A couple of years ago, I crowdsourced the best Trader Joe’s appetizers, dips, and food combinations and the response was AWESOME. I was so grateful! So since this is still such a great resource for delicious, affordable apps and snacks for any holiday party (or hanging at home), we wanted to see what was new on the Trader Joe’s shelves that were things not to miss. Again y’all did not disappoint so thank you! We put all of the new suggestions at the top but you can still see everything from the original post after. Everything is still just as tasty:)
I needed help and you seriously delivered. I’m bookmarking this page forever. I shopped exclusively from Trader Joe’s in my 20s (in New York) then in my 30s in LA until we moved back to Los Feliz and I couldn’t handle the 15 minutes it took to wait for parking, not to mention the line to check out. But now that I’m back in Portland, where running mom errands is a JOY. But I literally didn’t know what to bring to an appetizer/crafting get-together a couple of weeks ago. So we put it out there on social media and y’all seriously hooked us up. What we loved so much was how consistent you were – there are CLEAR favorites and not only that but so many of you recommended a combination of two apps that we would have never done (see below). So whether you are hoping for some easy cozy snacks while playing games or serving others this year, here are some appetizer recommendations from Trader Joe’s (unsponsored obviously).
Ok, first the new additions!
1. Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread: This was maybe the #1 suggestion when we asked people for their new favorite Trader Joe’s dips and spreads. Gretchen also made SURE it was on the list because she thinks it’s incredible. That’s a lot of praise across the board so y’all this should probably be on all of our shopping lists if you eat cheese.
2. Chunky Artichoke & Jalapeño: This was a big repeat suggestion and it’s easy to see why. Artichokes and jalapeños are incredibly delicious so matched in a dip only makes sense. Then grab a bag of delicious chips and you are set.
3. Vegan Carmelized Onion Dip: Another big repeat suggestion! This also sounds delicious and it’s always nice to have a vegan/dairy-free option for people that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
1. Organic Corn Chip Dippers + Everything and the Elote: Everything and the Elote dip was suggested A LOT. Very excited to try it. But when someone suggested the corn chip dippers it sounded like such a fun and easy combo that would be a huge crowd-pleaser.
2. Organic Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs: This combo was actually a Gretchen rec! As stated before the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread is a crowd favorite, to say the least. But there weren’t a ton of recommendations on what to eat it with. However, Grethen says they are incredible with the Jalapeño Seasoned Corn & Rice Puffs. According to her, “The puffs have just the right amount of spice and the spread finished it off perfectly”. She also loves the texture combo together!
3. Buffalo Style Chicken Poppers: These poppers were also recommended by a bunch of you and man do they look good! Fried, lots of flavor, and melted cheese? Sign us up.
1. Fig & Olive Crips + Cream Cheese + Fresh Cranberry Orange Relish: Talk about a perfect seasonal appetizer! Who doesn’t love those fig and olive crisps? And then you add that season relish on top of a little cream cheese? Try to keep me away:)
2. Triple Ginger Cookie Thins + Goat Cheese + Fresh Raspberry Jam: Another little delicious snack to assemble yourself or put on a cheese board for others to make themselves! This one is a little more of a dessert since the base is a cookie which I don’t think anyone will complain about. Ha.
3. Raisin Rosemary Crips + Goat Cheese + Honey: If you love the fig and olive crisps and you for some reason haven’t tried the raisin rosemary, then you are in for a treat! This combo is a total crowd-pleaser.
Baked Lemon Ricotta Cheese: I keep hearing about this cheese and how it’s more like a dessert! Y’all recommended pairing it with a berry compote which sounds so good. Definitely is a dish that is going to look and taste fancier than the price tag.
1. Spanakopita: So many of you recommended this. Everyone swears it’s a party hit and is great to have in a pinch.
2. Parmesan Pastry Pups: Sign me up for fancy pigs in a blanket any day of the week. Great for kids and adults!
3. Samosas: The samosas were another greatest hit in our DMs. You guys insist they are a super popular at parties or for a quick and easy snack.
1. Fried Stuffed Olives: I can’t wait to try these. They are breaded fried olives with cream cheese so I can imagine they would be gone very quickly at any gathering.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese: I am not at all surprised to hear these are fantastic. Jess Note: They are actual pieces of heaven on your mouth.
3. Chicken Cilantro Wontons: I know the frozen chicken potstickers are great but I haven’t tried these yet. I am excited to buy them next time I go to TJ’s.
4. Feta Cheese and Caramelized Onion Puffs: Oh these sound so delicious. A LOT of you said these are the best so I am very excited to try.
1. Buffalo Chicken Dip: This buffalo chicken dip is another clear winner. Y’all suggest pairing with bread or crackers and I imagine there are some great recipes you can use this in too.
2. Vegan Tzatziki Dip: You all said this is great paired with veggies and is a perfect vegan alternative for a dressing or dip.
3. Truffle Dip: If you have had anything truffle based you know it is RICH so I bet this dip would pair so well with celery or carrots.
1. Baked Brie: This baked brie en croûte looks delicious. It looks and tastes fancy and everyone loves bread and cheese, right?
2. Corn Salsa: I didn’t realize tomato-less salsa is such a thing but now I know. We are told that pairing the corn salsa with their blue corn tortilla chips is absolutely delicious.
3. Spinach Artichoke Dip: Almost everyone in the DMs noted that the frozen spinach and artichoke dip is killer.
1. Cooked Lentils + Crumbled Feta + Bruschetta Sauce: We were all blown away by how many of your recommended this combination. You guys suggest putting the mixture on a crostini, crackers, or just serving as a salad. I can’t wait to try.
2. Croissants with Spinach Artichoke Dip: YUM. Bread
+ creamy spinach and artichoke dip never misses.
3. Triple Cream Brie with Raisin Rosemary Crackers: So many of you swear by the triple cream brie cheese and a huge number also suggest pairing it with the raisin rosemary crackers.
1. Roll Goat Cheese in Everything But The Bagel Seasoning and Serve with Crackers: I knew Everything But The Bagel Seasoning was popular and now I am so excited to try it with goat cheese the next time we do a charcuterie board.
2. Pair Brie with Fig Butter on Crackers: Again, the triple cream brie was a very popular suggestion and the fig butter is supposed to pair with it perfectly.
3. Blueberry Goat Cheese and Pepper Jelly: This is a very interesting pairing that I am intrigued to try! A TON of you told us the pepper jelly is a staple and pairs well with so many things.
Big thanks to everyone who sent us their recs and please if you have more drop them in the comments. xx
Opening Image Credit: Design and Styled by Jess Bunge | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: How To Have Great Holiday Cocktail Party In A Tiny Apartment (All the Hacks You Need to Know)
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
