
Score Big This November: Delicious Recipes Using the Best Sam’s Club Deals
November is a fantastic month for food lovers, marked by Thanksgiving feasts and the beginning of the holiday season. It’s also a prime time to take advantage of deals and discounts, especially at warehouse clubs like Sam’s Club. This year, navigate the November savings at Sam’s Club like a pro, stocking up on quality ingredients and creating delicious, budget-friendly meals. This article will guide you through the best Sam’s Club deals to look out for in November and provide you with mouthwatering recipes to make the most of your savings.
## Navigating Sam’s Club Deals in November
Before diving into the recipes, let’s discuss how to find the best deals at Sam’s Club during November. Here are some strategies:
* **Sam’s Club Savings Book:** Keep an eye out for the monthly Savings Book, which is available both online and in-club. This book is filled with discounts on various items, including food, household goods, and electronics. November’s Savings Book often includes deals specifically tailored for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
* **Instant Savings:** These are unadvertised, limited-time discounts that appear on select items. You’ll find them displayed on price tags in the store or online. Keep a sharp eye out for these hidden gems, as they can offer significant savings.
* **Scan & Go App:** This app allows you to scan items as you shop and pay directly from your phone, skipping the checkout line. It also often features exclusive deals and discounts for app users.
* **Early Black Friday Sales:** Sam’s Club often kicks off its Black Friday sales early, with online deals starting weeks before Thanksgiving. Check the website regularly to catch the best early bird specials.
* **Thanksgiving Meal Deals:** Look for pre-packaged Thanksgiving meal deals that include a turkey, sides, and desserts at a discounted price. These bundles can be a great way to save time and money when planning your Thanksgiving feast.
* **Bulk Buying for the Holidays:** November is the perfect time to stock up on bulk items like baking ingredients (flour, sugar, chocolate chips), canned goods, and beverages for holiday baking and entertaining.
* **Keep an Eye on Produce:** Sam’s Club often has great deals on large quantities of produce, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and apples. These are staple ingredients for many fall and winter recipes.
## Recipe Ideas Using Sam’s Club Deals
Here are several delicious recipes you can create using ingredients you can find at discounted prices at Sam’s Club during November. These recipes are designed to be both budget-friendly and crowd-pleasing, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or simple family meals.
### 1. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup (Utilizing Bulk Butternut Squash & Chicken Broth)
Butternut squash is often available in bulk at Sam’s Club during the fall. This creamy soup is a healthy and comforting starter for any meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large butternut squash (about 3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups chicken broth (look for bulk deals!)
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional toppings: croutons, toasted pumpkin seeds, a swirl of cream, chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or sage)
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté Vegetables:** In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. **Add Squash and Broth:** Add cubed butternut squash and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
3. **Blend the Soup:** Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
4. **Stir in Cream and Season:** Return the soup to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Heat through gently, being careful not to boil.
5. **Serve:** Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Serve hot.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Look for deals on whole butternut squash or pre-cut squash chunks to save time. Buying chicken broth in bulk is also a smart move for making soups and sauces throughout the holiday season.
### 2. Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sliders (Perfect for Football Season & Using Bulk Pork Shoulder)
Sam’s Club often has great deals on large cuts of pork, such as pork shoulder. This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-5 pound pork shoulder (also known as pork butt)
* 1 bottle (18 oz) barbecue sauce (look for multi-packs!)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Slider buns
* Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, onions
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pork:** Trim excess fat from the pork shoulder. Season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a slow cooker, combine chopped onion, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Place the pork shoulder on top of the mixture.
3. **Cook on Low:** Pour barbecue sauce over the pork shoulder, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
4. **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.
5. **Return to Sauce:** Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and mix it with the remaining barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. **Assemble Sliders:** Serve the pulled pork on slider buns with your favorite toppings.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Take advantage of bulk discounts on pork shoulder. You can also find multi-packs of barbecue sauce to save even more. Consider buying slider buns in bulk and freezing them for later use.
### 3. Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas (Easy Weeknight Meal & Utilizing Bulk Chicken Breasts & Peppers)
Chicken breasts and bell peppers are frequently discounted at Sam’s Club. This sheet pan fajita recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s both healthy and flavorful.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
* 1 onion, sliced
* 1 packet fajita seasoning
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Tortillas
* Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine sliced chicken, bell peppers, and onion.
2. **Season:** Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated.
3. **Arrange on Sheet Pan:** Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. **Warm Tortillas:** While the chicken and vegetables are baking, warm the tortillas according to package directions.
