12 Dealer Joe’s Frozen Faves I Purchase Each Week—Plus the One I’ll Go to A number of Shops to Discover
So many hyped-up merchandise to strive, so little time. On this period of inflation the place even eggs are thought of a luxurious good, it may be overwhelming to navigate the broad world of stuff. From wellness buys to seasonal treats to candles well worth the splurge, it’s necessary that our hard-earned {dollars} go towards issues (and experiences) that pay satisfying, mood-boosting dividends. In the case of what I eat—and the way I price range out my grocery record—objects I can retailer for months within the freezer are an absolute godsend. And because the greatest Dealer Joes frozen meals proves, your money-saving grocery haul can unlock all types of scrumptious and handy inspiration. (Mealspiration, if you’ll.)
Featured picture by Teal Thomsen.
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The Best Trader Joes Frozen Food: 12 Must-Have Picks
Before I get to my Trader Joe’s frozen finds, I have to disclose something. I couldn’t have timed this frozen food haul worse. Besides the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and that elusive, late-summer day when fall products hit the shelves, I scheduled my grocery run for perhaps the worst shopping day of the year. Because I’m only a football fan by association—my partner’s a die-hard—the fact that my visit coincided with Super Bowl Sunday was completely lost on me. That is, until I had to take four spins around the parking lot before finding a space.
All that to say, this wasn’t the leisurely shopping trip I had envisioned. The aisles were crowded, my movements were frantic, and they were out of the most important frozen good I had been instructed (by everyone!) to find. Yes, real tears were almost shed. But I kept my cool, loaded up my cart with all the best Trader Joes frozen food, and vibed out to my chill girl playlist on the ride home. (If you’ve ever felt your blood pressure skyrocket from a Sunday grocery trip, you know what I’m talking about.)
With my goods procured, I spent all of last week taste-testing and determining the items that earned their place among the frozen masses. Some were old standbys while others were new-to-me recommendations. In the end, 12 products stood out as the best of the best Trader Joes frozen food.
Dive in and discover the hype.
Organic Rainbow Cauliflower: $2.99
Praise be the cruciferous deliciousness that is cauliflower. As we all know by now, cauliflower comes with endless possibilities. It can replace just about every grain you can think of—from pizza crust to pasta—and it can bulk up our favorite smoothies sans banana. And even the hesitant among us are nearly always pleased to discover that cauliflower, roasted with a little oil, salt, and pepper, is a fiber-filled delight. That hype, of course, extends to Trader Joe’s frozen rainbow cauliflower. Simply prepare it with the EVOO method and roast in the oven until golden brown. It’s easy, it’s healthy, and it’s your secret to a colorful and nutritious weeknight veg.
One qualm. If you’re familiar with the spinach memes, expect a similar result. This bag of frozen cauliflower will not feed a family. I served it as a side for a weeknight dinner, and because I’m *passionate* about roasted cauliflower, my partner was left with a meager serving. (Don’t worry, he’s a Brussels sprouts guy, anyway.)
Thai Vegetable Gyoza: $4.79
Of course, this is a list of my Trader Joe’s freezer go-to’s. But if I had to name a favorite of my favorites, it would be this. Truly, these gyozas: chef’s kiss. The vegan version of the Asian steamed dumpling is a tasty spin on the traditional dish. The filling boasts a veggie medley of carrots, cabbage, chives, green onions, and radishes. But the real kicker is the ginger. In every bite, you get the herb’s sweet, spicy, and warming hit. Bonus: This is a large bag, so it’s great for serving as an appetizer to a crowd or spread out over several meals. And don’t you dare microwave your gyozas. Pan frying gives you a perfectly steamed interior, while the outsides get beautifully browned and crispy.
Cauliflower Gnocchi: $2.99
Is it really a Trader Joe’s haul if your list doesn’t contain at least two cauliflower-ized staples? This gnocchi is a favorite among the TJs-obsessed for a reason. First off, speaking from a financial standpoint, $2.99 for 2.5 servings is a steal. And if you’re going for ease, this frozen fave is known to serve as the base for plenty of three-ingredient recipes.
But as for the texture—now that’s where the conversation starts. I’ve heard it all: from pillowy-soft to gummy and watery, Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi is no stranger to evangelists and haters alike. However, I’ve found that it all comes down to the preparation. My chosen method(s)? Pan frying and air frying. If your love of kitchen gadgets doesn’t extend to the latter, simply heat a little butter or oil in the pan (I went for two tablespoons), add your gnocchi, and heat for 7-10 minutes. You get a golden exterior and the insides remain perfectly fluffy. The perfect vehicle for your go-to sauce.
Vegan Vegetable Pad Thai: $3.49
Among being a haven for tasty, budget-friendly wine and a treasure trove of inventive snacks, Trader Joe’s has also made a name for itself as a spot to hit up for heat-and-serve meals. And though we love to be ready for the week with a good meal prep, some days take us by surprise with their busyness. When that happens, I’m endlessly grateful for the presence of pad thai in my freezer. As many people know, it’s tough to replicate a restaurant-quality pad thai at home on a budget (again, the memes abound). However this vegan model has all of the textures and flavors down pat.
From chewy noodles to crunchy peanuts to a sauce that hits the tang good, Dealer Joe’s pad thai can cope with nearly any takeout model. And for that worth, it’s a no brainer.
Mini Vanilla Maintain the Cone!: $3.79
In some way, this was my first time attempting this frozen deal with. I’d seen them raved about on nearly each social media platform, however for some motive was simply now getting round to tasting them myself. Evidently, these can be discovering their approach into my cart on each Dealer Joe’s journey from right here on out.
