When you want to stretch your grocery budget and don’t have time to cook, Trader Joe’s has you covered. It’s a favorite store for many because of its affordable ingredients, and their freezer staples can help you put together festive meals without overspending.
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Below are six of the cheapest holiday dinner staples at Trader Joe’s.
Cauliflower Gnocchi
- Price: $3.29
If you’re looking for something versatile and healthier, this cauliflower gnocchi is a staple worth stocking up on. You can pan-fry, microwave or boil these dumplings and make a tasty base for sauces or veggies. One bag serves two to three people, so you’ll want at least a few on hand if you’re hosting. It’s especially appealing at Thanksgiving or Christmas as a vegetarian-friendly option.
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Shredded Potato Hash Browns
- Price: $2.49
These shredded potato hash browns are one of the most affordable and versatile frozen Trader Joe’s staple items. They cook up crispy and golden in a skillet or oven. For the holidays, they’re perfectly baked into a cheesy casserole, served as a crispy side or layered into a brunch-style holiday spread. One bag is usually enough for four servings, but larger groups will need more.
Joe’s Diner Mac ‘n Cheese
- Price: $2.99
If you love mac ‘n cheese, you’ll love Joe’s Diner more. It comes loaded with four shredded cheeses: cheddar, havarti, gouda and Swiss. Heat it in the microwave or bake it in the oven and enjoy the smile-shaped pasta bathed in an ooey-gooey and oh-so-creamy sauce. One 14-ounce pack is about two servings, so stock up if you’re feeding a crowd. This dish works across multiple holidays, be they Thanksgiving, Christmas or even a casual New Year’s dinner.
Thai-Style Red Curry Soup
- Price: $4.99
Soup might not be the first thing you think of for holiday dinners. This Thai-style red curry soup, however, with its mild heat and creamy texture, works best as a starter course for a winter celebration or as a lighter meal for a smaller New Year’s gathering. A 20-ounce container serves two to three people, so keep portion size in mind if serving a larger table.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
- Price: $5.99
Trader Joe’s loaded mashed potatoes come pre-mixed with cheddar cheese, tangy sour cream, sliced scallions and smoky bits of uncured bacon, saving time in the kitchen while still tasting homemade. They pair well with poultry or vegetarian mains, and can easily be a perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side spread. One 16-ounce pack serves about three to four people, so consider buying a few if you’re hosting a larger group.
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Fillets
- Price: $14.99
For households that skip red meat or celebrate seafood-centered holidays, Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is an excellent choice. Salmon makes an elegant main dish for Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve when you want something special but not overly heavy. A one-pound pack serves two to three people as a main course, so plan to buy multiple packs for gatherings of six or more.
Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of Oct. 25, 2025 and subject to change.
Photo disclaimer: All imagery sourced from TraderJoes.com.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Cheapest Trader Joe’s Frozen Staples for Easy Holiday Meals
