Sam’s Club, the wholesale haven, becomes even more appealing in December as holiday preparations ramp up. Beyond the gifts and decorations, Sam’s Club offers incredible deals on food, making it the perfect place to stock up for festive gatherings, family dinners, and even everyday meals. But navigating the aisles and maximizing your savings can be overwhelming. This guide dives into the best Sam’s Club food deals this December, transforming those bulk purchases into delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions and tips for creating mouthwatering meals that will impress your guests (and your wallet!).
**Why Sam’s Club for Holiday Cooking?**
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s highlight why Sam’s Club is a smart choice for your December cooking needs:
* **Bulk Savings:** Buying in bulk generally translates to lower per-unit costs, saving you money on ingredients you use frequently.
* **Quality Products:** Sam’s Club often carries high-quality brands and their Member’s Mark brand offers excellent products at competitive prices.
* **Convenience:** One-stop shopping for everything from meat and produce to pantry staples and even desserts.
* **Holiday Preparedness:** Stocking up in advance reduces the stress of last-minute grocery runs during the busy holiday season.
**Navigating Sam’s Club Deals This December:**
Keep an eye out for these categories when shopping at Sam’s Club this December to maximize your savings:
* **Meats:** Look for deals on roasts (beef, pork, or lamb), whole chickens, turkeys, hams, and ground beef.
* **Seafood:** Shrimp, salmon, and other seafood options are often available at discounted prices, perfect for elegant appetizers or main courses.
* **Produce:** Check for bulk bags of potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.
* **Dairy:** Cheese, butter, milk, and eggs are essential for holiday baking and cooking.
* **Pantry Staples:** Flour, sugar, spices, olive oil, nuts, and other baking and cooking essentials are usually available in bulk.
* **Frozen Foods:** Frozen vegetables, fruits, and even appetizers can be a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.
* **Prepared Foods:** Don’t overlook the prepared food section! They often have pre-made sides, salads, and even entrees that can save you time and effort.
**Recipe Ideas Using Sam’s Club Deals:**
Now, let’s get to the delicious part! Here are some recipe ideas that utilize the best Sam’s Club deals this December, with detailed instructions and tips:
**1. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders (Using Member’s Mark Pork Shoulder)**
* **Sam’s Club Deal:** Member’s Mark Pork Shoulder (Boston Butt) – Typically a great price per pound.
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 (7-9 pound) Member’s Mark Pork Shoulder
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (18 ounce) bottle of your favorite BBQ sauce (Sam’s Club has great variety)
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Slider buns (Sam’s Club has bulk options)
* Coleslaw (optional, Sam’s Club often has pre-made options)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim any excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin.
2. **Sear (Optional):** For added flavor, sear the pork shoulder in a large skillet over medium-high heat on all sides until browned. This step is optional but adds a nice crust.
3. **Slow Cook:** Place the chopped onion and minced garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Place the pork shoulder on top of the onion and garlic.
4. **Add Sauce:** In a bowl, combine the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour the mixture over the pork shoulder.
5. **Cook:** Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is easily shredded with a fork.
6. **Shred the Pork:** Remove the pork shoulder from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork. Discard any large pieces of fat.
7. **Combine and Serve:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce. Serve the pulled pork on slider buns, topped with coleslaw (if desired).
* **Tips:**
* **Make it Ahead:** Pulled pork can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the BBQ sauce for a little extra heat.
* **Customize the Sauce:** Feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to your liking. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
* **Bulk Cooking:** This recipe is perfect for large gatherings. Double or triple the recipe as needed.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve with coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, or corn on the cob.
**2. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables (Using Member’s Mark Whole Chicken and Bulk Vegetables)**
* **Sam’s Club Deal:** Member’s Mark Whole Chicken – Excellent price and quality. Bulk bags of potatoes, carrots, and onions.
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 (4-5 pound) Member’s Mark Whole Chicken
* 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large (from bulk bag)
* 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped (from bulk bag)
* 1 large onion, chopped (from bulk bag)
* 2 lemons, one sliced, one juiced
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (rosemary, thyme, and oregano work well – Sam’s Club sometimes has herb packs)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. **Season the Chicken:** In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken, both inside and out.
4. **Stuff the Chicken:** Place the lemon slices inside the chicken cavity.
5. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
6. **Arrange on Sheet Pan:** Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
7. **Roast:** Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when a thigh is pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
8. **Rest:** Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
* **Tips:**
* **Crispy Skin:** For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking time. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
* **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the sheet pan, such as broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
* **Herb Substitutions:** If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs instead. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb.
