Trader Joe's blog and cooking.
The pros: Trader Joe’s Uncured Ham and Swiss Cheese Flaky Croissant are the newest to a growing line of croissant products. These are well priced compared to getting these already made.
The cons: These are squares instead of the rolled shape of a regular croissant. It was a touch doughy in the middle.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chipotle Black Bean Dip is a smokey and thick dip.
The cons: The smoke flavor is very strong with this one.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral is crispy and cheesy.
The cons: If there were 5 cheeses in this, then they became indistinguishable once they were baked together.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Queso Cheese Dip is a low-calorie dip that will partially satisfy your spicy cheese dip cravings.
The cons: While low in calories, this makes sacrifices in other areas like thickness. This is a thin dip that is in no danger of breaking any chip that is placed into it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Brie En Croute makes for a pretty tasty and melty appetizer. This came out of the oven in a more attractive way that the mini brie en croute did.
The cons: Mine was not as melty as the package makes it appear. This is not a quick appetizer either.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Speculoos Crunchy Cookie Butter is one of two iconic cookie butter varieties currently on shelves.
The cons: I’m not sure how they think there are 27 servings in this jar. Clearly, they are misinformed or never tasted it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Bambino Pepperoni Pizza is tasty pizza which might bring you back in a way.
The cons: If you are looking for that thin crust experience, then this is not it.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Authentic Greek Feta in Brine comes to you directly from Greece. This is a tasty feta cheese.
The cons: Nothing stands out.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Spinach and Kale Bites make for a tasty side, appetizer, or single vegetarian meal.
The cons: Mine were stuck slightly to the paper box.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Brioche Toasts are a two to three bite size slice of brioche that are crisp and delicious. At under $2 it’s a great deal. It also might have some interesting other applications beyond just appetizers.
The cons: If you are using this in place of crackers, then consider making sure you have napkins or plates because there will be crumbs from this toast.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Truffle Mousse Pate is a truly unique product that will have its raving fans. For those with a curious palate and not a big wallet, it’s a neat item to try.
The cons: This is neither a taste nor texture that everyone will appreciate. If you’ve been curious about pate and can stomach the flavor of truffle, this is a well made one to reach for. Pate is not diet food, so don’t be surprised by the calorie count.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken Taquitos are quick freezer food that are only 110 calories per taquito
The cons: These are pretty close to flavorless. You will need to get creative with a sauce or toppings in order for this to have flavor.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Cheesy Trees are new, delicious, and full of cheese flavor.
The cons: This is a seasonal item. If you see them, then grab one (or a bunch) because they are already hard to find. A lot of my trees were broken.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons make for a quick and easy snack or meal.
The cons: You’ll still want a bit of dipping sauce as these are a bit bland on their own.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Turkey Pot Pie Bites has made an appearance just after everyone has finished their turkey dinners. This is a decent appetizer.
The cons: Not one of the best appetizers that Trader Joe’s sells. Also, this item is seasonal.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Vegetable Pastry Puffs are a good appetizer.
The cons: This is a very simple appetizer that can easily be replicated at home. Mine did not come out quite as cute as in the picture on the box. If you have food allergies, there are some unexpected allergens mentioned.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Hasselback Potatoes are a good potato that is prepped for you and ready to go. The taste and texture was better in the oven than in the microwave.
The cons: These are truly overpriced potatoes. There was nothing notable or that made these standout in anyway.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Mini Cheese Crepes are new, seasonal, and are a bite sized snack or appetizer.
The cons: Seasonal and reminded me more of eating an omlet.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Onion Dip is a new and delicious dip found in the freezer section of Trader Joe’s.
The cons: This item is labeled HOL on my receipt which usually indicates it is a seasonal item. Unfortunately, I strongly disagree with this being seasonal. This would make an awesome addition to Trader Joe’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip that is available year round. I also disagree with there being 8 servings. I believe this to be closer to 2-3 servings at most.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Shrimp and Salmon Trio is a nice variety pack of appetizers.
The cons: This is a seasonal item.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Parmesan and Garlic Pita Chips are tasty chips perfect for snacking on their own or enjoying with dip. They are also priced well.
The cons: Nothing really comes to mind.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Fig and Olive Crisps are a very well done appetizer crisp. These are far more flavorful that crackers and are crisp enough to hold up to dip and toppings.
The cons: The flavor combination might not be for everyone, but as someone who does not really like the taste of olives, I did not mind them here.
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The pros: Trader Joe’s Mango and Sticky Rice Spring Rolls are a completely different type of dessert. This product is not overly sweet.
The cons: If you are used to overly sweet desserts, then you might think of this as a palate cleanser. In fact, at my local TJ’s this is with the appetizers and not with the dessert products.
The verdict: …
The pros: Trader Joe’s Party Size Mini Meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or a smaller bite sized version of Trader Joe’s Italian Style Meatballs.
The cons: Won’t ever live up to Nonna’s, but for something that comes out of the freezer these are pretty good. Depending on how many you take out of the bag, you should consider adjusting the cook time.
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