Best Easy Thanksgiving Sides from Costco for Effortless Holiday Hosting

November 4, 2025

Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen.

Costco makes holiday hosting easy with a wide variety of ready-to-heat and low-prep sides that taste homemade.

From creamy potatoes to gourmet stuffing, these convenient options help you serve a delicious feast without the stress.

1. Main Street Bistro Mashed Potatoes – $7.99 (for two 32-ounce trays)

  • Summary: Creamy mashed potatoes made with real dairy, no artificial flavors or preservatives, ready to heat in the oven or microwave for a restaurant-quality side.
  • Taste Tests: Shoppers describe them as rich and holding up well with gravy; some note the standard version can be lackluster but recommend the “loaded” option with cheese and bacon for extra flavor.

2. Fra’Mani Holiday Dressing with Sausage and Sage – $12.99 (for 31-ounce tray)

  • Summary: Savory stuffing featuring sausage and sage, designed as a heat-and-serve shortcut that mimics slow-cooked homemade versions.
  • Taste Tests: Users rave about its rich, morning-cooked flavor profile; it’s highlighted as tasting authentic and elevating simple meals beyond holidays.

3. Stonemill Kitchens Organic Cranberry Sauce – $8.99 (for 36 ounces)

  • Summary: Tart-sweet organic sauce made with whole berries, ready to serve cold or warmed as a classic accompaniment.
  • Taste Tests: Consistently called “excellent” by shoppers, with notes on its fresh, balanced flavor that shines in leftovers like turkey sandwiches.

4. Kevin’s Turkey Gravy – $9.99 (for 48-ounce container)

  • Summary: Gluten-free, ready-to-heat gravy that skips the hassle of homemade preparation from drippings.
  • Taste Tests: Praised for its smooth, savory taste that complements mashed potatoes and stuffing; shoppers note it tastes homemade without the stress.

5. Fra’Mani Creamed Corn – $12.99 (for 32-ounce tray)

  • Summary: Buttery, creamy corn side that’s nostalgic and indulgent, heats up quickly for gatherings.
  • Taste Tests: Described as warm and comforting with a homemade feel; users love its richness for pairing with mains like roasted chicken or turkey.

6. Mac and Cheese (from Gourmet Meal Kit or Deli) – $Varies (around $10-15 for 3 lb. tray)

  • Summary: Handcrafted with all-natural ingredients, ready-to-heat as part of Costco’s meal kits or available separately in large trays.
  • Taste Tests: Shoppers call it “amazing” and a hit for all ages; some note artificial colors in certain versions but praise the gourmet taste overall.

7. Green Bean Casserole (from Gourmet Meal Kit or Components) – $Varies (around $10-15 for 3 lb. tray)

  • Summary: Ready-to-heat casserole in meal kits, or assemble easily with Costco’s fresh green beans and fried onion strips.
  • Taste Tests: Users appreciate the classic, crunchy texture; it’s often bundled and described as a solid, traditional option.

8. Sweet Corn (from Gourmet Meal Kit) – $Varies (around $8-12 for 3 lb. tray)

  • Summary: Extra-tender corn, pre-washed, sliced, and trimmed for no mess; ready to heat and serve as a simple vegetable side.
  • Taste Tests: Highlighted in kits for its freshness and ease; shoppers note its sweet, juicy flavor that pairs well with savory mains.

9. Cranberry Relish (from Gourmet Meal Kit) – $Varies (around $5-8 for 20 oz. pack)

  • Summary: Handmade with cinnamon and cardamom accents, sweet and tart; serve hot with dinner or cold on sandwiches.
  • Taste Tests: Praised for its spiced, balanced taste that elevates turkey; users say it’s fresher than canned versions.

10. Gourmet Dinner Rolls – $Varies (around $5-7 for 12 rolls)

  • Summary: Wholesome bread rolls made without preservatives or artificial ingredients, ready to warm for a soft, buttery addition to the table.
  • Taste Tests: Shoppers love their fluffy texture and homemade-like quality; often recommended for sopping up gravy.

11. Loaded Mashed Potatoes (Deli Section) – $Varies (around $8-10 for large tray)

  • Summary: Enhanced version of mashed potatoes with cheese, bacon, and toppings, ready to heat for a more indulgent side.
  • Taste Tests: Preferred over plain for its flavorful upgrades; Reddit users say it’s a step up from basic mashed and “worth it” for crowds.

12. Sweet Mashed Potatoes (Deli Section) – $Varies (around $8-10 for large tray)

Image Editorial Credit: / Shutterstock
  • Summary: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes, often seasoned lightly, ready to heat as a sweeter alternative to regular mashed.
  • Taste Tests: Described as excellent and a holiday staple; shoppers note its natural sweetness and smooth texture.

13. Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes (Deli or Prepared) – $Varies (around $7-9 for large tray)

Image Editorial Credit: Costco
  • Summary: Made with Yukon Gold potatoes for a buttery flavor, ready-to-heat option that’s simple and versatile.
  • Taste Tests: Praised for its creamy consistency; users say it’s reliable and tastes fresh, better than from-scratch for busy days.

14. Green Beans with Butter (Deli Turkey Dinner Kit) – $Varies (around $5-8 in kit inclusion)

  • Summary: Simple green beans tossed with butter, ready to heat for a light vegetable side.
  • Taste Tests: Noted as fresh and straightforward; shoppers appreciate the minimal prep and crisp texture when heated properly.

15. French’s Fried Onion Strips – $Varies (around $5-7 for large bag)

  • Summary: Crispy fried onions perfect for topping green bean casserole or other dishes, adding crunch with minimal effort.
  • Taste Tests: Essential for that classic casserole bite; users rave about the flavor boost and how they make sides “pop.”

16. Pillsbury Crescent Rolls – $Varies (around $4-6 for multi-pack)

  • Summary: Flaky, buttery rolls that bake quickly from the tube, ideal for a warm bread side.
  • Taste Tests: Fluffy and golden; shoppers say they’re a crowd-pleaser with a homemade feel despite the ease.

17. Reser’s Scalloped Potatoes – $Varies (around $8-10 for large tray)

Image Editorial Credit: Costco Business Center
  • Summary: Layered potatoes in a creamy cheese sauce, ready to bake or heat for a comforting, cheesy side.
  • Taste Tests: Described as rich and satisfying; Reddit and shopper feedback highlights the convenience and “cheesy goodness.”

18. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – $Varies (around $7-9 for prepared tray)

  • Summary: Roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with bacon bits, ready to heat for a savory vegetable option.
  • Taste Tests: Praised for the smoky, caramelized flavors; users note it’s a modern twist on veggies that even kids enjoy.

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