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  4. Trader Joe's Appetizers That Come to the Rescue at Every Party

Trader Joe's Appetizers That Come to the Rescue at Every Party

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells
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Spanakopita
Credit: Photo courtesy Trader Joe's copyright 2016
Trader Joe's is one of the most popular grocery stores in the country. Products like the brand's Mandarin Orange Chicken and "Two Buck Chuck" have reached cult status among shoppers. Even living near one can raise the value of your home. The grocery store with staff dressed in Hawaiian shirts and quirky product names is addicting for its low prices but high quality items. If you've never tried a Trader Joe's appetizer, you're missing out. From frozen-aisle stars like Spanakopita to dips like Corn and Tomato-Less Salsa, there are Trader Joe's appetizers for every taste. Whether you want to forget about calories with decadent Mac and Cheese Bites or keep it on the light side with Vegetable Bird's Nests, these are the best Trader Joe's appetizers for any occasion. Keep Trader Joe's frozen appetizers stocked in the freezer for last-minute gatherings or lazy dinners. These apps will save you time and money, and you'll want to buy them again and again.  
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Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions

Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions
Credit: Pinterest/POPSUGAR/Nicole Perry

Go ahead and buy a few boxes of these savory bites—they’ll be gone before you know it.

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Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa

Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa
Credit: Courtesy Trader Joe’s

You can use this corn salsa in more ways than the ole chip and dip. Once you try it, you’ll want to use it on tacos, nachos, Mexi-salads, eggs, and most things that need a tiny kick.

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Chicken Gyoza Potstickers

Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
Credit: Pinterest/POPSUGAR/Erin Collum

The Pork Gyoza Potstickers and Thai Vegetable Gyoza are also extremely popular and guarantee both veggie-and meat-lovers are happy.

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Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests

Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
Credit: Trader Joe's copyright 2016

These tempura veggie “nests” are crunchy bites of joy, and the presentation is prettier than anything we could do ourselves.

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Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip

Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Credit: Trader Joe's copyright 2016

Every party worth going to has an open space for this favorite dip, and Trader Joe’s version is a great option if you don’t have time to make it yourself. If you’re looking for a lightened up riff on classic, Trader Joe’s Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip is a surprisingly delicious substitute. Serve with veggies and pita for a “reduced-guilt” appetizer, as the label says.

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Mini Chicken Tacos

Mini Chicken Tacos
Credit: Pinterest/Become Betty

Make a batch of homemade guacamole, salsa, and queso dip to top these tiny tacos.

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Mac and Cheese Bites

Mac and Cheese Bites
Credit: Pinterest/Thrillist

It should go without saying that these fried bites of macaroni and cheese are not on the list of approved foods for any diet, but when you need a cheat day, these carby, cheesy, greasy bites will do the trick.

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Spanakopita

Spanakopita
Credit: Photo courtesy Trader Joe's copyright 2016

Voted favorite frozen appetizer in the brand’s 9th Annual Customer Choice Awards, you have to try this spinach-filled, flaky puff pastry.

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Caramelized Onion Dip

Caramelized Onion Dip
Credit: Pinterest/Refinery29

Put this sweet and savory dip next to some veggies and classic potato chips and watch as it disappears. Warning: Do not buy this if it’s not for a group of people. You will probably eat it all yourself (no judgment).

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Scallops Wrapped in Uncured Bacon with Brown Sugar Glaze

Scallops Wrapped in Uncured Bacon with Brown Sugar Glaze
Credit: Pinterest/Trader Joe’s

Even though these scallops look and feel fancy, they’re so easy to prepare.

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Camembert Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Fillo Bites

Camembert Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Fillo Bites
Credit: Pinterest

Creamy Camembert cheese and flaky dough had us sold already, but sweet cranberry sauce makes this appetizer holiday ready.

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Parmesan Pastry Pups

Parmesan Pastry Pups
Credit: Pinterest/What’s Good at Trader Joe’s?

This amped-up version of pigs in a blanket will delight the youngest and oldest guests at your party.

