Choosing the Best Prepared Holiday Meals: Buying Guide

What Different Types of Holiday Meals Are There?

Regardless of the type of holiday celebration, Sam's Club has everything you need to make delicious holiday recipes. Whether you're feeding the family or planning a holiday party for the entire office, we have holiday foods to please even the pickiest of palates.

And it doesn't matter what type of cook you are. SamsClub.com has all the groceries and ingredients for the person who enjoys pulling out the crockpot and creating Christmas recipes from scratch. But we also offer one-stop shopping for the busy professional who just wants the best prepared holiday meals.

We've created this buying guide to help you sort through all the options available at Sam's Club and create a delicious menu for any holiday celebration.

What premade meal should I buy for Thanksgiving?

Sam's Club has a wide variety of premade meals to serve for a bountiful Thanksgiving feast.

For the main dish try our delicious take and bake sliced turkey and creamy scalloped potatoes with four servings. If you prefer beef, take home a Sam's Club Exclusive: pot roast with gravy, so tender your family will think it simmered in the slow cooker all day. Pair the pot roast with scalloped or mashed potatoes. Both sides are available in-store or on SamsClub.com.

Other side dishes to add to a Thanksgiving holiday meal:

• Brussel sprouts
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Creamy mac and cheese
• Green beans
• Cranberry sauce
• Cornbread

No holiday meal is complete without an all-time classic: green bean casserole. Although not premade, it's so simple to make. And you can find every ingredient you need—there are only four (green beans, cream of mushroom soup, French's crispy fried onions, and milk)—at a Sam's Club near you.

Make sure to check out our Christmas menu below for a list of desserts to finish off the perfect Thanksgiving meal.

What premade meal should I buy for Christmas?

Christmas dinner is a special occasion. Who wants to spend the entire day cooking when you could be enjoying time with family and friends? The perfect low-fuss holiday meal will go off without a hitch with a little help from Sam's Club.

Christmas is an all-day event so start things off right with some light and tasty appetizers. Guests can help themselves to a fruit and cheese party tray gourmet veggie tray, or a savory antipasto platter.

Does your crowd like turkey or prefer ham?

With Sam's Club member-only prices you can choose turkey and ham for the main dish. Our oven-roasted turkey breast means no more fighting over white meat. And a boneless double glazed ham makes serving a cinch. Simply warm and serve (it's already spiral sliced for you).

Guests can pile their plates high with traditional side dishes. Thanks to Sam's Club exclusive members-only prices, you can offer a true gourmet spread:

• Yukon Gold mashed potatoes
• Homestyle gravy
• Heat and serve scalloped potatoes
• Simple-prep stuffing (Stove Top or Pepperidge Farm)
• Tender asparagus
• Super sweet corn
• Heart-healthy yams
• Warm and serve dinner rolls

...to name a few.

With a feast like that, who has room for dessert?

Hopefully, everyone because the choices are amazing! We carry all the classic holiday pies such as pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, apple pie, and pecan pie. Plus an assortment of less traditional, but still delicious desserts. Think brownies, cheesecake, chocolate silk cake, or our best-selling Kentucky Woods bourbon barrel cake.

What premade meal should I buy for my office party?

So, you've been tasked with coordinating the holiday office party. The first question that popped into your head: Where's the best place to find simply prepared holiday meals near me? The answer: your local Sam's Club. We have what you need.

The trend for office parties is to get away from catered, assigned-seating holiday dinners. Today's employees want an informal, relaxed setting where they're free to mingle, network, and socialize—all while enjoying quality fare. Think small plate and finger foods, including several vegetarian options.

It's easy to feed a large group with Sam's Club party trays. Members-only prices help you stay within budget while presenting a variety of choices. Plan the holiday meal coworkers or employees will appreciate and enjoy.

Pinwheel Wraps (40-count): These savory wraps include 20 buffalo chicken and 20 sun-dried tomato with turkey.

Croissant Sandwiches (9 large sandwiches): Light and airy croissants filled with Sam's Club's signature chicken salad.

Hormel Party Pack: Over 2.5 lbs of pepperoni, salami, cheese, and crackers.

Artisan Wrap Tray: Approximately three dozen pieces of fresh mozzarella rolled in Italian pepperoni, prosciutto, and soppressata.

Fruit and Cheese Tray (serves 15 to 20): An assortment of fresh grapes (red and green) and strawberries, paired with cheddar and Colby jack cheese cubes.

Gourmet Veggie Tray (serves 16): Fresh, crisp, raw vegetables with ranch dip.

Assorted Fruit Trays: 6 lbs of sweet seasonal fruit.

Shrimp Platter (2 lbs): Peeled cocktail shrimp with zesty cocktail sauce included.

Mediterranean Tapas Platter (4.3 lbs): Seven savory antipasto delicacies such as olives, marinated artichokes, cubed feta, and peppadew peppers stuffed with garlic herb cream cheese.

Deluxe Sushi Party Tray (36 pcs): Fresh-made sushi featuring five sushi roll varieties—spicy California, California crunch, tempura shrimp, nigiri, and California rolls.

Create a dessert table that's both simple and seductive when these Sam's Club exclusives:

• Mini cheesecakes (63 count)
• Decadent brownies (20 count)
• Christmas cookies (84 count)
• Moist loaf cakes (21 count)
• Customizable cupcakes (30 count)

Of course, when feeding a crowd it's important to be aware of dietary restrictions. In consideration of possible allergies, keep ingredient labels attached to party platters.

FAQ: What to Consider When Buying a Premade Holiday Meal

How many people do premade meals serve?

Most premade holiday meals offer four to eight servings per container (based on recommended serving size).

How many people do party platters feed?

Party platters are made to serve a large crowd. Each tray varies, depending on the food-type, but on average serves 15-20.

Do I need to preorder party platters?

Yes. We recommend ordering at least 24 hours in advance.

How long do premade holiday meals last?

Many premade meals can be frozen. Meals labeled "refrigerate only" can be purchased five to seven days in advance. Read package labels for specific storage recommendations.

Party platters that are not vacuum sealed should be served within two to three days of purchase. Consume all sushi within 24 hours of purchase.