Download the shopping list here.
It’s officially time to start planning for Thanksgiving! Now that November is here, you can finally get organized for everything that goes into hosting the feast. Kick things off by picking out your Thanksgiving menu, then get to work on your holiday shopping list. It might sound like a stressful task, but that's why The Pioneer Woman is here to help! Along with a Thanksgiving cooking schedule, you can use this handy printable shopping list to keep everything in one place.
Before you head out to the supermarket, you'll want to take note of your pantry staples and refrigerator basics to see what you already have in stock. Do you have enough salt and pepper to get you through the day? Or are you low on classic baking goods like flour or sugar? Then, move on to the fresh produce, meats, and freezer-friendly items. Last but not least, don't forget that you'll need some kitchen equipment that you might not normally use, such as a turkey roaster and gravy boat.
Next, it's time to head out! Take a copy of the printable checklist to read in the store as you navigate the aisles. You should do your main shopping within the week of Thanksgiving—that way, fresh ingredients won't go bad! Sure, you might add a few non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes, but this list will cover the basics with ingredients for your roast turkey, stuffing, and family casseroles. Simply use this shopping list as a starting point—print it out and make it your own by adding any additional ingredients you need under the "extras" section.
With this list in hand, you can confidently take on the grocery store rush well in advance (but if you're in a pinch, here's a list of grocery stores open on Thanksgiving Day).
Pantry Staples
A stocked pantry will take you far on Thanksgiving Day, but just be sure to check that all your ingredients are still fresh. After all, many common pantry staples like oil and flour can go bad. You'll also want to replenish other baking supplies for your Thanksgiving pies and all those holiday-specific ingredients like crispy fried onions for your green bean recipes.
- All-purpose flour
- Active dry yeast
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Cornmeal
- Oats
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Powdered sugar
- Corn syrup
- Molasses
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Evaporated milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Marshmallows
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Almonds
- Dried cranberries
- Raisins
- Breadcrumbs (plain and panko)
- French fried onions
- Rice
- Macaroni
- Cooking spray
- Olive oil
- Vegetable oil
- Shortening
- White vinegar
Seasoning and Spices
Don't settle for a bland Thanksgiving! Instead, make sure your spice drawer is stocked with everything you might need, both sweet and savory. Here, you'll find some classic holiday dried sage, rosemary, cinnamon, and ginger. But don't forget about other more unusual spices, too! Ree often likes to kick things up with cayenne pepper!
- Salt/seasoned salt
- Ground pepper/peppercorns
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Dried sage
- Parsley flakes
- Bay leaves
- Paprika
- Cayenne
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Ground ginger
Canned Goods
Don't forget about the canned section of your super market! It'll save you time and money for tons of traditional holiday dishes. Just think how easy it'll be to make homemade pumpkin bread using canned pumpkin puree—now that's a supermarket shortcut!
- Stock/broth
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of celery soup
- Green beans
- Whole tomatoes
- Cranberry sauce
- Pumpkin puree
- Pie filling
Turkey and Other Protein
Before you head to the grocery store or butcher, you'll want to know how much turkey you need per person. There's a simple formula to follow (at least 1 1/4 pounds per guest). Then, decide if you want another Thanksgiving main course, like a holiday ham. Other proteins you might find useful would be sausage, bacon, or oysters for stuffing.
- Whole turkey (or turkey breast)
- Bone-in or boneless ham
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Oysters
Fresh Produce
Fresh fall vegetables and fruits are what make your holiday a harvest feast! Head to the farmers' market or even your grocery store to look for seasonal ingredients that can be used for sides, vegetarian Thanksgiving dishes, holiday pies and more.
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Onions
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh thyme
- Fresh sage
- Fresh rosemary
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Squash
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Cranberries
- Apples
- Pomegranate seeds
Beverages
Be prepared with Thanksgiving drinks for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a holiday wine or a festive apple cider drink, you'll want to have options for adults and kids alike. Of course, coffee and tea are necessary with dessert!
- Wine
- Beer
- Bottled Water
- Pop/soft drinks
- Orange juice
- Apple juice/cider
- Coffee/tea
Refrigerated Staples
The dairy products in your fridge will make any holiday dish more delicious. Of course, you'll need lots and lots of butter (Ree Drummond likes salted butter for most occasions) and heavy cream to make homemade whipped cream. The cheeses you choose could depend on whether you want shredded cheese for mac and cheese or cream cheese for a Thanksgiving dessert.
- Butter
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Buttermilk
- Squirt whipped cream
- Eggs
- Cheddar cheese
- Cream cheese
- Processed cheese
Frozen Products
You can't have a pecan pie without a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping! Either way, the freezer aisle will be your best friend for time-saving tricks like frozen pie crust or dinner rolls.
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Cranberries
- Dinner Rolls
- Pie crust
- Puff pastry
- Ice cream
- Whipped topping
Non-Food
Aside from your basic set of cookware, a holiday like Thanksgiving requires some more specific tools to help you cook the turkey and transport your casseroles, whether that's from oven to table or between houses.
- Heavy duty foil
- Plastic storage bags
- Plastic wrap
- Waxed paper
- Parchment
- Cheesecloth
- Foil pans
- Storage containers
- Paper towels
Make Thanksgiving Prep Even Easier With Cookware
The Pioneer Woman 2-Piece Baker Set
The Pioneer Woman Food Slicer & Chopper
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Kara Zauberman is the Senior Editor of Content Strategy at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, lifestyle, news, and more. When she’s not writing and editing, you can find her seeking out new restaurants or cooking for friends and family.