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Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas

Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas
Credit: Pinterest/Become Betty

One of the most popular Trader Joe’s items of all time, Chicken Tikka Masala, is just as delicious in appetizer form.

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Mango & Sticky Rice Spring Rolls

Mango & Sticky Rice Spring Rolls
Credit: Courtesy Trader Joe’s

Trader Joe’s took a Thai favorite, mango and sticky rice, and rolled it into a golden spring roll for a sweet and savory combo like no other. The brand’s Chicken Spring Rolls and Vegetable Spring Rolls are both popular appetizer options as well.

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Bruschetta Sauce

Bruschetta Sauce
Credit: Pinterest/Honey, What’s Cooking?

If you don’t have time for homemade bruschetta, the Trader Joe’s version is quick and easy for spreading on a crusty baguette.

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Mediterranean Hummus

Mediterranean Hummus
Credit: Courtesy Trader Joe’s

If you’re a frequent Trader Joe’s shopper and a fan of hummus, you know about the store’s multiple hummus flavors. The Mediterranean Hummus, topped with pine nuts, oil, and multiple spices and herbs, is a fan favorite. Craving a kick? The Sriracha Hummus is top-rated, too .

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Arancini Bites

Arancini Bites
Credit: Pinterest

Trader Joe’s version of arancini, or stuffed rice balls, are basically like mozzarella sticks made with fontina cheese instead. So yes, they’re amazing. They’d be delicious paired with a side of marinara for dipping.

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Tarte à l’Oignon

Tarte à l’Oignon
Credit: Pinterest/Refinery29

This tarte is best if you let it cook until crispy, so you might want to leave it in the oven an extra minute or two. It couldn’t be easier or more delicious, though.

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Mini Quiche Duo

Mini Quiche Duo
Credit: Pinterest/Yahoo

Who doesn’t love a fluffy, flaky quiche? Get two flavors for the price of one and save time prepping with these cute bites.

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Chipotle Black Bean Dip

Chipotle Black Bean Dip
Credit: Pinterest/POPSUGAR/Jamie Mitchell

This smoky dip is the ideal addition to a setup of Mexican dips (or taco toppings). Grab the tortilla chips and dig in!

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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Credit: Pinterest/The Kitchn

If you’re a fan of stuffed mushrooms, take a shortcut with these mushrooms that have a creamy stuffing and crunchy topping.

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5 Cheese Greek Spiral

5 Cheese Greek Spiral
Credit: Pinterest/Become Betty

This Trader Joe’s favorite is basically layers of filo dough stuffed with five types of cheese, so there’s no way you won’t like it. Try the Mini Greek Spirals with Leeks & Feta Cheese for another twist on the dish.

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Uncured Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

Uncured Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese
Credit: Courtesy Trader Joe’s

These little bites have all the flavor—sweet dates, salty bacon, and tangy goat cheese—which makes them a freezer aisle unicorn.

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    1 of 23 Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions
    2 of 23 Corn and Chile Tomato-Less Salsa
    3 of 23 Chicken Gyoza Potstickers
    4 of 23 Trader Joe’s Vegetable Bird’s Nests
    5 of 23 Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
    6 of 23 Mini Chicken Tacos
    7 of 23 Mac and Cheese Bites
    8 of 23 Spanakopita
    9 of 23 Caramelized Onion Dip
    10 of 23 Scallops Wrapped in Uncured Bacon with Brown Sugar Glaze
    11 of 23 Camembert Cheese and Cranberry Sauce Fillo Bites
    12 of 23 Parmesan Pastry Pups
    13 of 23 Mini Chicken Tikka Samosas
    14 of 23 Mango & Sticky Rice Spring Rolls
    15 of 23 Bruschetta Sauce
    16 of 23 Mediterranean Hummus
    17 of 23 Arancini Bites
    18 of 23 Tarte à l’Oignon
    19 of 23 Mini Quiche Duo
    20 of 23 Chipotle Black Bean Dip
    21 of 23 Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
    22 of 23 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
    23 of 23 Uncured Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese

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