16 Best Trader Joe's Appetizers To Try in 2025
Looking for Trader Joe's appetizers that are sure to dazzle your guests without draining your time or budget? Whether you're hosting a casual game night or a formal holiday affair, Trader Joe's appetizers from the freezer and snack aisles deliver creative, globally inspired bites perfect for any occasion.
With new products launching all the time and seasonal stars making limited appearances, how do you craft a Trader Joe’s appetizer menu that balances timeless favorites with exciting newcomers?
To help you find the perfect starters, we’ve rounded up the 16 best Trader Joe’s appetizers, with something for all tastes and occasions. So, let’s dive into this list and discover some of the best Trader Joe's appetizers that are guaranteed to help you build a standout spread.
Jump to Section
The 16 Best Appetizers at Trader Joe's
1. Mac and Cheese Bites
Featuring creamy macaroni and cheese wrapped in crispy and savory breading, Mac and Cheese Bites are a top pick for those searching for comfort food appetizers.
Best prepared in the air fryer, this popular Trader Joe’s appetizer takes no time at all and can be garnished with chives and ranch dressing or served with a marinara sauce for dipping. Another unique idea is skewering them with cherry tomatoes for a colorful kabob.
2. Mini Vegetable Samosas
Spiced potatoes, peas, lentils and an assortment of savory vegetables nestle inside crispy Phyllo-type dough for a crowd-pleasing Trader Joe’s appetizer. This popular pick on lists of the best Trader Joe's appetizers pairs brilliantly with various sauces, like mango chutney or cilantro-yogurt dip, giving guests a range of flavor options to pair the samosas with.
Whether they’re part of an appetizer spread or the starter or a side for an Indian food feast, the bold spices and satisfying crunch make these a favorite for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
3. Fried Olive Bites
Olives have long been a staple for many spreads and charcuterie boards and these Fried Olive Bites are here to elevate your next party by putting a spin on the classic olive. These fun and crunchy Trader Joe’s appetizers comprise panko-crusted olives (both Italian green Castelvetrano olives and Greek purple Kalamatas olives) stuffed with a cheesy mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone.
If you’re searching for elegant and flavorful finger food ideas, this is one of the best Trader Joe’s hors d'oeuvres to go for. Just note that they are seasonal, so grab a box or two of these frozen Trader Joe’s appetizers when you spot them.
4. Greek Spanakopita
This next Trader Joe’s appetizer is sure to impress your guests. Featuring a classic flaky Phyllo dough pastry, the filling takes a twist on the traditional use of spinach and feta. Along with those two ingredients, you’ll also find leeks, dill and two other types of cheese: mizithra and a grating cheese.
Despite the slight twist on the classic recipe, this easy-to-prepare Trader Joe’s appetizer is sure to be a hit and pairs perfectly with tzatziki and Kalamata olives for an authentic Greek food experience.
5. Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons
Boldly spicy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons offer the perfect pairing of hot jalapeños and cooling cream cheese.
A sprinkling of Parmesan cheese adds an additional layer of interest and savoriness. Serve this delightful Trader Joe's frozen appetizer with sweet chile sauce for a true flavor explosion.
6. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A customer favorite, Trader Joe’s Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip delivers a rich and tangy flavor. The blend of vegetables and cheese melds beautifully together to create this winning Trader Joe’s appetizer.
Pair with baguette slices or tortilla or pita chips for the ideal snack to leave out for guests who graze. The versatility of this dip makes it a must-have for anyone searching for the absolute best Trader Joe's appetizers that everyone will want a taste of.
7. Chicken Spring Rolls
Another of many crowd-pleasing Trader Joe’s appetizers to turn to when looking for dinner party ideas is the brand’s Chicken Spring Rolls. These spring rolls are crunchy on the outside and packed with a delightful filling on the inside.
This flavorful filling includes chicken, cabbage, green onion and carrots paired with basil, ginger and garlic. But that’s not all! These ingredients are then simmered with chile paste, sesame oil, soy sauce and rice wine for a better-than-takeout spring roll.
Air-fry for extra crispness, then serve alongside soy and sweet chile dipping sauces for an Asian-inspired treat. If you feel like making something yourself, a homemade ponzu sauce also pairs perfectly with this pick for the best Trader Joe's appetizer.
8. Pastry Bites and Tartelettes
There are a range of seasonal tartelettes to pick up when looking for Trader Joe's appetizers. One great option is Pastry Bites With Feta and Caramelized Onions. These pastry bites cradle creamy feta and silky caramelized onions in little puff pastry cups. Drizzle with honey and fresh thyme for a gourmet twist.
Mini Mushroom Tartelettes are another excellent choice, combining an umami mushroom filling with a buttery pastry crust. Alternatively, turn to the classic combination of goat cheese and cranberry by grabbing some Cranberry Chèvre Bites when on the shelves.
No matter which you go for, these elegant Trader Joe's appetizers perfectly showcase the brand’s ability to create restaurant-quality products at affordable prices.
9. Empanadas de Ropa Vieja
Cassava crust gives these seasonal, limited edition Cuban-inspired empanadas a chewy-crisp texture. This delicious Trader Joe’s appetizer is filled with ingredients from the classic ropa vieja dish, including beef and vegetables in a rich tomato sauce.
Serve this Latin-inspired Trader Joe’s appetizer with a cilantro chimichurri or lime crema for an even bolder flavor. You could even opt for a Cuban dinner party theme and pair the empanadas with things like plantain chips, Cuban sandwiches and black beans and rice.
