Trader Joe’s is every college student’s holy grail when it comes to groceries, meals, and snacks. With limited kitchen appliances and cooking skills, we often rely on Trader Joe’s to keep us fed. Whether it’s frozen pasta dishes or a pizza you can just throw in the oven, Trader Joe’s is always there for us when we need a quick, easy meal. That’s why Trader Joe’s is the perfect one-stop-shop for Thanksgiving, especially if you plan on celebrating at your college. Here’s how to host a Thanksgiving in your dorm or apartment — with only Trader Joe’s items.
For around $45 — this Trader Joe’s Thanksgiving feast hits all the must-have dishes, from turkey to potatoes to dessert. It even includes a fun drink. This festive, flavor-packed dinner feeds anywhere from 3 to 4 people, but can be modified if you have more guests.
Brined Bone-In Half Turkey Breast, $25
It’s already a lot of work to cook a whole turkey in a normal kitchen, let alone in a college dorm. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has an easy solution. The Brined Bone-In Half Turkey Breast is perfect if your Thanksgiving is on the smaller side, or if your group isn’t super crazy about turkey. Not only is it small, but it comes fully cooked — no need to worry about accidentally eating raw bird. An oven is required, as you need to heat it up for 40 minutes. If you’re lucky enough to have an oven in your college living space, this is a great choice for your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s moist, juicy, and packed with flavor. It goes for $10 a pound, and is typically about 2.5 pounds.
Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes, $6
Trader Joe’s is also known for its creative food options. Why have regular mashed potatoes as a side when you can have Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes? It combines savory and sweet into a cloud-like texture. The best part? It’s ready to eat once you heat it in the microwave — no mashing required. If you have a conventional oven, you can also use that to heat up this fluffy, hearty side. It only costs $6 and is available for a limited time, so make sure to get it before it goes.
Harvest Apple Salad Kit, $4
No dinner is complete without a salad, and a Thanksgiving dinner needs a holiday-appropriate one. The Harvest Apple Salad Kit is literally autumn in a bag. With dried apple chips coated in cinnamon, arugula, and an apple vinaigrette made with savory spices and apple cider vinegar, your Thanksgiving dinner gets a refreshing balance to all the other rich, hearty dishes. Plus, no cooking is required for this delicious $4 addition to the table.
Teeny Tiny Pies, $5.49
Every Thanksgiving dinner needs a dessert to end it, and most people opt for pie. It takes skill, time, and a lot of tools to make a homemade pie — most of which college students don’t have. Thankfully, Trader Joe’s has got us covered once again. The Teeny Tiny Pies allow every guest at your Thanksgiving dinner to have their own personal pie. They come in both apple and pecan and only cost $5.49. That’s way cheaper than getting a whole pie.
Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Brew Beverage, $5
Of course, you’ll need a festive drink to wash down all these delicious (and easy) dishes at your Thanksgiving dinner. Once again, Trader Joe’s has outdone itself with the perfect holiday beverage for the table. The Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Brew is the ultimate blend of all of the essential holiday flavors. With the bold taste of ginger and the classic flavors of cranberry, this drink is a bubbly, refreshing complement to your meal. Drink it straight from the can, or combine it with other ingredients (like lime and some fresh cranberries) to make holiday mocktails. A case, which costs $5, serves four people.