These Trader Joe’s appetizers are the easiest way to look like a gourmet chef in 15 minutes or less

Whether you are getting together with your family or having a mom’s night sans kids, you’ll definitely need some amazing appetizers to whip up this holiday season. Trader Joe’s has easy appetizers ready to go in their frozen section along with easy-to-make recipes from dips you can only find this time of year. These Trader Joe’s appetizers will save you tons of time during the holidays this year and will impress the pickiest of guests.

Mini Veggie Samosas

Mini veggie samosas are a popular Trader Joe's appetizer

A popular Trader Joe's appetizer, these two-bite samosas are filled with a curry-infused mixture of peas, carrots, potatoes, lentils, and onions. Wrapped in a flaky phyllo crust, the scent alone will have guests wandering toward the appetizer table. 

Fried Olive Bites

These tiny bites only come out at the holidays and they are filled with cheese for the perfect bite on your appetizer buffet. 

Brie en Croute

If you require an excuse to eat a brie en croute, we will give you one. This frozen Trader Joe's appetizer is only available during the holidays which means you have to grab at least one. 

Red Pepper, Cranberry & Walnut Dip

This seasonal dip is a new Trader Joe's appetizer in 2022.

Sweet, spicy, and tart, this seasonal dip from Trader Joe's will make a statement at holiday parties this year. Add it to your charcuterie board and pair it with a crostini or veggies! 

Related: Check Out These Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods with a Cult Following

Herbaceous Cheesy Bites

We love these flavorful bites that pack a nice crunch. These have just the right amount of spices to balance out the cheesy goodness. 

Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas

Bake these up in your oven and serve with your favorite salsa and you will have some happy guests at your next family party. 

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

We love these any time of the year as they are easy to crisp up in your oven and are perfectly bite-sized. 

Crispy Vegetable Pouches

These only come out around the holidays and are a delicious, vegetable-forward option. 

Korean Pancakes

Trader Joe's

Perfect for brunch, these cinnamon-filled Korean pancakes are flaky, chewy and irresistible. Kids and adults will love each and every bite.

Find them in the freezer aisle.

Coconut Shrimp

These are a kid favorite and perfect when served with the Thai Sweet Ginger Sauce for dipping. 

Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons

These are great pan-fried or boiled and the kids will definitely gobble them up. 

Breaded Fried Ravioli

Breaded fried ravioli are a yummy Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

You had us at "fried!" Kid-friendly and easy to whip up, these fried ravioli are made with semolina pasta, and five kinds of cheese that includes ricotta, mild Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Asiago and Parmesan.

Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less

Kibbeh

Kibbeh is a Trader Joe's appetizer
Trader Joe's

Hearty and flavorful, this Kibbeh appetizer will become a family fave. Made with ground beef, onions and seasonings, these meatballs pair well with almost any dip.

Find for just $4.79 in the freezer section.

Chicken Soup Dumplings

While these are technically an appetizer, we see nothing wrong with whipping up the entire box for dinner! Each one of these chicken soup dumplings is made with chicken, onions, green onions and a flavorful broth and can be found in the freezer section.

Mini Quiche Duo

Mini Quiche Duo are a classic Trader Joe's appetizer

Perfect for brunch or lunch, this box of mini quiche duos includes both mushroom and Swiss cheese and bacon and sweet onion options. Bake until golden brown, and enjoy thoroughly.

Each box is just $3.99 in the freezer section.

Related: 20 Things from Trader Joe’s That Picky Eaters Will Love

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Forget making your own spinach artichoke dip, and snag this frozen version instead! All it takes is a simple warm-up before you're enjoying it with tortilla chips. This is a nice change to the traditional onion dips you find at family get-togethers.

You can't beat the $2.99 price tag on this dip!

Atlanta may be known for its peaches, but we can add amazing pizza to the list thanks to some world-class establishments that know a thing or two about making dough! From artisan pizzas in Midtown to authentic New York slices in Milton, to gluten-free crusts and vegan toppings, we’ve found the best pizza spots in Atlanta that are perfect for the whole family. Scroll down to see where to fall in amore with some gooey goodness.

Antico Pizza

Han K. via Yelp

Atlanta's standard-bearer for authentic Italian-style pizza now has multiple locations. The original Antico, located in owner Giovanni Di Palma's Little Italia neighborhood just north west of Georgia Tech, boasts the highest score in Zagat's first-ever pizza survey of "Best Pizza in 23 U.S. Cities" (beating out New York City), a Zagat Atlanta food score of 28 (making it the highest scored restaurant in the city), and they took home the International "Top in Class" Award for the United States during a worldwide, two-day pizza festival in Salerno, Italy.

