The pros: Â Trader Joe's Eggplant Cutlets are affordable and super convenient, not to mention tasty and pretty darn close to tasting homemade.
The cons: I was wishing for it to be a tad crispier, but I guess you give some of that up when you buy frozen.
The verdict: Â For $2.49 you get a pound of frozen breaded eggplant without any of the mess usually associated with frying up eggplant. While a pound might sound like a lot, I assure you this will not be enough to make a tray of eggplant parm.
Then again at $2.49 per box, you can afford to buy a few of these. For what this is saving you in time and mess, I would hesitate to make this myself. You can prepare this product a number of ways. I always try to avoid refrying a fried product. I opted for my toaster oven. Out of the oven, they were ready in under 20 minutes with no mess beyond the parchment paper I used to cook them.
They were mostly crisp, but weren't quite as crisp as fresh. I think that's a fair sacrifice for a product found in the frozen section. Overall, they were tasty, well seasoned and I wouldn't hesitate on purchasing these again. Just watch calories on this as the box apparently contains 5 servings.
I ate half the box in one sitting, so realistically expect it to feed 2-3 people at most. It would likely made a good eggplant parm, but I keep eating these before they get that far.
The box of Trader Joe's Eggplant Cutlets:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare:
Out of the package you get:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? Â This is a big yes from me. I can see this becoming a staple. I love fried eggplant, but hate the mess it leaves in the kitchen. At less $3 per pound, I'm sold.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
steveo says
I agree. I tried these a few years ago, but fried them. Even then they weren't quite as good as the real thing, but still good enough and a time saver. Looking at the box pictures, it seems they haven't changed much, except the weight at the bottom right has been corrected - an interesting error back then
Ellen says
I love them!! I crisp them up in my convection oven, turning halfway through. Probably a total of 20-25 minutes or until toasty brown. Topped with 1 oz of fresh mozzarella and topped with some homemade sauce, Amazing!!
becomebetty says
Hey Ellen! These are one of my favorites too. So much less mess than making from scratch. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts on this!
tgomez94 says
I stick them in an air fryer and they come out crispy and not soggy at all 🙂
becomebetty says
Hey tgomez94! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these. By chance can you share what temperature and time you put them in for? Thanks a bunch for stopping by and sharing!
tcusmano says
love this product. please bring it back.
becomebetty says
Hey tcusmano! I wish I could. However, Trader Joe's does listen to customer commentary. Since this item has been discontinued, this is the best place to raise your concern is here: https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/product-feedback
I hope that helps!
Ricki says
I have been buying these from TJ's almost every week. Unfortunately, I just found out today (1-10-20) that they have discontinued the item store wide. Completely bummed out about this. Need to find out where else to get these.
becomebetty says
Hey Ricki! I wish it werent true also. I really liked this product too. If you want I can share Trader Joe's contact information so you can share your thoughts with them.
Joanne Jordan says
I bought these cutlets at trader joes nearly every week. Many times they were sold out which annoyed me. Now I find out they discontinued them for some unknown reason. Please tell me where I can get some at least comparable. Used to make from scratch but found these to be delecious and easy.
becomebetty says
Hey Joanne! The first place I'd go to is to TJ's themselves to complain. I've gotten quite a few comments about this product being discontinued and they do listen to customers feedback (if you look at the review from the 8 mini croissants, they've clearly been listening). Here is the link for that: https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/product-feedback
As far as a replacement, I haven't found anything similar. And yes, I used to make these from scratch too, but these saved so much mess.
Ron Cheney says
tried to buy some breaded eggplant today at my local Trader Joe's . I was told they have been discontinued. Why don't you sell them anymore.
becomebetty says
Hey Ron! Unfortunately, I'm not affiliated with Trader Joe's, so I don't have an answer for you. I miss this product too. But if you would like to reach out to them directly and share your opinion, here is the best place to do so: https://www.traderjoes.com/contact-us/product-feedback
Barbara says
Why were the Eggplant Cutlets discontinued? Can you please them back. They were a wonderful way to make eggplant Parmesan without a mess. And, they tasted good.