Every now and again, I get a chance to write a review that I'm truly excited to share. Not only is this product new, but it is also sadly labeled as seasonal. This is the time of year when Trader Joe's tends to bring out its best products along with new items I deem as Trader Nos. However, this item has returned and is now back year round.
Taste
I'm not a huge cauliflower fan. I like it, but I'm not in love with it. I thought cauliflower rice was alright after consuming it just once. I knew that it wasn't really rice and that my palate wasn't fooled one bit.
The mashed cauliflower didn't wow me.
I thought the Riced Cauliflower Stuffing tried really hard but didn't really satisfy the texture of classic bread-based stuffing.
The Cauliflower and Broccoli Patties were just too boring and plain for my palate.
I've heard lots of good things about the Cauliflower Stir Fry but have 2 bags sitting in my freezer.
It wasn't until I tried (and prepared correctly) the Cauliflower Gnocchi. The crisper that product was, the better it was. That was the first cauliflower product that made me "get" the whole cauliflower substitute thing.
But now, on to this product. Oh baby, these pancakes however are ON POINT.
I bought these and was skeptical, I took a bite and just said "WOOOOOOW" out loud.
I opted to pan-fry these, but feel like they would be fine in the oven too.
And part of me wondered why they are necessary. I mean potato pancakes seem pretty perfect on their own.
However, when crisp these are awesome. I mean seriously awesome.
With a crisp outside and a tender inside. Yes, these taste like cauliflower but not in a gym sock-smelly type of way.
Nope, this is cauliflower done right. The flavor of cheese and herbs with its tender mashed center makes this work. The flavor of leeks and parmesan cheese shine right through. There is still some texture of the riced cauliflower.
And while not 100% of the texture you would get in a potato pancake, this comes darn close. There is a touch of gumminess to these, but otherwise near perfection.
If I'm going to have a product substitute for an original, I still want it to taste like the original. And the closer the better.
And yes, I know it isn't the same. But these were on point. The box does not list these as being gluten-free but a quick read through the ingredients makes it seem as if it might be. And for my low-carb peeps, these still aren't very low in carbs despite the use of cauliflower.
One thing to note, these were best straight from the pan. As they cooled they did get less enjoyable. And I'm going to assume (because I ate the whole box) that if you need to reheat these, then they will be much like leftover cauliflower gnocchi (which is kinda not yummy on a reheat FYI). So heat only the ones you know are going to be enjoyed.
Overall
For $3.99, you get six in a box. They aren't huge, but I can't think of any commercially available alternative. It's a price I'd happily pay. My biggest disappointment here is the seasonal notation on my receipt.
These were hiding next to the potato pancakes which were up until recently a bit difficult to find. However, with a sharp eye, you might find that you are lucky enough to find one of these little boxes on store shelves.
Product photos
The box of Trader Joe's Cauliflower Pancakes:
Calories
Ingredients
Directions
How Trader Joe's very accurately describes these:
After being cooked you get:
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Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
The Bottom Line
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Trader Joe's Cauliflower Pancakes
Product Name: Trader Joe's Cauliflower Pancakes
Product Description: Latkes made with riced cauliflower, parmesan, and leeks.
Price: $3.99
Summary
Another cauliflower product you didn't know you needed, but is absolutely worth a try. This comes very close to mimicking potato pancakes. It also has the added flavor of parmesan cheese and leeks.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Flavorful, easy to prepare and full of flavor
- Good texture overall
- Best enjoyed straight from the pan (a pinch of salt also helps)
Cons
- Seasonal. Why must you be so cruel Trader Joe's?
- A bit expensive for just 6 pancakes, but I totally think I'm picking up a bunch more.
- These is a touch of gummy texture, but nothing that prevented me from polishing off the box in one sitting
- Not a vegan product
Dagmar says
Wow! And I passed these by. I just couldn't imagine that cauliflower pancakes would be good. How seemingly wrong I was. I see a trip to Trader Joe's tomorrow.
becomebetty says
I didn't notice them at first. I think I was on the hunt for new appetizers. Skip the donuts. My review posts tomorrow on those. 👎
Alek says
WOW! TJ's is really playing around with cauliflower stretching it beyond norms. I wonder if applesauce will be great topper for this? Sour cream would work out the best. You could do a entire meal with cauliflower as the star for many dishes. I hope TJ's doesn't do a cauliflower dessert LOL!
Also when you plan to publish the worst TJ's items list?
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Yes, but this one absolutely works. I'm not sure apple sauce would work with the leek flavor but a sour cream would. And yes, here is not seeing cauliflower used as a dessert ever. As for the worst items, that should be next week unless some awesome stuff hits shelves between now and then. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Dagmar says
I have also been looking for new appetizers because I love appetizers for dinner LOL. Hope you're going to review the pumpkin mandelines I had one recently.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! I do the exact same thing! I saw the pumpkin madelines once, but my store was out of all things pumpkin the last time I went (this morning). Maybe next year. Thanks as always for stopping by!
Dagmar says
OMG- these pancakes are awesome. I fried them up with a little bit of butter and olive oil and did something a little different. I heated up some of the turkey cranberry meatballs & cut them up into little pieces. Then poured some of TJ's turkey gravy over the whole she bang. Believe it or not it was actually really good.
becomebetty says
Hey Dag! Glad to hear you were as pleasantly surprised as I was on these. I used olive oil too. These had a mashed potato like texture to them and I can see how this combination works. Thanks for checking back in on this!
Dagmar says
By the by, if you do end up finding the pumpkin mandelines I have a great suggestion. Spread some of Trader Joe's pumpkin cream cheese on one cookie and place another cookie on top. The ultimate pumpkin cookie-wich!
Dagmar says
I can't fried two of these and then put smoked gouda on top of one and put the other patty on top. Made one awesome "grilled cheese".
Ttrockwood says
These sound fantastic! Although they’re nutritionally nearly the exact same as the potato latkes... same carbs too so that’s a bit odd since i figured the whole point of using cauliflower is to lower the carbs.
becomebetty says
I had the same shock too. But they were tasty.
Dippy says
They are not stocked in my TJ so a little google led me here to find out they are seasonal. OH NO! Why do they do this to us?! I love these things. They were great for breakfast, too.
becomebetty says
Hey Dippy! I loved this product too. But I also try to point out if something is seasonal. If your receipt doesn't mention it, then check the artwork on the shelf. Often times those labels are different in terms of illustration to help distinguish. It's not 100% as they discontinue products often and without warning. Glad I could help. Thanks again for stopping by!
Khalid says
I love these and they are a staple in my freezer. Love them with the hot pepper jelly.
becomebetty says
Hey Khalid! I love these too. I'm so glad they turned out they weren't seasonal. Thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and share your thoughts
Annie says
I made them tonight in the oven! Oh my goodness, I could eat them every day! I served with applesauce and sour cream, amazing! I sure do hope they are gluten free!!🤞
becomebetty says
They are really good. Thanks for sharing!