Thanksgiving prep doesn’t have to mean endless grocery runs and last-minute panic. Smart Costco shoppers know the secret is in stocking up on pantry workhorses — the unsung ingredients that make the holiday meal smoother, tastier, and far less stressful. From crispy onions to bulk chicken stock, these essentials are the quiet MVPs of Thanksgiving dinner. Here are the underrated Costco Thanksgiving finds that Reddit users and reviewers swear by for pulling off a feast with ease.
Crispy Fried Onions
$6
Every green bean casserole deserves a satisfying crunch, and Costco’s big bag of French’s crispy fried onions delivers. Shoppers rave that it’s cheaper than the grocery store version and adds flavor to just about any side dish. Toss them on casseroles, mashed potatoes, or even salads for an easy upgrade.
Kirkland Signature Organic Chicken Stock
$11.99
You can’t make gravy, stuffing, or a juicy turkey without a solid stock — and Costco’s 12-pack of organic chicken stock is a lifesaver. Redditors say it’s one of those things you don’t realize you need until you’re halfway through cooking. Keep it on hand for deglazing pans, adding moisture, or rescuing a dry bird.
Pure Vanilla Extract
$13.99
When it comes to baking, Costco’s large bottle of pure vanilla extract is a quiet hero. Home bakers swear it’s both high quality and a steal compared to supermarket prices. Whether you’re making pumpkin pie, cookies, or whipped cream, a dash of this makes everything taste richer.
A Big Bag of Onions
$5.66
It’s not glamorous, but onions are the base for almost every Thanksgiving dish — from stuffing to gravy to roasted veggies.
Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes
$6.80
A holiday meal without mashed potatoes? Unthinkable. Costco’s bulk bags of russet or Yukon gold potatoes make it easy to feed a crowd, and you’ll still have enough left for breakfast hash the next morning.
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Canned Pumpkin or Pumpkin Purée
$7.59
This pantry staple goes beyond pies. Costco’s large cans of pumpkin purée are perfect for muffins, breads, and soups — and they tend to sell out early every November. Stock up now if pumpkin desserts are part of your family tradition.
Kevin’s Turkey Gravy
$11.34
Skip the hassle of making gravy from scratch and grab a 48-ounce box of Kevin’s Turkey Gravy instead. It’s made with roasted turkey broth that’s gently simmered with diced turkey breast, garlic, and thyme for rich, homemade flavor. Plus, the turkey is raised without antibiotics and the gravy is certified gluten-free, perfect for keeping things easy and wholesome.
Kirkland Signature Evaporated Milk
$14.99
Evaporated milk is essentially whole milk that’s been reduced to a rich, velvety concentrate, making it a versatile staple for both sweet and savory dishes. It shines in desserts like tres leches cake, pumpkin pie, and bread pudding, adding that signature creamy texture. But don’t overlook its savory potential — stock up on a 12-pack from Costco and use it to elevate casseroles, scalloped potatoes, and even mac and cheese.
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Kirkland Signature Butter Dinner Rolls
Skip the homemade rolls this year, no need to add that stress, even if you love baking. Kirkland Signature Butter Dinner Rolls check every box: soft, golden, buttery, and ready in minutes. At under $8 for 30 rolls, they’re a total win. Warm them in a low oven and brush with melted butter for extra shine. Perfect alongside your Thanksgiving meal and even better as the base for next-day turkey and cranberry sliders, arguably the best part of the holiday.
Pecans and Walnuts
$14.74
Nuts are pricey elsewhere, but Costco’s bulk bags make them affordable again. Use them in pecan pie, crumble toppings, or roasted veggie dishes for a crunchy finish. Shoppers love that they stay fresh for months in the freezer.
Kirkland Signature Bacon Crumbles
$10.20
Need a quick hit of flavor? Sprinkle these ready-to-go bacon crumbles into casseroles, Brussels sprouts, or even mac and cheese. Redditors say it’s a small step that makes everything taste like you spent all day cooking.
Heavy Whipping Cream or Half-and-Half
$4.52
Between mashed potatoes, whipped cream, and silky gravy, cream is one of those things you can never have enough of. Costco’s bulk cartons are fresher and cheaper than most grocery store options, and they’ll carry you through every dish that needs richness.
Frozen Green Beans, Peas, or Corn
$10.20
Fresh produce can be unpredictable before the holidays, so Costco’s frozen veggies are a dependable backup. They’re flash-frozen at peak ripeness, and shoppers say they make great quick sides or casserole fillers.
La Terra Fina Cranberry Jalapeno Dip & Spread
$11.34
La Terra Fina’s Cranberry Jalapeño Dip has become a seasonal favorite for its balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy flavors. It’s easy to serve straight from the container or elevated by spreading over baked Brie and pairing with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables. Its rich flavor and effortless presentation make it a standout, low-effort appetizer that consistently earns enthusiastic praise and a spot at holiday gatherings.
Organic Pre-Cut Butternut Squash
$7.93
Save time this Thanksgiving with Costco’s pre-cut butternut squash. No peeling, chopping, or knife battles — just toss and cook. The evenly cut pieces roast or simmer perfectly, offering a sweet, nutty flavor for sides, soups, or purees. Try them with olive oil and maple syrup, or mash with butter and sage for an easy, cozy dish.
More Thanksgiving Tips On Cheapism
- Target’s $20 Thanksgiving Meal Is Cheaper Than Last Year And Actually Includes the Same Amount of Ingredients — Before you shop anywhere else, consider that Target is offering a full Thanksgiving-style grocery bundle for around $20 that feeds four people and includes name brands.
- Walmart’s $40 Thanksgiving Costs Less Than Last Year by Cutting 24% of Items and Dropping Brand-Name Staples — It’s tempting, but Walmart’s 2025 Thanksgiving bundle for ~$40 sacrifices brands and fresh produce, so you’ll pay less but receive less.
- The Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish & Dessert In Every State — Believe it or not, mashed potatoes top the list of Thanksgiving sides across a huge swath of states and pumpkin pie dominates desserts in nearly every state.
