This $5.99 Trader Joe’s Find Might Be the Best Thanksgiving Side Ever

I’ve managed to skate by for most Thanksgivings by showing up with a couple bottles of wine and a half-hearted offer to do the dishes after the meal. As much as I love cooking, I get overwhelmed easily by having to cook for a large group. Not to mention that, for decades, my family has had a pretty straightforward routine down pat—it’s only recently that they’ve realized I’m well into my 30s and can obviously handle a dish of my own.

So, in recent years, I’ve started participating in the prep work that goes into the big meal. My rule is simple: I make one dessert and bring one side dish—and one of those items is store-bought.

The store-bought rule is helpful for a packed schedule. I am picky, though, and don’t want to be the one who just brings the canned cranberry sauce and asks for a can opener. I like something prepared that tastes homemade, and Trader Joe’s recently became my Thanksgiving savior with its Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes.

Why I Love TJ’s Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes

The Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes might be one of my favorite Trader Joe’s finds, ever. Sold in the refrigerated aisle, the 16-ounce package is a heat-and-serve side dish that packs a ton of flavor. It only takes 20 minutes to warm before it’s ready to go into a pretty serving dish for the table. 

And unless they happen to see me throwing out the packaging, I doubt anyone in my family would know that I didn’t make these myself. The sweet potatoes are delicately whipped until silky, but not too smooth, which I like. The vanilla and nutmeg come through perfectly, and it’s not too sweet. There’s a savory hit of black pepper as well to provide balance.

Trader Joe’s is known for having all sorts of fan-favorite items and easy weeknight meal fixes, but don’t sleep on these Vanilla Bean Whipped Sweet Potatoes. The item is affordable, convenient and delicious—pretty much all I’m looking for when I bring something to share at Thanksgiving.

I would even keep this product on hand after the holiday; I think these sweet potatoes would make a really easy filling for stuffed shells if I combined a package with ricotta cheese and chopped sage. It’s a perfect punch of fall flavors, and that’s something I’m always thankful for.

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