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12 Trader Joe’s dishes you need at your Friendsgiving

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Cal Poly chapter.

With the quarter flying by, it’s time to set aside time with your friends for the perfect Thanksgiving celebration. Let’s be real, as college students, none of us have time to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal while also studying  for finals. So, this is the perfect time to rely on Trader Joes for your perfect get together.

Harvest Grain Salad

This is a healthy and light way to start  a big meal to come. This salad is nice because it has all the mix ins you need without having to buy anything extra.

Butternut Squash Parmigiana

A yummy start to a fantastic meal. It’s as easy as bake, cut and serve.

Turkey and Stuffing Kettle Chips

This is a fun and unique appetizer to put out  as your guests are arriving.

Turkey and Stuffing En Croute

This is basically your perfect turkey in a box. We all know that this main dish item is the hardest part of the meal and Trader Joe’s has got us covered. CRISIS AVERTED!!!

Breaded Turkey-less Stuffed Roast with Gravy

This is the perfect main dish for  our vegetarian and vegan friends. You can even pair this with the vegan gravy from Trader Joe’s.

Cornbread Stuffing Mix

One of the easiest side dishes that will for sure be a crowd pleaser.

Frozen Mashed Potatoes or Mashed Sweet Potato

This is a classic dish without all the work it takes to prepare it. Run into the frozen section and grab them while they’re still there!

Vegetables of your choice

Maybe some green beans, butternut squash, broccoli… the possibilities are endless. Pick your favorite vegetable and roll with it. 

Turkey Gingerbread Kit

This is a fun kit to decorate with your guests after the large meal or before to use as decoration for the holidays.

Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll

As you are eating your meal, pop these in the oven to get house smelling amazing and your guests ready for dessert.

Pumpkin bread mix or the gluten-free mix

This mix is super easy to make and can be used for guest to take home with them or after the meal. This is perfect for your gluten-free friends.

Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Cheesecake or both!

This is a Thanksgiving staple that is a must-have at your friendsgiving. If you are wanting to mix it up grab the cheesecake, or honestly both.

Don’t let a busy schedule ruin your friendsgiving, rely on Trader Joe’s this holiday season and enjoy this quality time with your friends.

Lauryn Luescher

Cal Poly '22

Lauryn is a third year student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, majoring in Journalism and concentrating in Public Relations and minoring in marketing and ethnic studies. She loves going to the beach, hammocking, writing and exploring San Luis Obispo. This year Lauryn is the Senior Editor for Her Campus Cal Poly and spends her free time writing and editing. Lauryn also works with New Student and Transition Programs at Cal Poly and loves orienting new students to college. After college, Lauryn hopes to work for a PR agency or do PR for a food company.
Hi I'm Lauren! I am the Campus Correspondent at Cal Poly, SLO. I am studying journalism and hope to have a career in TV broadcasting. When I'm not running around campus with a camera interviewing people, you can find me watching makeup tutorials on Youtube. I LOVE anything beauty or skincare related and I'm always looking for new makeup products! Follow me to see makeup looks, sunset pictures in SLO and all my friends! (Oh and I have some funny tweets too!)