Whereas the serving measurement is three mini cones (and I’ll fortunately eat 3+ mini cones), I additionally discover that only one is sufficient to fulfill my candy tooth when the craving strikes. The feel play of this deal with is unreal. Take a chew of the crunchy chocolatey coating and also you’ll uncover a easy, creamy base of vanilla ice cream. And in contrast to different frozen ice lotions whose cones lack any understanding of taste, this one has a definite, virtually molasses-like sweetness. It’s the right car for all of the deliciousness inside.
Natural Riced Cauliflower: $1.99
Our third and closing cauliflower product to search out its approach onto this record of the very best Dealer Joes frozen meals. It’s a stable technique to work veggies into even probably the most unsuspecting dishes. Nevertheless, don’t anticipate the identical consequence for those who had been choosing common white or brown rice. You’ll get that nutty, barely bitter taste you’d anticipate from cauliflower, however I discover that it performs properly with nearly any cauliflower rice recipe I can dream up. What’s extra, it’s just about easy to cook dinner and is a superb meal booster to lean on if you’re in a pinch.
Natural Blueberries: $2.99
Blueberries are a nutritionist-approved freezer staple that I really like loading up on for numerous health-boosting causes. They’re an wonderful supply of antioxidants, excessive in fiber, and are inflammation-fighting powerhouses. I really like throwing a handful of those into my smoothies, oatmeal, or any candy I’m baking up. And at this worth? For natural berries? Unbeatable.
Rooster & Chimichurri Empanadas: $4.49
Taking second place for probably the most (comparatively) costly merchandise on this record, these empanadas actually aren’t the very best bang-for-your-buck choose. However for those who’re ever in search of slightly pick-me-up throughout your grocery journey—which TBH, we’re all after after we hit up Dealer Joe’s—you may belief that these ship.
I cooked mine within the air fryer, giving me a young and flaky crust with a powerful quantity of filling packed into every pastry. You get shredded darkish hen meat (probably the most flavorful) and a colourful mix of veg—potatoes, carrots, and inexperienced cabbage. However the true star is the chimichurri. It’s sharp and vibrant, with simply sufficient spice. Preserve these available for if you want a from-the-freezer shock.
Mini Vegetable Samosas: $3.79
To paraphrase entertaining extraordinaire, Ina Garten—aka, The Barefoot Contessa—when entertaining, by no means draw back from a number of (high-quality) store-bought objects. You don’t must do all of it! I’ve taken her recommendation to coronary heart and have been recognized to serve these at each gathering. When prep is so simple as opening the field and turning on the oven, why wouldn’t you? The results of your (minimal) efforts is an appetizer that everybody will devour. The skinny, flaky pastry envelops a filling of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, onions, and a curry-like spice. And because the copy geniuses at Dealer Joe’s write themselves, “these Samosas’ dietary profile is fairly darn cheap for a savory pastry.” Well being meals? You determine.
Quinoa Cowboy Veggie Burgers: $3.99
Traditionally, veggie burgers have gotten a nasty rap. Albeit properly deserved, instances are a-changin’—and TJ’s is main the cost. The burger brings collectively the very best of the shop’s two widespread objects: Tri Coloration Quinoa and Cowboy Caviar Salsa. There’s a great deal of texture due to the black beans, roasted corn, and quinoa that function the majority of this burger. They’re chewy with simply sufficient crisp and crunch on the skin. And for all of us who imagine a burger ought to have taste past the condiments, you’ll be glad with a pleasant little bit of kick and zest.
Ratatouille Bites: $4.29
I’m ending this record of my well-loved frozen meals on a excessive be aware. Whereas the Ratatouille Bites might look like an uncommon choose (and certain an insult to the French), these are really addicting. Right here at Camille Types, we’re obsessive about ratatouille-inspired dishes—this pasta is tasty proof. And although I wasn’t anticipating to take pleasure in these fairly as a lot as I did, I used to be oh-so-pleasantly stunned. Ratatouille, although a late-summer dish, has a beautiful air of coziness about it. The big chunks of in-season veggies are cooked with wealthy glugs of olive oil and seasoned with aromatic garlic and herbs.
This Panko-crusted model pulls collectively the essence of the dish completely, packaging it up right into a small, two-bite snack. Once more, they is perhaps sudden—and a blasphemous shift from custom to some—however serve these at your subsequent get together and see what occurs. I assure they’ll be successful.
The Finest Dealer Joes Frozen Meals Merchandise I Visited Three Shops to Discover
Sadly, out of my whole haul, the #1 merchandise I used to be after was nowhere to be discovered. And pals, I braved the crowds and visited two different Dealer Joe’s in Chicago in my pursuit of this must-try frozen merchandise. What was I after? The much-lauded, unanimously-approved soup dumplings. It doesn’t matter what aspect of the town I discovered myself on, neither the Steamed Pork & Ginger Soup Dumplings nor the Steamed Rooster Soup Dumplings may very well be discovered. Was I alone in noticing a scarcity? Was everybody consuming soup dumplings on Tremendous Bowl Sunday? After having polled a number of pals, I found that I wasn’t the one one experiencing an unfruitful search.
Nevertheless, after I lastly do get my fingers on them, I’m advised to anticipate a perfectly-seasoned broth (savory, with simply the slightest trace of sweetness) and a texture that’s so tender, every dumpling virtually melts in your mouth. It’s my want that I can get my fingers on a package deal (or hoard them in my freezer ought to I be fortunate sufficient to search out them) and revel in them for myself earlier than the comfy season is up. Right here’s to hoping.
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