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

Thanksgiving is all about gathering—it’s the perfect time to celebrate friends, family, and most importantly, food. As a former Trader Joe’s crew member, one of my favorite times is devouring the delicious, seasonal favorites that TJ’s releases each year. From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, Trader Joe’s has mastered the art of holiday flavors, offering everything you need to create a memorable feast without spending countless hours in the kitchen.

As a former Trader Joe’s employee, these are the ten items I bring 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

Perfectly crispy on the outside, deliciously creamy on the inside, these macaroni and cheese bites are sure to add a cozy vibe to your appetizer spread. Butternut squash offers a sweet, seasonal touch that will be a hit at any gathering. I love popping them in the oven for a quick, filling snack that guests can grab quickly while they’re mingling. Be sure to save a few for yourself, they won’t last long!

Cranberry chèvre goat cheese

Creamy, tangy and full of delicious, festive cranberries. This goat cheese is a must-have on any charcuterie board at Thanksgiving. The cranberry coating not only adds a touch of sweetness to the cheese, but also gives it a vibrant color, making it both delicious and eye-catching. I like to spread this cheese on a cracker or baguette slice to effortlessly add some elegance to your appetizer table.

Mini spicy pumpkin samosas

These bite-sized samosas are the perfect way to add some spice to your Thanksgiving menu. With a crispy outer shell filled with spiced pumpkin, this appetizer adds a special kick that perfectly complements the festive flavors. I like to add them to my spreads to give my heat-hungry guests some variety, but everyone seems to love them! Try pairing them with a yogurt dip or chutney to round out the flavor.

Pumpkin cranberry chips

Light, crunchy, and full of fall flavors, these chips are the perfect addition to any cheese or dip at your gathering. Made with real pumpkin and studded with dried cranberries, they add a touch of sweetness that goes well with savory spreads. These chips are the perfect addition to any charcuterie board – they’re sturdy enough to scoop, but tender enough to snack on on their own. They’re an easy, flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Main dishes and side dishes

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know that Trader Joe’s has a wide variety of entrees and side dishes to choose from. Of course, there is also a large selection for meat eaters.

Breaded stuffed roast without turkey

This breaded turkey stuffed roast is a dream come true for vegetarians and vegans, but it’s so filling that even meat lovers will enjoy it! Loaded with wild rice, cranberries, and veggies and then coated in a crispy herb breading, this plant-based roast packs all the holiday flavor. What’s more, it even has its own vegan sauce – just slice, heat and drizzle on top and you’ll have a hearty dish that will have your plant lovers (and meat lovers) on their heels.

Cornbread stuffing

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without stuffing—and this cornbread stuffing from Trader Joe’s makes it easy to serve the classic side dish without the hassle. This filling is made from fluffy cornbread croutons and seasoned with parsley, sage, and a touch of thyme. It has the classic savory herbal taste that everyone knows and loves. Just heat it up and you’re ready to pair it with your favorite main dish (or sneak it into a leftover sandwich).

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Who says you can’t have ravioli on Thanksgiving? Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli offers a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to turn heads at the dinner table. Each piece is packed with pumpkin and ricotta, with hints of honey, brown sugar and molasses, all wrapped in a pasta that is as delicious as it is vibrant. These only require a quick simmer and I prefer to serve them with a drizzle of browned butter or some sage for 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 doesn’t disappoint. The Thanksgiving specialties that will delight your holiday guests are particularly delicious.

Nantucket-Style Cranberry Pie

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

Pumpkin cheesecake croissants

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants are one of my personal favorites because they combine the best of both worlds – a crispy puff pastry and a rich pumpkin filling. It really is the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, coated in buttery layers. Just pop them in the oven and they’re ready to serve for an impressive dessert that you might even be able to pass off as homemade! They’re my personal choice for a sweet ending that’s 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 incredibly delicious on its own, I personally love adding a scoop to a slice of warm apple pie fresh out of the oven. Not an apple pie fan? Try sprinkling this ice cream with a sprinkle of nuts to make it even crunchier.