- With Thanksgiving around the corner, a well-planned trip to Costco can save you time, money and your peace of mind.
- From premade dips and pies to pantry staples like vanilla extract and potatoes, these finds can make your Thanksgiving dinner one to remember.
- A little planning and smart shopping can ease the stress and help you focus on good company.
You’d think that after years of cooking for a living, I’d have Thanksgiving down to a science. But every year, I still find myself staring down at the sheer volume of prep work and feeling a little overwhelmed—especially with two young kids hanging around the kitchen.
My secret weapon? Costco. It’s basically a sous chef in warehouse form, and like any good sous, it gives me some room to breathe.
With a few of their in-store essentials, I’ve streamlined my shopping, cut down on prep time, saved some money and still managed to serve a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. With the holidays just around the corner, here are a few my go-to Costco finds that make Thanksgiving a breeze.
La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeño Dip & Spread
Costco. EatingWell design.
31 oz. for $10.20, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
I’ve built plenty of appetizer boards from Costco’s cheese and cracker aisles, but when I want something I can just set down and walk away from, I’ll grab La Terra Fina’s Cranberry Jalapeño Dip. It’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet and has just enough kick to wake everyone’s appetite. The best part? The only prep work involved is peeling back the lid, which comes in handy when I’m already juggling the main course.
To elevate it, I like to spoon it into a pretty bowl or spread it over a warm block of baked Brie. Then I surround it with buttery crackers, toasted crostini, pita chips, crisp celery sticks, bell peppers, carrots and cucumber rounds. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-reward start to your Thanksgiving feast.
Kirkland Signature Organic Green Beans
Costco. EatingWell design.
5 lbs. for $11.34, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
A Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without green beans, and Kirkland Signature Organic Green Beans are a practical, budget-friendly option. This 5-pound organic bag provides about 27 servings and comes ready to cook, saving both time and money. They come prewashed, cook evenly and keep their vibrant color no matter how I cook them.
For some quick and easy sides, try roasting them with olive oil, garlic and a squeeze of lemon, or sautéing them with a bit of butter and slivered almonds. Want to make them a true star? Whip up a healthy and delicious green bean casserole.
Kirkland Signature Butter Dinner Rolls
Costco. EatingWell design.
30-count for $7.93, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Skip the homemade rolls this year—you don’t need that stress—and I say that as a proud baker who considers bread one of my love languages. Kirkland Signature Butter Dinner Rolls are everything you want them to be: soft, golden, buttery and ready in minutes.
At less than $8 for 30 rolls, they’re an easy win. To dress them up, warm them in a low oven and brush with melted butter for a little extra shine. They’re not only a perfect Thanksgiving side but also the ideal base for next-day turkey and cranberry sliders (arguably the best part of the holiday!).
Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine & Rub Kit
Costco. EatingWell design.
$7.37 per kit, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
If the idea of brining a turkey intimidates you, the Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine & Rub Kit makes it practically foolproof. This genius kit takes the guesswork out by including everything you need for a flavorful, juicy bird: a spiced brine blend, a smoky peppercorn-and-herb rub and a heavy-duty, BPA-free brining bag to hold it all.
Everything comes premeasured, so there’s no guesswork or last-minute grocery store scavenger hunts for spices you’ll use once and forget. It’s also a huge time-saver, with straightforward, step-by-step directions right on the package. At under $8, it’s one of the smartest ways to avoid dreaded dry turkey.
Kevin’s Turkey Gravy
Costco. EatingWell design.
48 oz. for $11.34, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Gravy can make or break Thanksgiving dinner—and if you’ve ever tried whisking a roux while guests hover nearby, you know how stressful it can be. Enter Kevin’s Turkey Gravy: it’s rich, velvety and honestly tastes homemade.
It’s made by simmering turkey breast in turkey stock, water and seasonings, plus chicken fat, butter and cream for depth and flavor. Making it is a breeze: just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Want a touch of homemade flair? Let it simmer with some of your turkey’s pan drippings.
Each container provides 29 servings, so you’ll likely have leftovers. It’s a total no-brainer for saving time and money without compromising flavor.
Organic Gold Potatoes
Costco. EatingWell design.
10 lbs. for $6.70, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
In my opinion, Thanksgiving dinner can’t happen without boatloads of mashed potatoes. Luckily, Costco carries a 10-pound bag of gold potatoes, which is the kind of deal that makes me a little giddy.
Gold potatoes are my go-to for mashing because they have a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture, which makes it easy to achieve a luscious consistency without a ton of add-ins. They’re also far more forgiving than russets, so if you forget to drain them right away—oops, been there—they’ll still turn out smooth instead of gluey. Their skins are also thin enough that I usually skip peeling. After a thorough scrub, the skin adds a little texture and fiber, and perhaps most importantly, it’s one less thing to do on an already busy day.
