When it comes to Thanksgiving, Costco has become my secret weapon. Over the years, I've tried just about every festive food they offer; some good, some unforgettable, and a few that now have a permanent place on my holiday table.
Whether it's the ready-to-heat sides, bakery treats, or premium mains, Costco makes celebrating deliciously simple without spending all day in the kitchen. But one dish reigns supreme above all others, and it is a classic dessert that embodies everything I love about Thanksgiving.
Before we get to that, here are a few honorable mentions that make hosting easier, tastier, and more affordable, especially when you know a few Costco shopping hacks.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Runner Up: Kevin's Turkey Gravy
Price: $11.34
This is hands-down one of the most convenient gravies I've ever tried. Kevin's Turkey Gravy has a homemade, rich, smooth, and perfectly seasoned taste. It comes ready to heat and pour, which means no lumps or last-minute panic when the turkey's ready before your roux.
Runner Up: Austin Cake Ball Thanksgiving Collection
Price: $46.99
I'll admit, I didn't expect to love these as much as I did. The Austin Cake Ball Collection comes beautifully packaged, featuring festive fall flavors like pumpkin spice, pecan, and red velvet.
They're bite-sized, rich, and coated in smooth chocolate that doesn't overpower the cake inside. Perfect for dessert tables or as edible gifts, they look as good as they taste, and are worth the splurge.
Runner Up: Stove Top Stuffing Mix
Price: $9.59
There's no Thanksgiving without stuffing, and sometimes the simplest option really is the best. Stove Top's Turkey Stuffing Mix is quick, flavorful, and comforting, which is exactly what I want when the kitchen's already chaotic.
Costco's bulk pack ensures you'll never run out, is cheaper per unit than grocery stores like Walmart, and it tastes great on its own or dressed up with sautéed onions and celery.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Butter Dinner Rolls
Price: $7.93
Soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, these dinner rolls could be a meal all on their own. Kirkland Signature's bakery delivers big here, offering a large pack that stays fresh and fluffy for days at less than half the price per roll than Walmart's alternative. They're perfect for soaking up gravy or building mini leftover sandwiches the next day.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Pecan Halves
Price: $13.99
If you love baking or snacking, this one's a must. Kirkland's Pecan Halves are plump, fresh, and flavorful, making them perfect for topping pies, salads, or casseroles. I even toast them with cinnamon and brown sugar for a quick seasonal snack.
Runner Up: Bakery Bling Thanksgiving Cookie Kit Bundle
Price: $32.99
This one's a family favorite. The Bakery Bling Cookie Kit comes with pre-baked sugar cookies and all the decorating supplies you need, like icing, sprinkles, and edible glitter. It's a fun way to keep the grandkids busy while dinner's cooking.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Whole Smoked Turkey
Price: $56.44
If cooking a turkey intimidates you, Costco's pre-smoked version is a game-changer. Fully cooked and perfectly seasoned, it's tender, juicy, and lightly smoky, great for saving hours in the kitchen. All you need to do is heat and carve. I served this last year, and my guests couldn't believe it wasn't homemade. It's that good.
Runner Up: Stonemill Kitchen Organic Cranberry Sauce
Price: $9.64
This isn't your typical canned cranberry sauce. Stonemill Kitchen's version is thick, tangy, and bursting with real fruit flavor. Plus, it's nearly $4 cheaper than Walmart's alternative. You can see the whole cranberries in every spoonful, and it pairs beautifully with turkey or ham.
Runner Up: Gold Potatoes
Price: $5.10
Mashed potatoes might be basic, but these Gold Potatoes elevate the side to restaurant quality. They're creamy, buttery, and perfect for roasting, mashing, or baking. Costco's large 10-pound bag makes it easy to feed a crowd without spending a fortune, which you would at Walmart, where gold potatoes cost $2.11 per pound.
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Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Organic Green Beans
Price: $11.11
I always grab these for green bean casserole. The Kirkland Signature Organic Green Beans are crisp, flavorful, and come in a generous frozen bag that keeps well beyond the holidays. They taste garden-fresh once steamed and make a healthy counterpoint to all the richer Thanksgiving sides.
Runner Up: Cranberry Fizz Poppi Soda
Price: $23.49
This sparkling probiotic soda is my new favorite beverage find. The Cranberry Fizz flavor feels perfectly festive and tastes tart, with a light sweetness and refreshing finish after a heavy meal.
It's a fun, modern alternative to sugary soft drinks and makes a great mocktail base for guests who don't drink alcohol. Plus, Costco sells this for $7 cheaper than Walmart's exact same 12-pack.
Winner: Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie
Price: $6.80
After sampling everything from artisan cakes to gourmet cookies, Costco's Pumpkin Pie still wins every single year. It's enormous, affordable, and tastes like pure Thanksgiving comfort that has a silky filling, is perfectly spiced, and has a buttery crust that rivals any bakery pie I've ever bought.
At under $7, it's almost shocking how good it is. The flavor is not too sweet but not too heavy, and it stays fresh for several days. It easily feeds a dozen people, though you'll probably wish for leftovers.
Bottom line
No matter what's on your Thanksgiving table, Costco makes it easy to celebrate without breaking your budget. Between the ready-made sides, premium mains, and unbeatable bakery finds, there's something for every cook, whether you're feeding two or twenty.
And with these few smart shopping hacks, you can make your holiday meal taste even better while saving more on essentials all year long.
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