During the most recent heatwave we had on the East Coast, I decided that cooking just isn't for me when the temperature exceeds 95. So after a grocery run, I decided that my meals were going to be charcuterie-based with a side of Trader Joe's Focaccia Bread.
Taste
Focaccia is easy to make. It's nothing complicated, but it does take just a bit of time, plus that would require the oven being on. Not a thing this week.
When I saw Trader Joe's Focaccia Bread at the store it was still in a nearly frozen state. A win in my book. By the time I brought it home it was nearly defrosted just from the car ride alone.
With my meats and cheeses, I then sliced this loaf into 8 generous pieces (which as it turns it is just about the same as a serving size).
I didn't even see the directions stating that this could be heated up, because I had no intentions of heating this up. Because it is delicious at room temperature.
It eats a bit like a thick pizza but has the strong flavor of olive oil. Which oddly enough also makes it taste a bit like a sour dough too.
There isn't a ton of toppings here. Just a few tomatoes and cheese sprinkled on top. Just enough to add an extra bite of umami.
Overall
For $3.99 is this a yummy item that is perfect for appetizers or dinner when it is just too darn hot out or when carbs are exactly what you are looking for.
Would I buy this again? Yes, I would buy Trader Joe's Focaccia Bread again.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
Product Photos
The bag of Trader Joe's Focaccia Bread:
Calories and ingredients
Directions
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe’s for a searchable list.
Summary
Trader Joe's Focaccia Bread is new.
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Taste
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Value
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Worthy of Repurchasing
Pros
- Really tasty bread
- Flavor of olive oil comes through
- Nice umami from the cheese and tomatoes
Cons
- Has almost a sour dough note to it
- Wish there were just a bit more toppings.
Alek says
It can be easily converted to pizza. Just slice half so the insides is exposed. Top off with tomato & cheese.
becomebetty says
Hey Alek! Absolutely! It would be a really rustic Sicilian slice! Thanks for sharing this idea.
EllenLV says
Wow! Looks fabulous. I will be getting this, thanks Brenda!
EllenLV says
Brenda, I just got this and it was cold when I bought it, and warm by the time I got it home. I had to try it immediately, and it is delicious, I love it. Thank you for another great find!
becomebetty says
Hey Ellen! Same happened to me. Mine was nearly frozen. But with the NY heat, it thawed. Glad to hear you enjoyed this. I hope you are staying cool!
Dagmar says
They were out of this on my recent trip to Trader Joe's. I was thinking this would be a good thing for a stuffed bread. Slice it horizontally & toast/bake each half till crisp. Rub w/garlic, spread marinara & add cheese, veggies and meats. Put top back again and lightly bake. Essentially a big Italian sandwich you could cut into sections!
Lillian Hammer says
I didn't like it. It looked in the store and I sliced about 4 small slices and put it in the oven wrapped in foil to serve with pasta and meat sauce - I buttered it but thought it was tasteless. I am going to return it. Only used 3 thin slices.
Karen brown says
I loved this! One inch cut is 4 smArt points and worth every bit!!!! I will buy this again, and again, and again!!!
Karen Mazzucco Brown says
My tj’s sells this along with the other breads in the bakery section. I served this heated in the oven as instructed- it was perfect with the pasta I served that evening. The taste was perfect. However, I could see adding some mozzarella, tomato and basil for another taste treat!!! Brought it again tonite for home and one for a friend - I got the LAST two. No surprise
becomebetty says
Hey Karen! Great to hear how you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for sharing!
Shirra says
Try baking it for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.. absolutely delicious fresh baked bread!!!
becomebetty says
Thanks so much for sharing
Lora says
A few years later, but in case anyone has the same issue and comes across this like me:
I bought this, and it was great out of the packet. I decided to heat it up as directed, but the center was just just doughy, but dough -- and seemingly uncooked. Not sure if this is common with focaccia or if Trader Joe's f'd up. I'll cook the other half more and add marinara, garlic, and cheese because I can tell this will be good (if it wasn't doughy).
becomebetty says
Thanks for sharing Lora!