10. Vegetable Spring Rolls
Another Asian-inspired Trader Joe’s appetizer that’s sure to be a hit with almost everyone, the brand’s Vegetable Spring Rolls combine golden, crunchy pastry with fresh vegetables and tofu.
Bite inside and you’ll find classic fillings like cabbage, onions and carrots, plus shredded tofu, paired with kale and edamame. Ginger and garlic are then married with these plant-based ingredients for a fresh and delicious treat.
Whether you’re looking for pool party food ideas, treats to serve at a New Year’s party or even globally inspired tailgate food ideas, these vegan-friendly Trader Joe’s appetizers are sure to fit the bill.
11. Savory Squash Pastry Bites
These autumnal stars make the most of fall produce to create a delicious bite. Savory Squash Pastry Bites blend pumpkin and butternut squash with mascarpone and ricotta in a buttery crust.
When looking for the best food-based fall party ideas, these Trader Joe's frozen appetizers have to be part of your plans! Serve as Thanksgiving appetizers with cranberry sauce or add to your fall charcuterie board with brie and candied pecans; there are almost limitless options for these Trader Joe's appetizers.
12. Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips
An undisputed star among Trader Joe's appetizers is the all-known and loved Chili and Lime Flavored Rolled Corn Tortilla Chips. These zesty rolled chips boast a tangy chile-lime seasoning and a superior crunch.
Perfect for standalone snacking or pairing with guacamole and other favorite dips, this Trader Joe’s appetizer is ideal for sharing and grazing. But stock up fast, as this popular Trader Joe's snack tends to vanish quickly from shelves.
13. Parmesan Pastry Pups
Parmesan Pastry Pups offer a gourmet twist on pigs-in-a-blanket, with all-natural beef franks wrapped in flaky puff pastry and dusted with Parmesan for a savory finish. The combination of buttery pastry and savory franks makes these Trader Joe's appetizers a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Not only are they tasty, but they’re also easy to serve. They simply need to bake for about 15 minutes until golden. Then serve with Trader Joe's Dijon Mustard and Ale Sauce or marinara for dipping.
These also work great if you’re looking for brunch food ideas, as they make a unique pairing with scrambled eggs and hash browns.
14. Crispy Battered Calamari
A popular restaurant appetizer, you can bring this favorite to your party via this next top pick among Trader Joe’s appetizers. Featuring calamari coated in a golden and crispy wheat flour batter, your guests will keep coming back for more of this savory and moreish treat.
This Trader Joe’s appetizer also includes onion, garlic and chile pepper, plus salt and pepper in the seasoning, adding an extra layer of complexity.
15. Crispy Vegetable Pouches
Fried and crispy Trader Joe’s appetizers aren’t just for the meat and seafood eaters. Vegetarian and vegan diners have a range of options to choose from as well, like these crunchy and moreish Crispy Vegetable Pouches.
The delicious filling includes jicama, taro, onions, carrots and cabbage, seasoned with garlic, ginger, red chile and soy sauce. It's all wrapped up in pastry to resemble little parcels.
Serve these bite-sized Trader Joe’s appetizers with dipping sauces like sweet chile sauce and soy ginger sauce, then watch as your guests snap them all up.
16. Seasoned Corn Ribs
Trader Joe’s appetizers and products in general often follow top food trends. One example of this is its Seasoned Corn Ribs, which hopped on an Instagram and TikTok food trend.
These snacks turn corn on the cob into an easier-to-eat rib shape. The Trader Joe’s take also features plant-based butter, making them suitable for your vegan guests.
Eat as is, add additional butter or oil, cover with chile and cotija to make a Mexican street food elote-style snack — the options are endless! If you’re looking for party food ideas for your next summer BBQ, these are a great Trader Joe’s appetizer to add to your spread.
What Are the Best Trader Joe's Appetizers?
Trader Joe's shines as a one-stop shop for a range of delicious and unique appetizers that balance convenience and bold flavors. From Greek Spanakopita and Cuban empanadas to Indian samosas, Trader Joe’s hors d'oeuvres dominate the lineup, offering quick-prep solutions for hosts.
The best picks for you will depend on the theme of your dinner and any dietary needs to keep in mind. For example, picks like Mini Vegetable Samosas, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Crispy Vegetable Pouches and Seasoned Corn Ribs cater to vegetarian and plant-based diners.
If you’re looking for the healthiest snacks at Trader Joe's, these vegetable-forward picks are also a great choice, although the pastry in some of the items may be off-putting to those eating healthily. Alternatively, those looking for indulgent treat food appetizers will favor the likes of Mac and Cheese Bites, Crispy Battered Olives and Parmesan Pastry Pups.
There are also lots of bite-sized Trader Joe's frozen foods, allowing you to plan in advance. According to the USDA, freezing food preserves nutrients and flavor when done correctly, making these dishes ideal for stress-free entertaining.
Whether you’re planning an event or just want a delicious starter before your main meal, there is an array of Trader Joe’s appetizers to choose from. And, this list of the best Trader Joe’s appetizers just scratches the surface of the many tasty appetizers on offer.
From vegetarian options to comfort food treats and even healthier Trader Joe’s hors d'oeuvres, there’s an appealing appetizer for everyone at TJ’s!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal
FOOD FOR THOUGHT?
Join the conversation.