The pros: A new addition to the freezer section. Trader Joe's Cauliflower and Broccoli Vegetable Patties are quick and easy that taste fresh and require minimal work. While they won't work out as a burger, they will make a nutritious side dish.
The cons: You'll need to add something here to make it more flavorful. This is a blank canvas. I found the addition of a bit of salt to be essential. No microwave allowed on this one.
The verdict: For $1.99 these are pretty good veggie patties, but they are going to need some love on your end. When I ate the first two I felt the exact same way as I did eating Trader Joe's Carrot and Pea Vegetable Patties. I felt they were pretty bland. The next day (in an effort to clean out the freezer) I tried again. This time I sprinkled some salt and it made all the difference in the flavors (I'll have to now revisit the other patties with salt). Now, could this have benefited from some spice? Yes. Even a nice spice blend would have added some much needed flavor. What you are getting here is a patty that you have to sear yourself, but will taste pretty fresh. I honestly preferred the combination of cauliflower and broccoli over the carrot and pea.
What does this taste like? Riced cauliflower and riced broccoli held together with some egg whites and a sprinkle of pepper. Yes, there is salt in the ingredients, but not enough. If you are finding these bland, give it some salt or hot sauce. You may find it's pretty good. Would I eat this over a salad? I think that's pushing it a little too far. As a replacement for my side of veggies on my dinner plate? Yes, I'll agree to mix things up with this.
Here is the visual rundown of what you can expect if you purchase this product:
The box in the freezer aisle:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? Yes. With the addition of salt it made all the difference in the world on Trader Joe's Cauliflower and Broccoli Vegetable Patties. You may want to try some hot sauce on these too.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Kat says
When they were sampling it, they paired it with the Cilantro and Chive Yogurt dip and it was perfect for me. I didn't even add any salt to the patties.
becomebetty says
That's really good to know. I didn't sample it before buying, but that's a super helpful pairing. Thanks for sharing!
Dogeatdogworld says
I ate all 4 patties at breakfast, browned up nicely in my cast iron skillet. They bland and since they already contain 250 mg per patty, no way would I add more salt. A gram at breakfast is plenty. So going with the green theme I added a splotch of Kikkoman wasabi sauce to each patty. Next time I will add a dot of sriracha as the final tasty touch. Yeah, each condiment adds more salt. Thankfully I have very, very low blood pressure. Overall, these bland little greenies are tasty when spiced. Eight grams of fiber in four is good, too.
becomebetty says
Those are some suggestions on toppings. Thanks for the feedback!
Sue Stanford says
I had already tried both of these before finding this review...like you I found them to be bland but w/extras they are great for a quick veggie w/the rest of meal...I added parmasean to them - perked them up and I also did the hot sauce...good...and really yummy w/thai sweet chili sauce. I am now trying to figure out my own recipe to make my own.
Jason says
The way I sampled this was with the Trader Joe’s Kale and Broccoli salad kit which comes complete in a package. The dressing, nuts and raisins added to the taste of these patties. One could put one or two whole patties on top for a meal. For a salad dish, cut the patties in smaller chunks and mix gently.
becomebetty says
Great suggestion Jason!
SBL says
I like to pair these with a fried or poached egg. They make a nice base for the egg (similar to how a slice of bread might work) and it's a good way to boost veggie intake in the morning.
becomebetty says
Sounds like a tasty meal and really ups the amount of protein in the your breakfast. Thanks for stopping by!
Lisa says
I tried them in the microwave for a reason.
I cooked them till mushy I mixed them with a beaten egg salt and cumin and made them in one medium thin pizza and browned it in a buttered skillet. Not bad!
becomebetty says
Hey Lisa! Great suggestion. Glad to hear how you enjoyed these. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
Michele says
Well, I love the Trader Joe's Cauliflower and Broccoli patties, but too bad they were discontinued. I was told this just Friday, 7/2/21 after I couldn't find them, and an employee checked for me. So disappointed! Why does TJ's discontinue items when it's clear that so many buy them? Very frustrating. Makes me NOT want to food shop there(Lake Grove NY store.) Michele N.
Diane says
I found a box in my freezer I opened today and love it. I went to TJ and discovered they no longer have them. It was perfect for me as all the ingredients were things I could eat and MY DOG loved it too. is there a place in Italy we can have i shipped?!
becomebetty says
I wish there were. TJ's products are only sold in the US.