Check out the list of items you need this Thanksgiving:
…Mhm, the turkey is on top of the list, but what else do you need to make you and your guests happy? You’re probably shrugging right now, no matter how much of a pro you’re at grocery shopping. Buying food for Thanksgiving dinner can be a challenge because there is a lot to remember.
But fret not, my friend, because here at The Frugal American we enjoy helping folks decide what is best on a budget. We created a list of the absolute necessities, which included the turkey (and how to choose the proper size), as well as pantry staples, seasonings, and non-food things that would be useful for preparation.
Now, chop chop because we have a lot of stuff to do. Oh, and prepare your grocery bags; you’re going to need quite a few!
Fresh herbs
One of the first things you need to put on your grocery shopping list is a handful of fresh herbs to spice up your delicious turkey. Sage, bay leaves, parsley, and woody herbs like thyme and rosemary are all included in Thanksgiving dishes. Mashed potatoes also taste wonderful with the addition of fresh chives.
While the dried spice rack is usually a good option when times are tight, fresh herbs are always a must for Thanksgiving cooking. If you do, you can arrange them around the cooked turkey on a tray for a lovely appearance, or you can insert them within the bird cavity to infuse the meat and drips. Omg! I am so hungry right now by simply picturing this on the table.
Butter
When it comes to Thanksgiving, butter is an essential ingredient that should always be kept on hand. Because it gives you more control over the quantity of salt in a recipe, and this is important for all those who are on a diet, unsalted butter is ideal for baking and cooking. But salted butter is the perfect accompaniment to a nice, soft dinner bun. So remember to put both varieties on the list.
Turkey
Any Thanksgiving feast is truly incomplete without the turkey, so you definitely know to put it on the list! However, be sure to get the appropriate bird size for your party. About 1.5 pounds of turkey per person is a reasonable estimate. Aim for an additional half-pound per person if you are a big fan of leftovers.
To provide enough time for the frozen turkey to defrost in your refrigerator, if you decide to buy one, be sure you buy it at least one week in advance.
Bacon
While roaming the alleys in the supermarket looking for more stuff to buy for Thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget to add some bacon too. When cooked through, it becomes a delightful casserole topping, elevates mac and cheese, and greatly enhances the taste of any vegetable side dish.
Eggs
When making the list of items you need this Thanksgiving, remember to also put some eggs. A carton or two, depending on how many people you have over, should be enough. If after the celebration you’ll be left out with a lot of eggs, no worries! Use them in a casserole for brunch after Thanksgiving.
Cheese
Don’t forget to include cheese on your grocery list, whether you are serving appetizers to kick off the celebration or your guests will be digging straight into the large feast.
Grated cheddar for mac and cheese, Parmesan for garnishes, or a mix for a beautifully presented charcuterie plate are just a few examples of the types you could be looking for.
Looking for a Charcuterie board that’s also affordable? This acacia wood cutting board with a handle and 3 ceramic bowls is available on Amazon for $22.50. It would be a perfect fit for the Thanksgiving table to impress and delight your guests.
Flour
Another crucial item you must add to your grocery list is one or two bags of flour. You’ll need some to thicken the turkey gravy! As well, if you’re thinking about baking some cookies or something, it’s better to be prepared rather than run from a neighborhood store to another last minute and pay probably a lot more for a bag.
Beverages
A party is not complete without a couple of beverages. Whether you’re serving rum punch as a batch cocktail, make sure you have a variety of beverages for each person. A couple of bottles of red and white wine, beer, hard cider, and liquor such as vodka, gin, and whiskey are always an excellent idea. There are several non-alcoholic choices available as well, such as traditional iced tea, seltzer, and sodas.
If you want to be sure that the items you need this Thanksgiving suit your guests too, ask them before what they want to drink to make sure you don’t waste money on stuff nobody likes. People can be picky when it comes to beverages, so better be sure than sorry!
Aluminum foil and plastic zip-top bags
After the dinner is over and everybody is heading out home, don’t forget to give them a little something for the road. That’s why you should purchase some disposable plastic containers so that you may quickly portion meals for individual takeout. You can buy them in bulk and save a few more dollars like that.
How do you prepare yourself for the big celebration? Tell me in the comments section.
Getting ready for the winter season? Then you’ll be interested in reading about 8 Pantry Must-Haves During Winter.
