Let's face it, some things are better when someone else makes them.
Skip some of the cooking and make things a little less complicated on Turkey Day. Here's a list of desserts and side dishes that can be easily purchased ahead of time for a stellar Thanksgiving meal.
From Boston Market: creamed spinach, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, and cornbread
It's not just about chicken at this national chain. The sides are particularly good, and they have a distinctly homemade taste and presentation to them. Their cornbread is on the sweet side, so it's best served on its own or with butter, instead of using it in a dressing.
As for the creamed spinach, don't knock it 'til you've tried it. You need something green on that plate!
Would you rather eat only Boston Market Mac & Cheese for the rest of your life or Boston Market Creamed Spinach? pic.twitter.com/Pn9Vzc777c
— Boston Market (@bostonmarket) October 16, 2014
From Cracker Barrel: hash brown casserole, macaroni and cheese, fried apples, pies, and cornbread
Simply put, Cracker Barrel has brown casserole can't be beat. Cheesy hash browns go well with any meal, so why not at Thanksgiving? Get generous take-and-bake versions of your favorite sides and leave the country cooking to the professionals.
It’s the season for all things pumpkin, how will you celebrate this #NationalPumpkinDay? Purchase a gift card and share the comforts of fall at https://t.co/UdH1jEmPQz. pic.twitter.com/0aZRdpI5ei
— Cracker Barrel (@CrackerBarrel) October 26, 2020
From Kentucky Fried Chicken: mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans
Yes, they're unnaturally smooth, but KFC mashed potatoes are a perennial favorite. Add your own bacon crumbles or fried onions to the top of the braised green beans and just watch them disappear.
KFC Mashed Potatoes & Gravy. Enough said. pic.twitter.com/SLM4K0Bp
— KFC (@kfc) January 26, 2013
From The Honey Baked Ham Company: glazed ham, whole turkey breast, and scalloped potatoes
This is no secret: HBHC can produce a company-worthy ham that just needs time to come to room temperature before serving. Did you know you can also buy a whole roasted or smoked turkey breast, too? Do yourself a favor and pick yours up a couple of days early to avoid the inevitable traffic jam at your local store.
Ding, ding, ding, you've won the opportunity to NOT cook dinner tonight! Pick up our Winner, Winner Turkey Dinner instead. Learn more at https://t.co/hOSxPHNvNt pic.twitter.com/CMeFSinfxX
— The Honey Baked Ham Company (@HoneyBakedHam) October 5, 2020
From Bob Evans: pies, pies, and more pies
You can't go wrong with a good diner pie. At Bob Evans, you don't have to stick to just traditional pumpkin or apple. Check out their chocolate peanut butter cup pie!
Heading to a Friendsgiving party this weekend? We've got a few tips on what to bring to the celebration. #Friendsgiving https://t.co/OrbMbXDQ0Q pic.twitter.com/CUgSslspQ5
— Bob Evans Restaurants 🍳 (@BobEvansFarms) November 23, 2019
Don't think of it as cheating, just call it a little help on one of the busiest kitchen days of the year. We can all use a little assistance here and there, right?
Do you have a favorite purchased Thanksgiving dish that you get every year? Let us know in the comments!