Kirkland Pure Vanilla Extract
Costco. EatingWell design.
16 fl. oz. for $11.34, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Pure vanilla extract is one of those ingredients that’s rarely a bargain, which is why Kirkland’s 16-ounce Pure Vanilla Extract is such a smart buy. For just over $11, you get a large bottle of real, high-quality vanilla with a deep, complex, floral flavor—essential for great holiday baking.
It’s perfect for holiday desserts like pies, cookies and custards, or even to liven up your coffee or oatmeal for a cozy twist. Even better, the large size means you won’t run out midseason—or maybe even for the whole year. Considering most grocery store bottles cost nearly the same for half the size, this is one pantry investment that will pay off long past Thanksgiving.
Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie
Costco. EatingWell design.
$6.80 per 12-serving pie, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Listen, in a dream world, we’d make everything from scratch. But with a laundry list of prep, sometimes buying premade not only saves your sanity, but also tastes pretty great. Take Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie: it’s a classic for a reason.
At just $6.80 for a 12-serving pie, that works out to be around $0.57 a serving. Plus, its rich, delicious flavor will have everyone begging for seconds.
If you prefer homemade pumpkin pie, Costco also stocks budget-friendly pumpkin purees. Options vary by location, but Green Valley’s Organic Pumpkin Puree or Libby’s Pumpkin Puree are both excellent choices.
Organic Pre-Cut Butternut Squash
Costco. EatingWell design.
2 lbs. for $7.37, from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Looking for a major time-saver? Grab Costco’s pre-cut butternut squash. Peeling and dicing a whole squash is a chore, and one that requires a sharp knife, serious arm strength and a tolerance for mild danger. Costco’s ready-to-go version lets you skip straight to the roasting or soup-making.
The pieces are cut evenly, so they cook uniformly whether you’re caramelizing them in the oven or simmering in broth. Their naturally sweet, nutty flavor makes them a versatile base for savory sides, purees and soups. Toss with olive oil and maple syrup for an easy side dish, or mash with butter and sage as an alternative to mashed potatoes. They’re a key shortcut to keep your Thanksgiving meal more wholesome and efficient.
Shopping Tips
As a recipe developer, I’ve learned that organization is everything, especially around the holidays. I always divide my holiday shopping into three lists to help keep on top of things, prevent last-minute panic runs and guarantee the freshest ingredients when it matters most. Here’s what it looks like:
- Shelf-Stable Items. I like to stock up on nonperishable items like vanilla extract, nuts and spices well in advance. The holidays are already expensive, so spreading out the cost helps keep things manageable.
- Long-Lasting Produce. Some produce can last weeks, so I like to stock up early. I keep staples like potatoes, squash, garlic and onions on hand rather than buying them last-minute.
- Perishable, Delicate Items. High water-content foods like fresh herbs, greens and berries are best purchased just a few days before Thanksgiving to retain their freshness.
Cooking Tips
- Have a Few Backups on Hand. We all want everything to go smoothly on the big day, but if something goes sideways or you suddenly have extra guests, keeping a few emergency items in the freezer—like premade pie crusts, dinner rolls or an extra bag of cranberries—can save the day.
- Plan for Reheating, Not Just Cooking. On Thanksgiving Day, think of yourself as the conductor, not a short-order cook. Many dishes reheat beautifully, including mashed potatoes, stuffing and gravy. You can make them ahead and focus on finishing and warming things through instead of cooking everything from scratch.
- Use Your Oven Wisely. Your oven is prime real estate on Thanksgiving. Decide early on which dishes truly need oven space and which can be cooked elsewhere, like on the stovetop, grill, air fryer or Instant Pot.
- Take Advantage of Preorder Options. Check if your local Costco offers preorders or scheduled pickups. It’s a lifesaver for breezing past the busiest aisles and skipping the long checkout lines.
- Buy Ice and Extra Storage. Your fridge will be at full capacity, so grab a bag of ice and an inexpensive cooler. Then use it to chill drinks or store items like prepped veggies, dips or sauces. It’s the easiest way to create temporary fridge space without the (literal) meltdown.
Our Expert Take
Thanksgiving can feel much more manageable when you let a few smart shortcuts do the work for you. The goal isn’t necessarily making a perfect meal—OK, maybe you can hope for that—but making the holiday about your loved ones rather than a stress-induced frenzy. Choosing high-quality premade or bulk ingredients from Costco can help you save time, trim costs and still help you serve a meal destined to make this Thanksgiving truly memorable.
