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 Shrimp Bao
Pillowy soft buns, shrimp patties, a sweet lemongrass, lime, and chili sauce for dipping—what’s not to love? Add in thin cucumber slices, carrots, and cilantro, and this Trader Joe’s appetizer is a well-rounded bite.
Mini Mushroom Tartelettes
Grab these while they’re available! These savory bites are filled with shitake mushrooms, parmesan, ricotta, and cream cheeses, plus garlic and shallot, all combined in a flaky crust. One of the limited-time Trader Joe’s appetizers is available for the holiday season.
Mini Veggie Samosas
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.
Related: Check Out These Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods with a Cult Following
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.
Chicken Cilantro Mini Wontons
These are great pan-fried or boiled and the kids will definitely gobble them up.
Related: 16 Easy Trader Joe’s Recipes That Take 15 Minutes or Less
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.
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 enjoy it with tortilla chips. This is a nice change to the traditional onion dips you find at family get-togethers.
Related: 20 Things from Trader Joe’s That Picky Eaters Will Love
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
You want to go fancy for your holiday party, you go with scallops wrapped in savory, uncured bacon. This classic coastal appetizer looks like a lot of work, but really, all it requires is about 15 minutes in the air fryer.
Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds
Wisconsites take their cheese seriously. So you know these squeaky bites are a tasty mouthful. Toss them in the air fryer and serve with a dipping sauce and your favorite pint of ale.
