This New $2.49 Trader Joe’s Freezer Find Is a Must-Try

Trader Joe’s fans, listen up. I’ve got some news that you probably want to hear. TJ’s recently released a flatbread that might just be its best, fluffiest, most versatile frozen find yet. Please allow me to introduce the grocer’s new Baladi Egyptian Sourdough Pocket Bread. Each bag comes with five pieces and costs just $2.49 (that's 50 cents each).

What Is Baladi?

What is Baldadi, exactly? It is an Egyptian flatbread traditionally baked in a clay oven. With an opening in its interior, it’s akin to pita, but differs in that it’s thicker, denser, and is traditionally made with whole wheat flour. Speckled with wheat bran flakes, the round bread can be made with either commercial yeast or sourdough.

Why I Love Trader Joe’s Baladi Egyptian Sourdough Pocket Bread

TJ’s opted to craft its version with wheat bran and sourdough. It's a hearty bread with a subtle sourness that goes well with salty or creamy fillings or toppings. The flatbread has an easy-to-open pocket that, once heated, caters well to heavy-handed layers of veggies, meats, and sauces. The inside is fluffy, textured, and absorbent, so if you decide to stuff the pocket, the inner layer of bread will soak up tons of flavor without making the baladi soggy. 

Conversely, you can slice the round and use it as a scoop for all sorts of delicious dips and spreads. The baladi works quite well as a base to bake on top of—meaning, you can load it with pizza toppings and toss it in the oven, or stuff its pocket with cheese, then return it to the oven for a quesadilla-esque effect. 

How To Reheat the Baladi

In the same way that this delicious new drop can be consumed in a variety of forms and flavor profiles, it is also flexible when it comes to preparation. There are three options for optimal reheating. The first being the classic pop-it-in-the-oven method. For this method, I recommend putting your round on a sheet tray in a 375°F oven for three to five minutes. You’ll want the bread to be pliable and warm, but not crispy. 

You can also use a frying pan by placing the flatbread on the preheated surface, then covering it and flipping the bread multiple times for even cooking.

Finally, if you have an air fryer, the handy appliance is a great way to get a perfect, steaming hot bread pocket. Make sure your bread is in a single layer (no stacking!) and leave it in for five to seven minutes until the pocket is hot, puffed up, and slightly golden. 

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