Buzz
Photo: Courtesy of Trader Joe'sTrader Joe’s is a paradise for food lovers, and while we wouldn’t criticize anything about our beloved grocery store, we’d be lying if we said we didn’t occasionally add a little something to enhance some of Trader Joe’s frozen meals. With just a few tweaks and extra toppings, you can take a standard frozen pizza and turn it into a pie that tastes homemade, or transform a simple pint of vanilla ice cream into a sophisticated, restaurant-worthy dessert. By incorporating fresh ingredients, bold spices, and pre-made sauces, you can elevate these already delicious meals into something that delights every taste. Get creative and try these simple tricks to maximize the potential of your TJ’s freezer stash, with meals ready in 10 minutes or less. You might even surprise yourself!
Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Arugula and Prosciutto
Trader Joe's frozen pizza selection is unbeatable, but with a few extra ingredients, even the most unique options can be taken to the next level. For example, the Roasted Garlic & Pesto Pizza with Deep Fried Crust is amazing on its own, but you can elevate it further by adding fresh arugula, prosciutto slices, or a touch of truffle oil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Soup Dumplings in a Spicy Broth
TJ’s Soup Dumplings have become a viral hit, and it’s easy to see why. With just a few ingredients, you can enjoy a gourmet meal in just five minutes. Simply add broth to the dumplings and microwave everything for about two minutes. Then, season with soy sauce, green onions, sesame seeds, and TJ’s Crunchy Chili Onion to enhance the flavor and spice.
Why make homemade pancakes when you can grab a box of TJ’s Organic Silver Dollar Pancakes? The best part is that you can customize them to your taste. Make a fresh blueberry compote with blueberries, maple syrup, water, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to pour over your pancakes, or opt for whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a drizzle of chocolate for a sweeter twist.
TJ’s Organic Silver Dollar Pancakes with Blueberry Compote are a great alternative to making pancakes from scratch. Customize them however you like! You can create a simple homemade blueberry compote using fresh blueberries, maple syrup, water, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, or go for a sweeter option with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and a chocolate drizzle.
Japanese-Style Fried Rice With an Egg
TJ’s Japanese Style Fried Rice is a freezer staple for a reason. It can be quickly reheated in a pan for the perfect side dish, or you can easily turn it into a full meal with whatever ingredients you have in your refrigerator. Add protein by topping the fried rice with leftover rotisserie chicken or breaded chicken nuggets. You can also incorporate tofu, an egg, extra veggies, and garnishes like sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
Beef Bulgogi With Rice and Scallions
TJ’s Beef Bulgogi has earned rave reviews as one of the best frozen meals available, and it's easy to see why. The beef is so tender and flavorful, it’s hard to believe it can be ready in just minutes. To elevate the dish, serve it over white rice topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Alternatively, you can create a unique twist by making beef bulgogi tacos with a crunchy slaw and pickled onions.
Greek Spanakopita Salad
Whether you're a vegetarian or just need some Meatless Monday inspiration, Trader Joe's Greek Spanakopita is the answer. While this frozen dish is delicious on its own, there are so many ways to turn it into a larger meal. You can pair it with a classic Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta, or slice it up and serve it over leafy greens with tzatziki, olives, and cucumbers for a more filling salad.
French Vanilla Affogato
Why settle for a plain bowl of vanilla ice cream when you can make a dreamy affogato at home? Simply place 2-3 scoops of French Vanilla Ice Cream in a bowl (or a stemmed glass for a more elegant touch) and pour a hot shot of espresso over the top. You can also create a decadent sundae with Midnight Moo Chocolate Syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and any other toppings you love.
Cauliflower Gnocchi in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
TJ’s frozen cauliflower gnocchi remains a fan favorite due to its versatility and healthier edge over traditional pasta. While there are several cooking methods, baking it in the oven is the way to go for a perfect crisp and fluffy texture. Bake the gnocchi on a baking sheet at 425°F for 20 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Meanwhile, make a quick sauce with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Once both are ready, combine the gnocchi and sauce in a bowl. You can also swap in pesto, vodka sauce, or your favorite sauce instead.
