favorite. If fruit-filled pies aren’t your idea of dessert, check out the autumnal pie truffles. Each “slice” is a chocolate confection shaped like a piece of pie. Yes, please.
Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a must–have on many Thanksgiving tables. Skip the work of peeling, boiling and mashing with this frozen alternative! These potatoes are mashed and quick frozen to retain their freshness, quality and flavor.
Cranberry chèvre
I think we can all agree that — after yet another crazy year — it’s completely acceptable to eat a block of cheese. Select your favorite crackers and enjoy this cranberry chèvre with the family, or buy a few so you can each hog your own.
Bonus: gingerbread turkey trot cookie decorating kit
While you are cooking and getting ready for Thanksgiving you need something to keep the kids busy. Turn off those screens and hand them the gingerbread turkey trot cookie decorating kit, which includes four turkey shaped cookies to decorate, pre-made icing, colored candy beads and sprinkles.
We used one of these kits at a recent celebration (when it was one large cookie to assemble — the four smaller cookies look more manageable), and while their creation didn’t look exactly like the box, it kept kids busy and entertained.
Find more Thanksgiving products on Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving page.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in November 2020, and updated in November 2022. Nicole Persun, Vicky McDonald and Kari Hanson contributed to this article.
