10 Trader Joe's Purchases You 100% Need To Have A Small (But Delicious) Thanksgiving
Having a solo Thanksgiving this year? Here are some personal-sized items that are worth buying!
%20Thanksgiving&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimg.buzzfeed.com%2Fbuzzfeed-static%2Fstatic%2F2020-11%2F12%2F20%2Fcampaign_images%2F78440aafbade%2Fthese-are-the-thanksgiving-items-that-are-100-wor-2-2849-1605212082-14_dblbig.jpg){kind=link}
Among other things, 2020 has made us rethink the ways we celebrate with people. We've shifted to Zoom birthday parties and stayed in to celebrate graduations and anniversaries. With the holidays coming up, many of us won't be attending large gatherings to continue to practice social distancing, but that doesn't mean the holidays are canceled. If you're not cooking for a large group this year, you can still enjoy a delicious meal with these incredible Trader Joe's items. (Trust me — I've already tried them!)
1. You've heard of Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, but Everything but the Leftovers is a *MUST HAVE* for Thanksgiving cooking.
View this photo on Instagram
Here's one pro tip I recommend for Trader Joe's Thanksgiving shopping: stay away from those frozen/bagged mashed potatoes and mashed sweet potatoes and just boil and mash potatoes yourself. Then add this seasoning to your mashed potatoes. It HITS. Trust me. It's also great for green beans and Brussels sprouts!
2. But do go with this frozen item: the seasonal butternut squash mac 'n' cheese.
View this photo on Instagram
Going through with making homemade mac 'n' cheese is a lot of effort if you're cooking for 1–2 people, and poppin' this baby in the microwave or oven is soooo easy. And it's incredibly tasty.
3. The vegetable holiday hash has nearly everything you need to create some stellar stuffing.
View this photo on Instagram
The work is already done for you! And it's so good! If you're considering making stuffing, all you need is whatever stuffing mixture you prefer. I'm all about throwing some apples in there, too.
4. Roasted Brussels sprouts have become one of my favorite sides, and the TJ's glaze and bacon takes it to the next level.
View this photo on Instagram
Everything you see here creates the perfect side. A mix of sweet and savory, you'll basically forget you're eating vegetables.
5. If you're looking for a small serving of winter veggies that'll act as a perfect side that requires absolutely no work, get the roasted vegetables.
View this photo on Instagram
And it's vegan! You get a variety of seasonal vegetables that pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving meal. Delish.
6. The savory corn pie was something that sounded interesting, and when I tried it, it did not disappoint.
View this photo on Instagram
Again, a SUPER-easy side that's soo tasty. All you gotta do is pop it in the oven and serve! I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but I loved all the flavors.
7. If you're considering appetizers before the main meal, I 100% recommend picking up a box of the Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps.
View this photo on Instagram
These pair well with so many cheeses — and also cranberry spread! The only downside is that TJ's doesn't carry them year round.
8. We can't forget about the main course! This frozen turkey and stuffing en croute exceeded my expectations.
View this photo on Instagram
There's also a vegan option! For about $12, you get a main course and it is TENDER and TASTY. It also comes with gravy and cranberry sauce, so you won't need to buy those separately. This needs to thaw for a full 24 hours in your fridge before you pop it in your oven for an hour. It's 1,000% worth it if cooking a giant turkey isn't doable this year.
9. The Honeycrisp Apple Juice is indeed *sparkling* and is the perfect and simple way to make a seasonal mimosa.
View this photo on Instagram
Listen, it's been a rough 2020. The least we can do is cheers for making it through this far, and what better way to indulge than with a fall-flavored mimosa? It's worth buying.
10. Finally, dessert! These mini Hold the Cone treats come in many different flavors, but the pumpkin ginger is their seasonal one.
View this photo on Instagram
Do I still recommend making pie? Yes. Is there such thing as too much dessert? No. That's why grabbing a box of these should be on your list. So tiny, but so much flavor!