Trader Joe’s frozen shortcuts that save Thanksgiving when the oven is full

On Thanksgiving, the oven real estate is prime. That’s where Trader Joe’s freezer and refrigerated sections bail you out. They’ve leaned into heat-and-serve sides and desserts that taste homemade but only need a sheet pan or stovetop instead of an all-day cooking session.

Here are frozen and prepared shortcuts that actually hold their own on the table while your oven is busy with turkey.

Loaded mashed potatoes

Their loaded mashed potato sides (including the newer versions and classic mashed in the freezer or fridge case) are a gift when potatoes keep tripping you up. You can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave when the oven is packed. Add extra butter, cream, or a sprinkle of chives in a serving bowl and no one is mad.

Vanilla bean whipped sweet potatoes

The vanilla bean whipped sweet potatoes combine the flavor of sweet potato casserole with the ease of a pre-made side. Warm them gently on the stove, then top with toasted pecans or mini marshmallows under the broiler for a few minutes once something comes out of the oven.

Butternut squash risotto

Frozen or prepared butternut squash risotto brings creaminess without constant stirring. Heat it on the stovetop while your turkey rests. Stir in extra parmesan and a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten it up. It works as a vegetarian main or a rich side next to turkey.

Cornbread stuffing mix

The cornbread stuffing mix cooks up in a baking dish much faster than building stuffing from scratch. If your oven is overloaded, par-bake it earlier in the day and finish it under the broiler just before dinner. You can also toss in sautéed onions, celery, or sausage to make it feel more homemade.

Herbed dinner rolls

Trader Joe’s herbed pull-apart rolls save you from mixing and proofing dough on the busiest cooking day of the year. Warm them in the oven while the turkey rests or even in an air fryer or toaster oven if your main oven is full. Brush with melted butter before serving and they look and smell like you baked from scratch.

Frozen appetizers and pastry bites

Their frozen appetizers—like brie bites, pastry-wrapped cheeses, and bite-size quiches—turn into easy starters while you’re juggling mains. Bake these earlier in the day and reheat briefly in a smaller oven or air fryer. They keep people from hovering in the kitchen asking when dinner is ready.

Nantucket-style cranberry pie or rustic apple tarte

Dessert shortcuts like the Nantucket-style cranberry pie and rustic apple tarte are freezer heroes. Bake them earlier, let them cool, and serve with whipped cream or ice cream. You’re not wrestling with pie crust while everything else is going on.

Turkey pot pie

Turkey pot pies can be a smart move if you’re hosting a smaller group or want a backup “main” that reheats easily. Bake them while your turkey rests or have them ready the next day as a zero-effort leftover dinner.

Prepared gravy

Trader Joe’s jarred or boxed gravies reheat on the stovetop and bail you out if the turkey drippings are sparse or timing is off. You can still add pan drippings for extra flavor, but you’re not stuck whisking from scratch with hungry people in the next room.

Prepped salad and slaw kits

Bagged salad kits and shaved veggie slaws don’t sound exciting, but they add crunch and something green without stealing oven time. Keep one or two kits in the fridge, toss in a handful of nuts or dried cranberries, and you’ve rounded out the table without another big cooking project.