1093 Hemphill Ave. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

3185 Avalon Blvd.
Alpharetta, GA 30009

Online: littleitalia.com

Crust

Robert C. via Yelp

There's not a lot of explaining on this one, except that if you're looking for the perfect pairing of light and airy crust, fresh toppings, tangy sauce and the perfect amount of cheese, this is the place. Located just down the block from the adorable (and chain-free) Alpharetta downtown square, Crust is worth a visit. 131 S Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009 770-777-6789 Online: crust-pizzeria.com

Glide Pizza

Vyvy T. via Yelp

Located next to Krog Street Market, this pizza spot is known for its authentic NY style slice and the side of homemade ranch that comes with it. They make their own in-house mozzarella, sauces made fresh daily, and a half-sourdough crust that ferments for 48 hours for the ultimate flavor and light, crispy texture.

660 Irwin St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30312
Online: glidepizza.com

Vintage Pizzeria

Helen K. via Yelp

This neighborhood pizza joint serves up thin crust pizza with super fresh ingredients, a Greek salad that's the bomb, plus killer subs and a rotation of awesome craft beers. Don't forget to grab some ice cream at The Frosty Caboose, just across the street, for dessert! Now with locations in Dunwoody and Milton.

5434 Peachtree Rd. Ste. 103
Chamblee, GA 30341
Online: vintagepizzeria.com

Piubello

Raymond R. via Yelp

For your own slice of Italian cooking, visit Piu Bello Pizzeria for mouthwatering pizza, plus pasta, calzones, or other traditional Italian entrees. They also offer convenient delivery services, for bonus points.

3330 Piedmont Rd. next to Disco Kroger
Atlanta, GA 30305
Online: piubellopizza.com

Blue Moon Pizza

Blue Moon Pizza via Yelp

Blue Moon Pizza is a casual, full-service pizza restaurant with a full bar to top it all off that began in Atlanta in 2003. Their thin crispy crust pie comes in the kid-friendly standard-bearers of cheese and pepperoni, but you'll find creative specialty pizzas (like Thai chicken) that will suit adventurous palates. We love the family meal deal ($40 for a family of 4), and their take-and-bake options. 

Multiple locations
Online: bluemoonpizza.com

Savage Pizza

Laure J. via Yelp

Savage is a Little 5 Point standard known for the perfect balance of not-too-thick but not-too-thin crust and cheese. For those whose kids are into super heroes, be sure to scope out the indoor decor. They'll be inspired. Plan ahead though, because you can only pick up whole pies at Savage.

484 Moreland Ave. NE
Little Five Points

115 Laredo Drive
Avondale Estates

Online: savagepizza.com

Plant Based Pizzeria

Erin S. via Yelp

Plant Based Pizzeria serves vegan and gluten free pizza made from the freshest ingredients. Their vegan pizza is made from spelt flour, and they have loads of great tasting, healthy pizza options. Try the Georgia Peach, made with roasted basil pizza sauce, vegan mozzarella cheese, spicy beyond sausage, roasted peaches, red onions, and jalapeños.

730 Barnett St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Online: plantbasedpizzeria.net

Big Bang Pizza

Ant S. via Yelp

If you're into great pizza AND dancing robots, then you've found your spot. Located on Buford Hwy., this spot is easy to access and interesting to visit. Pepper the hostess robot greets you, and after you order, server robots serve you. In addition to pizza, there are wings, subs, and salads. And in nice weather, the patio will be a solid choice.

3043 Buford Hwy.
Brookhaven, GA 30329

Online: bigbangrestaurant.com

 

––Shelley Massey

featured image: iStock

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Hear us out: potatoes just might be the perfect food. They might seem boring at first glance, but there’s an endless number of ways to prepare them, from mashed to baked to french fried. No holiday meal is complete without spuds, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite potato side dishes. Read on to find your family’s new favorite.

Roasted Garlic and Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Chef Ryan Rondeno

Because we know a good thing when we taste one, here is the ever-popular mashed potato with a twist. From chef to the stars and founder of the FoodCulture App Chef Ryan Rondeno comes a wonderfully enhanced version of mashed potatoes with roasted garlic and sour cream. Get the recipe here

Baked Potato Fries

Marcus Winkler

Satisfy your craving for french fries by whipping up a batch of healthier baked fries. They come out deliciously crispy and can be paired with pretty much any meal. 

Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

RitaE via Pixabay

For a fun twist on mashed potatoes, try this delish potato casserole. It adds celery and red peppers to the mix, and it’s topped with melty cheese to lure in the little ones. To get the recipe, click here.

Sweet Potato Crisps Salad

A Taste of Pesach

Potato dishes don’t have to be heavy! This salad is topped with crispy sweet potato strips and also has lots of healthy veggies, making it the perfect companion for a heavier meal.

Bourbon Butter Sweet Potato Bites

The Speckled Palate

Sweet potato fans, take note—this genius recipe from The Speckled Palate is a winner. The spuds are tossed in butter and bourbon, then roasted in the oven for a super-indulgent (and easy!) side dish. 

Herby Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Domestic Gothess

Red-skinned potatoes are our new favorite thanks to this genius recipe from Domestic Gothess. The inside of the ‘taters stays soft and creamy, and the outside gets super crispy—aka potato perfection. 

Sweet Potato Puff

Weelicious

Knock. Knock. Who's There? Orange. Orange Who? Orange you thankful for sweet potato side dishes that look like cupcakes? Your dainty diners will go crazy for these festive treats, and they're a cinch to put together.  Leave it to Weelicious to nail the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.

Not Quite Mashed Potatoes

The Iron You

Let's call it a mockmash! This savory cauliflower puree from The Iron You makes a healthy stand-in for mashed potatoes. It gets its fabulous flavor from the cheese, milk (or almond milk) and a touch of butter, has about one-quarter of the calories of typical mashed potatoes, and best of all, little eaters may not even realize they're getting their daily dose of vegetables. 

Pretty Purple Potatoes

Smitten Kitchen

Finding perfectly hued purple potatoes is the most challenging part of this simple recipe, but if you do, you've got yourself a side dish that will be the belle of the ball (our apologies to the turkey). Pop over to Smitten Kitchen and follow their simple steps to making this stunning dish.

Au Gratin Potatoes

iStock

Pretty as pie! This healthy potato gratin with herbs is creamy without having to actually add cream—and great flavor results from thyme and rosemary. This is a go-to dish if you're going to a potluck-style turkey dinner. Hop over to Food and Wine for the easy-to-follow recipe.

Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Weelicious

These whipped coconut sweet potatoes are made with coconut milk, making them not only creamy and fluffy but also dairy-free. Add a touch of maple syrup, a hint of cinnamon and a sprinkling of coconut "snow" and voilà—they're the perfect alternative to the traditional mashed potato. Visit Weelicious for the full recipe and get whippin'!

Spiralized Potatoes

The Wimpy Vegetarian

Looking like spaghetti but tasting like sweet potato, this side dish is not just delicious to eat but is also fun to make. Have your kiddos join in on the action, since spiralizing fruits and veggies feels a lot like creating the coolest Play-Doh hair ever. Susan, the author of The Wimpy Vegetarian, is the mastermind behind this unique holiday side dish. If you don't have a spiralizer in your kitchen already, you can purchase one here.

Perfect Potato Pancakes

iStock

These simple potato pancakes, made from pre-shredded frozen potatoes, can be fun for more than just one holiday this season. Switch out the flour for matzo meal and enjoy them at Passover too. Find out how to get lucky with latkes here.

Not Fried Potatoes

Taste Food Blog

Taste Food Blog gives the little's favorite fries a healthy and colorful facelift, just in time for the holidays. Giving the russet potato a well-deserved break, this recipe calls for sliced up parsnips, carrots, rutabagas and sweet potatoes. We think these yummy baked veggies will look mighty fine next to the turkey and cranberry sauce.

 

— Aimee Della Bitta

 

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Now that you’ve carved those jack-o-lanterns to the delight of your little punkins’ be sure to hold on to the seeds! This easy recipe that you can adapt to your family’s tastes (spice lovers or not) is packed with nutrition too. Sprinkle a few on salads and pack them in lunches! Read on for the how-to.

Ingredients:

2 cups pumpkin seeds (fresh from a carving pumpkin)

tsp. chili powder (optional)

1 lime, cut in half and squeezed

1 tablespoon olive oil

Pinch of Cayenne Powder (optional)

Directions:

1) Wash pumpkin seeds well in water. Dry them with a paper towel.

2) Put spices, oil, and lime juice on the seeds and mix well.

3) Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F. for 10-14 minutes, or until crispy, dry, and fragrant.

Recipe adapted from pumpkinrecipes.org

 

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Just can’t wait until December to whip up festive treats?

Target’s Hyde & EEK! Boutique is giving us a spooky twist on a tradition typically reserved for Christmas with it’s new Halloween cookie decorating kits. Your little ghosts can cozy up with the likes of haunted meringues, Frankenstein and more for under $10!

The Walking Dyed Tie Dye Sugar Cookie Kit

$4

Haunted Meringues Meringue Cookie Kit

$5

Frankenstein Crispy Rice Treats Kit

$6

 

You can score all three in Target stores soon!

—Karly Wood

All photos: Target

 

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Green bean casserole is a staple for most American Thanksgiving tables, but you don’t have to wait until November to get your fix.

French’s Green Bean Casserole Snack Mix is here for your snacking pleasure! The limited edition 16 oz. package has all the goodness packed into one bag: crispy fried onions, green beans and mushrooms, all covered in savory seasonings.

While you can normally find all the ingredients to make the traditional dish at the grocery store, this snack mix is only available in one place. You can snag it on McCormick.com for $8.95, but don’t wait because it won’t be around for long.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of McComick’s

 

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Craving something salty, but not sure if cheesy bread or crispy chips will do the trick? Now you don’t have to choose because Lay’s has solved your dilemma.

Cheesy Garlic Bread Flavored Chips have arrived! The limited time flavor packs the zesty, garlicky goodness you love but with the crispy, salty texture of the ultimate potato chip.

photo: Lays

There’s just one catch: you can only find them at Sam’s Club. Retailing for $3.49 for 15 oz., you’ll have to check your local warehouse to snag a bag. They’re currently sold out online and only available for a limited time.

––Karly Wood

 

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What’s new from ALDI this spring? If you’ve had your fill of chocolate and marshmallow Easter candy, you’re in luck. ALDI has your sweet tooth covered—with two different churro options!

The sweet, cinnamon-y goodness of the churro is beyond compare. Not only will ALDI soon have churros you can heat and eat at home, the fave retailer will also sell a churro creme cookie sandwich.

Casa Mamita Churros make their ALDO debut on Apr. 28. Described by the manufacturer as “Crispy pastry bites,” this sweet selection comes with 20 bite-sized pieces and a cinnamon sugar packet to add as a toasty topping. The eight-ounce box of 20 will sell for $3.29.

As if churro bites weren’t enough, you can also find Benton’s Churro Sandwich Creme Cookies in ALDI stores, also starting Apr. 28. These creamy cookies may look just like other golden sandwich cookies—but they taste like the sweet cinnamon soaked goodies. Score a pack of Benton’s churro cookie treats for $1.95.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of ALDI

 

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The rumors are true: after a 12 year hiatus, Kelloggs is bringing back fan fave Cereal Straws!

Superfans united on social media and circulated a petition to encourage Kellogg’s to return the classic to market and 2021 is finally the year. Cereal Straws will be available in Froot Loops and Cocoa Krispies flavors and are sure to up your breakfast game in a big way.

The crispy treats are bursting with flavor and make breakfast on the go a breeze. Enjoy with a glass of milk or just as a crunchy snack––there’s no wrong to crush a Cereal Straw!

Fans will need to wait a little bit longer, as the cult classic won’t hit stores until Oct. 2021. When they do, you can nab a five-count for $1, a 18-count for $3 and a 24-count for $5 at retailers nationwide.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Kelloggs

 

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KIT KAT is getting a spring upgrade! The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, the weather is warming and your fave candy treat is transforming from the chocolate flavor you know and love to an all-new Key Lime Pie version.

This isn’t the first time KIT KAT has come up with a new flavor. While the crispy chocolate-covered pull-apart wafers were a staple for years, the brand ventured into new territories with a host of varieties to choose from.

Fans of the candy were treated to fun flavors in the past including White Creme, Mint and Dark Chocolate Duos, Lemon Crisp and more. Now there’s one more to add to your list of faves.

The limited-edition KIT KAT Key Lime Pie has a tangy Key Lime Pie crème with crispy wafer layers. The 1.5 ounce standard breakable bar is available for the spring season only. This means you need to score a stash of Key Lime KIT KAT ASAP—because these tasty treats won’t stay on store shelves long. Find KIT KAT Key Lime Pie nationwide for a suggested retail price of $1.09.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of The Hershey Company

 

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