6. **Serve:** Serve the chicken and vegetables in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Look for deals on bulk chicken breasts and multi-packs of bell peppers. Buying fajita seasoning in bulk can also save you money in the long run.
### 4. Cheesy Potato Casserole (Holiday Side Dish Staple & Utilizing Bulk Potatoes & Cheese)
Potatoes and cheese are Thanksgiving and holiday staples. This cheesy potato casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish that’s easy to make.
**Ingredients:**
* 5 pounds frozen hash browns (thawed)
* 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
* 1 pint sour cream
* 1 cup melted butter
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (look for bulk packages!)
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional topping: crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine thawed hash browns, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, melted butter, shredded cheese, chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. **Add Topping (Optional):** If desired, top with crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Buy frozen hash browns, cheddar cheese, and sour cream in bulk to save money on this popular side dish.
### 5. Apple Crisp (Fall Dessert Using Bulk Apples & Oats)
Apples are abundant during the fall, and this apple crisp is a classic dessert that’s perfect for using up a large quantity of apples.
**Ingredients:**
* 8-10 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare Apple Filling:** In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Toss gently to coat.
3. **Prepare Crisp Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, melted butter, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, remaining 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and salt. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
4. **Assemble Crisp:** Pour the apple filling into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
6. **Serve:** Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Take advantage of bulk discounts on apples during the fall. You can also find large bags of rolled oats for the topping.
### 6. Pumpkin Pie (Thanksgiving Classic Using Canned Pumpkin & Evaporated Milk)
No Thanksgiving is complete without pumpkin pie! Sam’s Club often has deals on canned pumpkin and evaporated milk, the key ingredients for this classic dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
* 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 (9 inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Prepare Filling:** In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
3. **Pour into Crust:** Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pie crust.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 15 minutes. Then, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. **Cool:** Let cool completely before serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Watch for deals on multi-packs of canned pumpkin and evaporated milk. You can also save money by making your own pie crust from scratch using flour and butter purchased in bulk.
### 7. Sweet Potato Casserole (Another Holiday Favorite & Utilizing Bulk Sweet Potatoes & Pecans)
Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory side dish that’s a Thanksgiving staple. Sam’s Club often has deals on sweet potatoes and pecans, the key ingredients for this dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup butter, softened
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* **Topping:**
* 1 cup chopped pecans (look for bulk deals!)
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Cook Sweet Potatoes:** Place sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
3. **Mash Sweet Potatoes:** In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes until smooth.
4. **Combine Ingredients:** Add softened butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well.
5. **Prepare Topping:** In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.
6. **Assemble Casserole:** Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the sweet potatoes.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Look for deals on bulk sweet potatoes and pecans. Buying these ingredients in bulk will save you money and allow you to make multiple batches of this delicious casserole.
### 8. Cranberry Sauce (Homemade is Best & Utilizing Bulk Cranberries & Sugar)
Ditch the canned stuff and make your own cranberry sauce! Sam’s Club offers great deals on cranberries and sugar, making homemade cranberry sauce a budget-friendly option.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup water
* Optional: 1/4 cup orange juice, zest of 1 orange, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange juice (if using), orange zest (if using), and cinnamon (if using).
2. **Bring to a Boil:** Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. **Simmer:** Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
4. **Cool:** Remove from heat and let cool completely. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
5. **Refrigerate:** Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
**Sam’s Club Deal Highlight:** Buy fresh cranberries and sugar in bulk at Sam’s Club to save money on this Thanksgiving staple. You can easily double or triple the recipe to make a large batch for your holiday gathering.
## Tips for Maximizing Your Savings at Sam’s Club
* **Compare Prices:** Before buying anything, compare prices with other stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* **Check Expiration Dates:** Pay attention to expiration dates, especially when buying perishable items in bulk.
* **Split Purchases with Friends or Family:** If you don’t need a large quantity of a particular item, consider splitting the purchase with friends or family to save money.
* **Use Coupons:** Look for manufacturer’s coupons that can be used in conjunction with Sam’s Club’s discounts.
* **Consider the Sam’s Club Credit Card:** The Sam’s Club credit card offers cashback rewards on purchases, which can help you save even more money.
By following these tips and utilizing the best Sam’s Club deals in November, you can create delicious and affordable meals for your family and friends throughout the holiday season. Happy cooking and happy saving!
This November, transform your Sam’s Club finds into culinary masterpieces. From hearty soups to decadent desserts, the savings are ripe for the taking. Happy cooking, and may your Thanksgiving be both delicious and budget-friendly!