The pros:  Trader Joe's Uncured Dry Rubbed Bacon is tasty. It's bacon that comes out crispy without an overwhelming taste of salt.
The cons: Â Package only has 12 ounces in it, so if you are looking for a full pound then consider the not so uniform Bacon Ends and Pieces which also costs less per package.
The verdict: Â ...
Trader Joe's Chile Relleno con Queso features two whole poblano peppers stuffed generously with cheese and paired with a mild tomato-based sauce, packaged separately so nothing gets soggy before you're ready. Priced affordably at $5.99 and sold in the frozen section, this version stands out from the various chile relleno offerings they've rotated over the years.
Trader Joe's has flirted with chile relleno before, but this one? This one finally gets it right.
The biggest win is the texture. It somehow manages to crisp up while baking, which is unheard of when it comes to a pre-packaged chile relleno. Most versions end up a soggy mess, but this one had edges that got golden and crispy before the cooking was even finished. That alone would've earned it points, but then you get to the inside: ooey, gooey cheesy goodness that's flavorful without being overpowering.
The peppers themselves have a super mild heat. We're talking more flavorful than spicy, which works here. It keeps things accessible without feeling bland. The sauce is tomato-forward, lightly seasoned, and a nice bonus, it complements the pepper without stealing the spotlight.
Would I have loved a touch more seasoning or a hit of something smoky? Sure. But in the frozen and pre-prepped world of chile rellenos, this is easily one of the best Trader Joe's has offered. Serve it as a side, turn it into a meal with some beans and rice, or get wild and chop it up for tacos. Either way, it's worth trying while it's still in stores.
The following are commonly asked questions about this product:
Not really. It's more about the roasted pepper flavor than heat. Most people would consider it mild.
There are two stuffed peppers, and depending on your appetite, it could be one or two servings.
Surprisingly, no. It's one of the few frozen chile rellenos that actually gets crispy edges when baked.
If you've tried previous iterations and felt let down, this one might just redeem the whole category for you. It's flavorful, cheesy, and most importantly, crispy. For a quick, satisfying vegetarian option that doesn't feel like a compromise, Trader Joe's Chile Relleno con Queso is absolutely worth grabbing.
Don't forget to share your thoughts by going to the "user review" at the bottom of the box (click on the number of stars you believe this product deserves) and leave a comment below.
The pros:  Trader Joe's Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas are generously filled with tasty chicken tikka masala filling. It will remind you of a finely shredded Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala with mashed potatoes. It is does not contain as much sauce as that would ruin the crispy won ton like pastry wrap. Medium in heat this might catch some off guard who don't read the package carefully.
The cons: Â This is a medium heat product so be warned. No microwave allowed on this one.
The verdict: Â ...
My sisters favorite restaurant of all things is IHOP. Why? The syrup. They offer syrups that many people do not keep at home. But all of those syrups (other than maple) can be easily made at home. Here is a quick recipe for homemade raspberry that might compliment recipes like Overnight Yeasty Goodness Waffles or perhaps Trader Joe’s Chocolate Chip Waffles that deserve something special. Even pancakes or even a dessert would work with this as its a perfect balance between tart, sweet, and acidity. My Homemade Raspberry Pancake, Waffle, and Dessert Syrup is a recipe to make some special raspberry syrup at home and it doesn't require a lot of fancy ingredients....
The pros: Â Trader Joe's Chocolate Mint Flavored Black Tea smells right away of chocolate which got me kind of excited for the taste. These Tea bags come with strings.
The cons: Â Tastes like black tea with minimal flavors of mint or chocolate. Plastic packaging seems a bit wasteful.
The verdict: Â ...
