The Best 24 Cozy Trader Joe's Groceries For A Night In, According To People Who Basically Live In Their Freezer Aisle

“BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC & CHEESE. I CLEAR MY FREEZER TO FILL WITH JUST THIS. If they mess it up, I will riot.” 

—melissaishungry

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Stir in a handful of shredded sharp cheddar and top with crushed TJ’s Rosemary Croissant Croutons before baking for a crispy, cheesy topping.

“Pesto pizza is literally the best frozen pizza I have ever eaten.”  

—Comfortable_Bee_8481

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Add a handful of arugula tossed in lemon juice after baking to balance the richness and add a pizzeria-style touch.

“My parents have me buy them 12 jars so they can have it once a month all year round. They freaking love it.” 

—Lyeta1_1

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Warm it up with browned Italian sausage and a splash of cream for an easy weeknight pasta.

“Meat-less roast. TJ's has the best one.” 

—rocklobstef

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Pair with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts (we keep these in the freezer year-round). Also, there’s been some buzz that the roast isn’t coming back this year…has anyone seen it yet?!

“Pumpkin Rolls! I always stock up because once it’s gone, they don’t make anymore.” 

—SilverRoseBlade

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Love these as much as I do? Bake in a cast-iron skillet and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Wowzers.

"EVERYTHING BUT THE LEFTOVERS seasoning! I must get a million jars." 

—Verity41

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Mix into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a Thanksgiving-flavored dip that’s delicious with pretzels, chips, or veggie sticks.

"The Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese is our favorite. Not really spicy, but the peppers really add some layers of flavor that the Diner Mac & Cheese lacks, IMO." 

—mango-ranchero

Tasty Trader's Tip: Add a spoonful of TJ's Cowboy Caviar Salsa or a sprinkle of Everything But the Elote Seasoning for a smoky-spicy kick to balance out the creamy mac. Or top with bacon!

“My favorite comfort meal is the frozen Butter Chicken with naan and samosas on the side. A bonus is having a Hold The Cone after.” 

—CrispyCrunchyPoptart

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Warm it up in a skillet instead of the microwave, then swirl in a spoonful of TJ’s Greek Yogurt for extra creaminess.

"I love getting their pizza sauce, garlic naan, and mozzarella and making my own pizza for dinner." 

—Ayeayegee

Tasty Trader's Tip: Brush the naan with olive oil before topping, then finish with fresh basil and chili flakes after baking.

“My love, Sparkling Honeycrisp Apple Juice.” 

—kraterkreator

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Add it to cocktails and mocktails, then garnish with an apple peel and cinnamon stick. 

“I just made the Falafel Mix this morning. I fried in a shallow pan of oil and they came out delicious!” 

—Allrojin

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Fry small balls until crisp and serve in pita with TJ’s Garlic Sauce and pickled onions for an easy and cozy homemade falafel night.

"I had forgotten about the soup dumplings until recently. They are so tasty and like a lil' warm hug on a cool day." 

—Sure_Ranger_4487

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Steam over TJ’s Miso Ginger Broth, then drizzle with a mix of soy sauce and chili crisp.

"You have to try this. I didn’t want a coffee so late in the day, but I just bought this Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer and had an idea. I’ve been eyeing those dirty sodas that haven’t made it to my area yet. I made a fall Trader Joe’s dirty soda with this creamer and tangerine vanilla sparkling water. So good." 

—areyoupaul

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Try it over ice with TJ’s Non-Dairy Maple Oat Beverage for an even creamier twist.

“Cheese is a comfort food for me. I have been making my way through a container of the Unexpected Cheddar Spread and dipping pretzels in it." 

—sara_hon

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Serve it on a board with TJ’s Fig & Olive Crisps, sliced apples, and a drizzle of hot honey.

“Kung Pao Chicken with frozen jasmine rice." 

—Battgyrl

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Add TJ’s Roasted Peanuts and a little Chili Onion Crunch for extra texture and heat.

"Mandarin Orange Chicken, either in an air fryer or convection oven (put a cooling rack under it for even better crisping)." 

—Steviejoe66

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Serve it over TJ’s Vegetable Fried Rice and finish with a drizzle of Chili Onion Crunch.

“If you grab some of the already marinated chicken in the meat section, just throw that, raw, on top of the rice before you cook it in the rice cooker. Add some frozen veggies, and you have a full meal." 

—Woodnote_

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Try it with Trader Joe’s Herbed Chicken. Once the rice is cooked, slice the chicken and toss it back in with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

"These yummy little bites have become my favorite fall snack to enjoy. The pastry is fluffy and buttery, and the cheese pairs so well with the pieces of caramelized onion. I love serving them with fresh fruit drizzled with a little hot honey."

—Koi_Erotica

Tasty Trader's Tip: Add a crumble of blue cheese or goat cheese and a drizzle of honey before baking for a gourmet hors d'oeuvre.

“It’s a frozen pizza with Gruyère and lardons and a really thin, light, flaky crust like a pastry. Divine.” 

—glitterazzi66

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Serve with a glass of crisp white wine and a light salad (it’s like French café dining without leaving your kitchen.)

“The Frozen Mashed Potatoes (I add a touch of milk or cream). A crew member also recommends adding the Garlic Spread Dip to them.” 

—Battgyrl

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Do as the crew member does and stir in TJ’s Garlic Spread Dip or Everything But the Bagel Seasoning for extra flavor.

“The 5 Cheese Greek Spiral: drizzle with honey and top with toasted pistachios, fresh thyme, and oregano.” 

—zoeluwho

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Bake until golden, drizzle with honey, and serve with figs or pear slices for an appetizer. 

Note: this product may be tough to find at some locations, but it looks like it's not discontinued. 

“Two containers of the Roasted Red Pepper Soup, one can of drained beans of your choice, and two handfuls of spinach. Heat the soup, then add the beans and spinach.”

—ziggybear16

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Top with a swirl of Greek yogurt and crushed red pepper or serve with a grilled cheese on TJ’s Sourdough.

“I love their refrigerated pork tamales that come in a 6-pack — three meals in one package, and all you have to do is microwave them in a damp paper towel. Always good, and not dried out at all.” 

—United-Cress2794

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Serve with TJ’s Salsa Verde and a side of Mexican-Style Roasted Corn.

Note: availability of tamales varies by store.

"Butternut Squash Lasagna — it's very rich. I get three servings out of each container." 

—Ibrake4tailgaters

Tasty Trader’s Tip: Top with a handful of shredded mozzarella before baking and serve with TJ’s Garlic Bread.