The Best Game Day Dishes and Snacks from Trader Joe’s
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.
Trader Joe's has a *million* game day snacks, and we always make sure to keep the fridge and freezer stocked with them in case our team is playing. To be honest, sometimes we actually get more excited by the spread than by watching the game (but don't tell anyone!). After all, what other parties are so chock-full of delicious dips and trays of totchos? Even when we're pressed for time, a quick trip to the store ensures that the coffee table is fully loaded with snacks before the big game begins. These 12 Trader Joe's foods will keep you and your guests happy while you watch your team give their all.
Fresh Burritos ($4): Whether you choose carnitas with salsa verde or pollo asado, these burritos will definitely please a crowd. Microwave or bake them, then cut into finger-food-friendly portions — and don't forget some sour cream and salsa on the side.
Gluten-Free Cheese Pizza With a Cauliflower Crust ($5): These days, it's good to be prepared for guests with a variety of special dietary needs. Pick up this frozen pizza from TJ's and you'll have something quick and easy that you and your gluten-free friends can enjoy.
Uncured Pork & Beef Hot Link Sausages ($5): It's just not game day without sausages. Serve them on big fluffy rolls with spicy mustard and sweet relish, or crisp in a skillet with potatoes; if you're really feeling hungry, do both.
Mac & Cheese Bites ($4): Of course these mac and cheese bites should be present at your next party! They're crispy, creamy, crowd-pleasing perfection.
Parmesan Pastry Pups ($5): Parmesan pastry pups are fancy enough for company, but close enough to classic pigs-in-a-blanket that traditionalists will be happy too. The cheese on top helps enhance the savory flavor of the uncured beef franks inside.
Pork Gyoza Potstickers ($3): Whether they're steamed, pan-fried, baked, or boiled, you can't go wrong with a potsticker. Drizzle with sesame oil and Sriracha, or serve with a simple soy sauce and rice vinegar dip.
Puff Dogs ($7): Save yourself the trouble of dealing with finicky puff pastry and opt for these pre-wrapped dogs instead. Each one is crispy on the outside, beefy and satisfying in the middle.
Mandarin Orange Chicken ($5): This Trader Joe's staple isn't just for dinner. Serve on a large platter with plenty of toothpicks so your guests can spear the best-looking nuggets all game long.
Simply Seasoned Tuna Burgers ($7): Pretend it's summer again by putting a few of these tuna burgers on your grill pan. Cut into quarters and serve on slider rolls to feed a crowd.
Kung Pao Tempura Cauliflower ($5): Vegan and vegetarian guests will love that you've made a batch of this spicy kung pao tempura cauliflower. It has just the right amount of crispy breading and sticky sauce, so carnivores will want to get in on the action too.
Vegetable Pastry Puffs ($4): If you prefer wine to beer, these classy AF pastry puffs are probably for you. Each one is topped with a creamy vegetable sauce made from peppers and tomatoes, with a sprinkle of Herbes de Provence to bring out the flavor.
Vegetable Spring Rolls ($4): Forget about the frozen egg rolls stuffed with mystery meat. Veggie spring rolls stuffed with kale, edamame, mushrooms, and tofu are where it's at.
More game day noshing inspiration awaits over on our Pinterest page.
More game day noshing inspiration awaits over on our Pinterest page.
(Photos via Trader Joe’s)
Justina Huddleston
Justina Huddleston is a food writer living in Los Angeles. When she's not busy writing, she spends her time in the kitchen creating both virtuous and decidedly junky vegan food. Buffalo chickpea pizza, anyone? She's also been known to eat a plain block of tofu or beans straight out of the can for lunch, but somehow those culinary adventures don't make it to her Instagram. You can follow Justina on Twitter or see what's cooking in her kitchen on her blog, A Life of Little Pleasures.