8 Trader Joe's Holiday Picks That Save You Time in the Kitchen

Planning a holiday gathering soon—whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or another seasonal celebration? Your to-do list might be a mile long. While the menu may already be set, remember that Trader Joe's can take some of the load off your shoulders. The popular grocery store is known for its creative and affordable items, and their holiday collection this year is no different. From starters to sweets, we’ve highlighted some of TJ’s best offerings to make hosting a breeze. These seasonal treats are not only tasty and easy to prepare but will also save you valuable kitchen time, letting you focus on enjoying your guests.

Savory Squash Puff Bites

Impress your guests at the holiday gathering with a box of these mouthwatering pastry bites. A brand-new offering this year, these easy-to-make appetizers are already gaining popularity, with people urging you to 'run, not walk' to get a box. Made with flaky puff pastry, a combination of squashes, and a variety of cheeses like Parmesan and feta, these little treats are as delicious as they are simple. For the crispiest texture, pop them in the air fryer or oven.

Harvest Apple Salad Kit

Although salad can sometimes be overlooked during the holiday season, it remains a popular choice as it provides a refreshing green option amidst a sea of hearty, carb-rich dishes. This convenient salad kit simplifies the process, featuring mixed greens, shredded Unexpected Cheddar Cheese from TJ's, cinnamon-spiced dried apple chips, and crunchy pecan pieces. It even comes with apple vinaigrette, allowing you to toss and serve a deliciously simple salad to start off your holiday meal.

Potatoes are an essential side dish at any holiday celebration, but they can sometimes be a source of stress when trying to cook them just right. Ease your holiday dinner prep with Scallopini Potatoes, which only need reheating. In minutes, you'll have a delectable side of tender, layered potatoes smothered in a rich, savory cream sauce, topped with gooey, melted cheese.

Scallopini Potatoes are a must-have side dish for any holiday meal. These layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes are both delicious and stress-free, as they only require reheating to serve. In no time, you'll have a rich and flavorful side that will be a hit at your table.

Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish

For those who aren't fans of cranberry sauce, you can easily add a touch of holiday flavor to your meal with Trader Joe’s Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish. This zesty topping is made with a blend of chopped oranges, whole cranberries, sugar, and water, and it pairs beautifully with turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meal.

Brined Bone-In Half Turkey Breast

Whether you're serving a small crowd or just need extra turkey for your guests, the Brined Bone-In Half Turkey Breast from Trader Joe’s is a convenient choice. Fully cooked and ready to reheat, the turkey is marinated in a savory brine of salt, sugar, black pepper, and garlic-herb butter, ensuring a flavorful and juicy meal. It's the perfect shortcut to avoid the hassle of cooking a whole turkey.

Cornbread Stuffing Mix

If you've ever enjoyed cornbread stuffing, you know how flavorful it can be. However, it's quite a hassle to make, requiring a variety of spices and chopped ingredients. This Cornbread Stuffing Mix makes the process much simpler, already containing chunks of cornbread and toasted white bread, along with mild celery, button mushrooms, aromatic garlic, onions, and classic herbs like oregano and sage. To prepare this traditional side, just mix the ingredients with butter and water, and cook it on the stovetop or in the oven. For a personalized touch, you can add pecans, dried cranberries, or even sausage crumbles to enhance your stuffing.

Butter with Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup

This compound butter is made from butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup, making it an ideal addition to many holiday dishes. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles to delight your overnight guests, or use it to elevate roasted carrots or sweet potatoes, bringing a new level of flavor to these classic holiday sides.

Teeny Tiny Apple Pies

While Trader Joe’s offers pumpkin pie, we recommend skipping that seasonal favorite in favor of these tiny treats. These individual pies may be small, but their size makes them perfect for serving individually plated desserts during the holidays. Each pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a cinnamon-spiced apple mixture and topped with a delightful brown sugar crumble. Buy a few extra boxes – your guests are sure to ask for more!