* **Leftovers:** Leftover chicken and vegetables can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
* **Easy Clean-Up:** Line the sheet pan with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
**3. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (Using Member’s Mark Canned Tomatoes and Cheese)**
* **Sam’s Club Deal:** Member’s Mark Canned Diced Tomatoes – Great value for a pantry staple. Large blocks of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, etc.).
* **Ingredients:**
* 2 (28 ounce) cans Member’s Mark Diced Tomatoes, undrained
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups chicken broth (Sam’s Club sells this in bulk)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread (for grilled cheese croutons – Sam’s Club has various options)
* Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite – from the block purchased at Sam’s Club)
* Butter
* **Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Broth:** Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth (be careful when blending hot liquids!).
4. **Stir in Cream:** Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Make Grilled Cheese Croutons:** While the soup is simmering, prepare the grilled cheese croutons. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place cheese between two slices of buttered bread (butter-side out). Grill in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Cut into small cubes.
6. **Serve:** Serve the creamy tomato soup hot, topped with grilled cheese croutons.
* **Tips:**
* **Add Roasted Vegetables:** For a richer flavor, roast some vegetables (like carrots, celery, and bell peppers) before adding them to the soup.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.
* **Garnish:** Garnish the soup with fresh basil, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil.
* **Make it Vegan:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use a plant-based cream alternative to make this soup vegan.
* **Freezes Well:** This soup freezes well, making it a great make-ahead meal.
**4. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry (Using Member’s Mark Beef and Frozen Broccoli)**
* **Sam’s Club Deal:** Member’s Mark Beef Sirloin or Top Round – Sliced thin for stir-fry is ideal. Large bags of frozen broccoli florets.
* **Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Member’s Mark Beef Sirloin or Top Round, thinly sliced against the grain
* 1 pound Member’s Mark Frozen Broccoli Florets
* 1/2 cup soy sauce (Sam’s Club offers large bottles)
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons sesame oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* Cooked rice, for serving (Sam’s Club has large bags of rice)
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
2. **Cook the Broccoli:** Steam or microwave the frozen broccoli florets according to package directions until tender-crisp. Set aside.
3. **Cook the Beef:** Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Sauté Garlic and Ginger:** Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. **Add Sauce and Broccoli:** Pour the soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked broccoli and stir to coat.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another minute until heated through. Serve the beef and broccoli over cooked rice, garnished with sesame seeds (if desired).
* **Tips:**
* **Marinate the Beef:** For extra flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of brown sugar to your liking.
* **Spice It Up:** Add more red pepper flakes for a spicier dish.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal.
**5. Giant Chocolate Chip Cookies (Using Member’s Mark Baking Supplies)**
* **Sam’s Club Deal:** Bulk bags of flour, sugar, chocolate chips, and butter. Large packs of eggs.
* **Ingredients:**
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (Member’s Mark bulk bag)
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (Member’s Mark)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (Member’s Mark bulk bag)
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (Member’s Mark bulk bag)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs (Member’s Mark)
* 2 cups chocolate chips (Member’s Mark bulk bag)
* **Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Gradually Add Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips.
7. **Drop by Large Spoonfuls:** Drop by large spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup) onto ungreased baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* **Tips:**
* **Chill the Dough:** For thicker cookies, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
* **Add Nuts:** Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts) to the dough for extra flavor and texture. Sam’s Club often has bulk nuts available.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** These giant cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
**Beyond the Recipes: Tips for Successful Sam’s Club Shopping:**
* **Check the Weekly Ad:** Sam’s Club releases a weekly ad with special deals and promotions. Be sure to check it online or in-store before you shop.
* **Download the Sam’s Club App:** The app offers features like Scan & Go (allowing you to scan your items and pay on your phone, skipping the checkout line), order pickup, and digital coupons.
* **Consider Sam’s Cash:** Sam’s Club offers a rewards program where you can earn cash back on your purchases.
* **Compare Unit Prices:** Pay attention to the unit price (price per ounce, pound, etc.) to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Plan Your Meals:** Before you go shopping, plan out your meals for the week so you know exactly what you need to buy. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and food waste.
* **Storage Solutions:** Since you’re buying in bulk, make sure you have adequate storage containers to keep your food fresh.
* **Be Aware of Expiration Dates:** Check the expiration dates on all products before you buy them.
**Conclusion:**
Sam’s Club offers incredible value on a wide variety of food products, making it an excellent choice for holiday cooking and everyday meals. By taking advantage of the best deals this December and using these delicious recipes, you can create memorable meals without breaking the bank. So, grab your Sam’s Club membership card, plan your shopping trip, and get ready to cook up some holiday magic! Happy cooking!