6 Trader Joe’s Freezer Finds I Never Leave the Store Without

In full transparency, graduating from culinary school kicked off a bit of a food snob phase for me. I made sauce, consommé, velouté, and fresh pasta from scratch, and I looked down upon most kitchen shortcuts. This phase continued as I worked as a private chef.

After all, my job was to make things à la minute. That is, prepared to order and not in advance. 

That came to a screeching halt when I got a harsh dose of reality in the form of three beautiful but very hungry kids. Now, if dinner doesn't have some help from the freezer, it’s probably coming out of a cereal box. How quickly the mighty can fall! 

To keep our routine afloat, I have a chest freezer in the basement stocked with all kinds of frozen treasures that help me get meals on the table faster. My favorite place to stock up on such weeknight-saving frozen goods? Trader Joe’s, of course.

Here are the six TJ’s frozen essentials that I can’t live without.

1. Trader Joe’s Frozen Jasmine Rice

Yes, making rice is an easy kitchen task, but it always seems to trip me up. Sometimes I’m not as patient as I should be while rinsing, so it winds up sticky or, worse, I lose track of the simmer and wind up with a huge stovetop mess.

I’ve also been known to forget to start cooking the rice in a timely fashion, which leaves us all waiting impatiently for the rice to get tender enough to eat. This is exactly why I always have TJ’s precooked frozen rice ($4.99) in my freezer.

It’s perfect as a side for curries and stir fries, or even for a quick clean-out-the-fridge fried rice. I also use it to make my youngest a quick and easy risotto. I cook it in a saute pan with stock and veggies, then finish it off with a pat of butter and some Parmesan cheese. 

2. Trader Joe’s Margherita Pizza 

The frozen pizza world has changed a ton since I was a kid, but the most dramatic change? The cost! I’ve been shocked at how expensive frozen pies are at some grocery stores. Sometimes they even cost more than a fresh pizza. But not at Trader Joe’s. This margherita ($4.79) is my go-to for those nights when I’m testing the limits of space and time by trying to make it to two different soccer fields at the same pick-up time.

It’s the perfect size for my two oldest to split, but grown-ups might need their own. Pair it with a Trader Joe's pizza ranch salad kit, and you have yourself a winning meal! 

3. Trader Joe’s Tandoori Naan

This naan ($2.99) is great as an easy side dish, but I also use it to make flatbreads for my kids when I need something quick and easy. Add a few toppings, then pop the naan in your air fryer for an after-school snack. I prefer it to the fresh naan at Trader Joe's because once it's reheated, it tastes freshly baked. 

4. Trader Joe’s Roasted Corn 

My hot take is that frozen corn is usually better than fresh. Sure, there is nothing like a perfect ear of ripe sweet corn, but nine times out of 10, it’s a little lackluster in flavor and texture. I want fresh-tasting corn year-round, too, so I keep this frozen corn ($2.79) on hand.

I use it to make fried rice, corn chowder, to bulk up homemade chili, or to make an elegant creamy pasta dish. I especially love the roasted corn that TJ’s sells because it has an added layer of dimension thanks to the open fire it’s charred over. 

5. Trader Joe’s Roasted Potatoes With Peppers and Onions

I usually pop these potatoes ($3.79) in a roasting pan with a few sausages and roast for about 20 minutes for a quick and easy dinner. They are also great in a hash for breakfast. 

6. Dorot Frozen Garlic 

This is the only item on the list that is not a Trader Joe’s brand, but it’s available every time I visit my store. These packs of flavor gold come with 20 cubes of minced garlic (or minced ginger) for $2.49 each.

It doesn’t have any off-flavor, which I find can happen with other forms of refrigerated chopped garlic and ginger. Just pop out a cube and start cooking!

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