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Wondering what the BEST Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers are? Here’s my full review, from almost everything in the frozen appetizer section of Trader Joe’s. Now, as with any Trader Joe’s appetizer review…you may not agree 100% with me, so feel free to add your own in the comments! 🙂
I rounded up a few friends and made a huge Trader Joe’s appetizer platter, serving all frozen TJ appetizers plus a few fresh veggies to round things out a bit. Here’s what we thought of everything!
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WORST Trader Joe’s Appetizers
Let’s start with the WORST Trader Joe’s appetizers for a party. Why are they the worst for a party? Because no one is going to eat them. (Or they’ll try one and they won’t go back.)
Trader Joe’s Spinach & Artichoke Dip
This dip is SO not worth it. While I love hot spinach & artichoke dip as much as everyone else, this one has essentially no flavor and the texture is thick and gummy. But if you love it, serve with tortilla chips, salsa, and some fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks. (Final score: 1/10)
Trader Joe’s Coconut Shrimp
Sadly, these coconut shrimp skimp on the coconut flavor and ended up a bit soggy. (Final score: 2/10)
Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites
Ok, while this is on the worst list, your kids will probably like it. My kids thought these were so fun, but I thought they had NO cheese flavor. You know when you (or your kids) get mac & cheese at a restaurant and the cheese sauce has no cheese flavor (like, worse than boxed mac & cheese)? That’s what these are…and then deep fried in a breading. (Final score: 2/10 for adults, 10/10 for kids)
Trader Joe’s Spanakopita
This appetizer isn’t terrible, but I don’t think it makes the best list. It’s just sort of there. Perhaps serving it with one of the Trader Joe’s dips like the tzatziki, olive tapenade, or hummus would help give it a little oomph. (Final score: 5/10)
BEST Trader Joe’s Appetizers
Onto the good ones! And really, overall, I think the appetizers from Trader Joe’s are pretty good and pretty impressive for something from the freezer that just needs to be baked and then it’s ready to serve. Let’s get to them!
Trader Joe’s Fried Olive Bites
This is a fairly new item, and it was delicious! (Unless you aren’t a fan of olives, ha!) Everyone in the group liked this one and because they are pretty flavorful and salty, it’s nice to share this one with others. (AKA, they are too rich to eat the whole box yourself.) (Final score: 8.5/10)
Trader Joe’s Bacon Wrapped Scallops
Sadly, my Trader Joe’s was out of this item when I hosted my Trader Joe’s appetizers review party, but they deserve to be on the BEST of list. Made with simple ingredients, these are a delicious, and slightly fancy, appetizer option that always tastes great and turns out well. (Final score: 9.5/10)
Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
I’m SO glad I tried this one, and I don’t think I would have, if it weren’t for my quest to find the best Trader Joe’s appetizers of 2020! These ended up crispy and super delicious served with the soy sauce dipping sauce. They are also one of the few vegan appetizers, which can be helpful if you’re putting out a spread. (Final score: 10/10)
Trader Joe’s 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
This was another yummy surprise. I’ve seen this in the freezer many, many times, but they’ve never actually made it into my cart. Lots of cheese flavor (thanks to the 5 cheese combo!), and the phyllo dough ended up crunchy, not soggy. (Final score: 10/10)
Trader Joe’s Parmesan Pastry Pups
Ok, can I let you in on a secret? I get these ALL the time for my kids…but really for myself. The hot dogs are good, and the puff pastry is dusted in Parmesan, which totally elevates and makes them suitable for any adults, too. Pigs in a blanket are always a crowd pleaser, and these are even better! (Final score: 9/10)
Trader Joe’s Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls
I hadn’t seen these before, so they must be new, and I thought they were great! The mochi shell is nice and chewy like it should be, and the filling is flavorful and a tad spicy. (Final score: 8/10)
Trader Joe’s Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions
These are great if you need to round out a Trader Joe’s appetizer party, and they land somewhere in the middle for me. Not AMAZING, but fairly good. Make sure to cook them long enough so they are golden brown and slightly crispy. (Final score: 6.5/10)
Trader Joe’s Mini Chicken Tacos
If you’re putting out a Trader Joe’s Mexican appetizers spread, these are a must! (There is also a beef variety.) Serve with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole. These are also great for kid’s lunches. (Final score: 6/10)
There you have it…the best and worst of Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers! Have anything you would add to the list?
More Trader Joe’s Reviews + Recipes:
If you liked these trader joe’s appetizer reviews, you might also like some of these other TJ reviews + recipes:
- The BEST Trader Joe’s Cheese Board – You’ll definitely want to share a picture of your TJ cheese board creation. What to buy (TWO price options) + simple steps to make it look awesome.
- Pollo Asado Quinoa Bowls – Just 6 ingredients from (well, you know) to make these healthy bowls. Great for meal prep or a simple dinner.
- Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala Lentils – One of my favorite meal prep recipes EVER! Just 3 ingredients and vegetarian and vegan, too!
- Ultimate Guide to Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi – EVERYTHING (and I mean everything) you need to know about this cult favorite.
- 23 Best Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods – Some of the appetizers on this Trader Joe’s appetizer review list are also on the best frozen foods list!
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