10 Trader Joe’s Frozen Appetizers I Stock up on for the Holidays

The name of the (holiday) game: quick and easy.

With the holiday season upon us, I have been invited to one party after the next. Whether it's a Friendsgiving or a festive cocktail hour, I am suddenly searching for new ways not to show up empty-handed.

While Trader Joe’s is known for its frozen dinners, I’ve discovered that its freezer section is a hidden gem for small bites that make for delicious, quick, and easy appetizers. Here are 10 Trader Joe’s frozen appetizers I lean on during the busy holidays, whether I'm hosting friends or bringing to a party.

1. Chicken Gyoza Potstickers ($3.99)

The Chicken Gyoza Potstickers are filled with tender chicken. Pan-fry them so that they're perfectly golden brown on the bottom while steamed on the top. This goes flawlessly with a mixture of soy and duck sauce—using those extra take-out packets around the house!

2. Mac and Cheese Bites ($3.99) 

Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites are a fan favorite for good reason! Imagine crispy panko encasing a soft, mac-and-cheese filling made with six different types of cheeses. My mouth is watering already! 

3. Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions ($5.49)

The Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese & Caramelized Onions are my roommate's go-to! “The creamy, cheesy filling pairs perfectly with the warm, almost nutty caramelized onion to make a bite that is flaky, gooey, tart, and sweet all at once,” she says.

4. Italian Style Meatballs ($4.99)

I always have a bag of TJ’s Italian Style Meatballs on hand. After four minutes in the microwave, arrange them on a cute plate with toothpicks, and you're set.

5. Wild Raw Argentinian Red Shrimp ($11.99)

Did someone say shrimp cocktail? The Wild Raw Argentinian Red Shrimp are large, cleaned, and ready after two minutes of boiling. Chill them in the fridge and serve with cocktail sauce for a classy, affordable app! 

6. Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons ($4.99)

While an unconventional pairing, the Jalapeño and Cream Cheese Crispy Wontons pack a spicy, creamy punch with a delicious puff pastry crunch! 

7. Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks ($5.49)

TJ’s Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are restaurant-quality! It nailed this classic with a crispy panko casing and a gooey, skim mozzarella inside—and don’t get me started on the cheese pull.

8. Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops ($9.99)

What a pairing! TJ’s Uncured Bacon Wrapped Scallops have a tender, juicy scallop on a skewer, and a fatty, salty bacon strip wrapped around it. Not only are these extra tasty, but they look impressively homemade!

9. Chicken Spring Rolls ($4.49)

Time for my favorite appetizer of all—Chicken Spring Rolls! These bites are filled with white chicken meat, basil, garlic and ginger, a hardy filling encased in a flaky fried dough. This product is a must-have for any get-together.

10. Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($3.79) 

TJ’s Spinach and Artichoke Dip is a classic—it's been around for as long as I can remember and for good reason: It's delicious. Make sure to grab two because they will go fast!

Next time you’re in charge of appetizers, head to the Trader Joe’s frozen section and look for these top picks!