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

Thanksgiving is all about coming together—it’s the perfect time to celebrate friends, family, and, most of all, the food. As a former Trader Joe’s Crew Member, it’s one of my favorite times to gobble up the delicious, seasonal favorites that TJ’s rolls out each 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 feast without spending countless hours in the kitchen.

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

Appetizers

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

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Bites

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

Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese

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

Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas

These bite-sized samosas are the perfect way to add a little spice to your Thanksgiving lineup. With a crispy outer-shell stuffed with spiced pumpkin, this appetizer brings a bit of a kick that complements the holiday flavors perfectly. I like to include these in my spreads to offer my heat seeking guests something a little different, but everyone seems to love them! Try pairing them with a yogurt dip or chutney to help round out the flavors.

Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps

Light, crunchy, and bursting with autumn flavors, these crisps are the perfect pairing for any cheese or dip at your gathering. Made with real pumpkin and studded with dried cranberries, they bring a hint of sweetness that complements savory spreads. These crisps are the perfect addition to any charcuterie board—they’re sturdy enough for scooping, but delicate enough to snack on solo. They’re a simple, flavorful addition to any Thanksgiving gathering.

Mains and Sides

Vegans and vegetarians will be happy to know that Trader Joe’s has a bevy of suitable mains and sides to choose from. Of course there are also plenty of choices for meat-eaters, too.

Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast

This Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast is a dream come true for vegetarians and vegans, yet, it’s so satisfying even meat lovers will enjoy it! Loaded with wild rice, cranberries, and veggies, then coated in a crispy, herbed breading, this plant-based roast brings the full holiday flavor. Plus, it even comes with its own vegan gravy—just slice, heat, and drizzle for a hearty dish your plant-based peeps (and meat lovers) will be all over.

Cornbread Stuffing

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the stuffing—and this cornbread stuffing from Trader Joe’s makes it easy to serve up the classic side dish without all the work. Made from a base of fluffy cornbread croutons and seasoned with parsley, sage, and a touch of thyme, this stuffing has the classic savory-herb taste everyone knows and loves. Just heat it up, and it’s ready to pair with your favorite main dish (or sneak into a leftover sandwich).

Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli

Who says you can’t have ravioli at Thanksgiving? Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli brings a sweet and savory combo that’s sure to turn some heads at the dinner table. Each piece is packed with pumpkin and ricotta, with hints of honey, brown sugar, and molasses, all wrapped in pasta that’s as delicious as it is vibrant. These only need a quick boil, and I prefer 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 doesn’t disappoint. The Thanksgiving offerings are especially delicious, and are bound to delight your holiday guests.

Nantucket Style Cranberry Pie

Bring a 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 delightful 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 holiday desserts. Simply warm it in the oven or let it defrost at room temperature, then serve with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for the perfect finish that’ll leave guests begging for a second slice.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Croissants are a personal favorite of mine, as they bring together the best of both worlds—a crisp flaky pastry and rich pumpkin filling. It’s truly the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, encased in buttery layers. Simply pop these in the oven, and they’re ready to serve for an impressive dessert you might even be able to pass off as homemade! They’re my personal go-to 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 ever want in a fall dessert. It’s creamy, rich, and infused with the sweetness of real maple syrup, and even a sprinkle of sea salt. While it’s incredible on its own, I personally love adding a scoop to top a slice of warm apple pie fresh out of the oven. Not an apple pie fan? Try topping this ice cream with a sprinkle of nuts for an added crunch.