Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. It’s time to start prepping so you won’t be rushing at the last minute to get ingredients or Thanksgiving dinner products that make the meal so much easier. Use our shopping list to remember everything you need for the smoothest holiday meal prep ever—and follow our grocery shopping tips so you can fly through the store in no time. Don’t forget to double-check your list, too—these are the things people forget on Thanksgiving.

New to hosting Thanksgiving? Check out our First-Timer’s Thanksgiving Guide.

Download Your Free Shopping List

To help build your Thanksgiving shopping list, we’ve rounded up the basic ingredients for each dish. Start with these, add the extras that make your family’s traditional Thanksgiving recipes unique, and you’ll be ready to host!

Thanksgiving Menu

Thanksgiving Shopping List

Meats

Before you head to the store, choose your Thanksgiving turkey recipe and the size turkey you need (here’s how much turkey to make per person).

  • Whole turkey
  • Sausage

Produce

Whether you’re making sweet candied carrots, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or garlic mashed red potatoes, you’ll want some vegetables on the Thanksgiving table. Learn how to make gravy from scratch—perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Green beans
  • Lettuce (or other greens)
  • Citrus fruit
  • Potatoes
  • Sweet potatoes

Bakery/Baking Ingredients

Prepare for homemade buttery rolls, classic Thanksgiving stuffing and Apple Cranberry Slab Pie with stops at the bakery and in the baking aisle.

  • Day-old bread
  • Marshmallows
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla

Dairy

Don’t forget these essentials for favorites like pumpkin pie.

  • Milk
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Evaporated milk

Spices, Seasonings and Herbs

Planning to wow your guests with herbed roast turkey breast? Make sure you spice cabinet has everything you need.

  • Fresh sage
  • Fresh thyme
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Canned and Packaged Goods

Your Thanksgiving sides can be the star of the table. How about a Thanksgiving casserole?

  • Chicken broth
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • French-fried onions
  • Salad dressing
  • Canned pumpkin

Pantry Staples

Stock up on these staples before you start cooking your Thanksgiving recipes and the holiday will be your best one yet.

  • Flour
  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Equipment

Besides the essential ingredients, you’ll also need a few kitchen gadgets and cookware to help you make the perfect meal.

  • Roasting pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Carving knife
  • Large cutting board
  • Serving platter
  • Aluminum foil
  • Kitchen twine
  • Toothpicks
  • To-go containers (for all those leftovers!)