29 Genius Ways to Use Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip
Garlic loves, unite! Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip isn’t just a dip, it will become the MVP of your fridge! If you’ve only been using this creamy, garlicky goodness on bread or veggies, you’re missing out on a whole world of flavor. Get ready to transform your meals with 29 delicious ways to use this TJ’s cult-favorite condiment.
WHAT IS TRADER JOE’S GARLIC SPREAD? (AKA: “TOUM”)
Trader Joe’s garlic spread dip is a creamy “whipped” spread with oil and garlic as a base. The oil and fresh garlic are “whipped” with lemon juice and a little salt to form a creamy texture.
This dip is based off the popular Middle Eastern (most popular in Lebanese cuisine) condiment called “Toum.” As my Lebanese friend says, “It’s just a staple in our culture and it’s so funny how it’s becoming so popular on social media now!”
Traditionally, toum is used in a Middle Eastern chicken taouk sandwich which is chicken marinated in all sorts of yummy spices, then grilled. Toum is spread on warm pita bread, and topped with the chicken, cabbage slaw, slices of pickles, and more toum! My friend said she grew up eating this in her school cafeteria in Lebanon with french fries dipped in more toum!
Trader Joe’s is pretty darn close to the “real” toum recipe my friend gave me. The only difference is, she uses vegetable oil, and TJ’s uses canola oil and a little citric acid to keep it fresh. See the full ingredient list on the Trader Joe’s product detail page here.
WHAT DOES TRADER JOE’S GARLIC SPREAD TASTE LIKE?
I’m going to be honest with you right now–if you aren’t a garlic lover, this dip ain’t for you!
As my friend told me: “They sell “after toum” gum or candy at pharmacies {in the Middle East} to get rid of the smell.”
It has an intense garlic flavor, people. But in the BEST WAY. It has a light, fluffy, “whipped” texture that’s perfect for spreading or stirring into…pretty much EVERYTHING.
But let’s get specific. Here are 29 ways you can use this incredibly garlicky dip!
29 WAYS TO USE TRADER JOE’S GARLIC SPREAD DIP
1. Garlic bread
Easiest, yummiest garlic bread ever–spread on a baguette and toast. Top with a little of TJ’s Aglio Olio seasoning, too!
2. Sandwich spread
Think of this garlic spread as a replacement for mayo on sandwiches!
3. Pizza “sauce”
This spread is the perfect base for a “white” pizza, or even as a base layer underneath your red sauce for a garlicky kick!
4. Grilled cheese
Slather on the inside and/or the OUTSIDE of grilled cheese and be prepared to be in heaven!
5. Veggie and cracker dip
This dip is perfect for dipping veggies (carrots, bell peppers) and crackers.
6. With roast chicken
In the Middle East, they serve this dip alongside roasted meats for dipping–sounds great to me!
7. Steak sandwich
Makes a great replacement for an aioli or a horseradish sauce on a steak sandwich.
8. Chicken shawarma wraps/kebabs
This spread goes hand in hand with TJ’s chicken shawarma wraps, kebabs, or bowls!
9. Flatbread with pesto
Need a quick little appetizer? Warm some flatbread, then slather on the garlic spread and a little pesto.
10. As a base on bruschetta
Try using the garlic spread as a base for bruschetta!
11. French fry dipping sauce
In Lebanon (and probably other parts of the Middle East, too!) this type of sauce is standard to serve with french fries for dipping!
12. Stirred into sauteed or roasted veggies
Give veggies an instant garlicky kick by stirring a few tablespoons in while the veggies are warm.
13. Roasted potatoes
This sauce pairs perfectly with roasted potatoes. Stir it into warm potatoes or serve it on the side for dipping.
14. Breading “glue” for chicken tenders
Instead of eggs, try dipping chicken into this spread, then breading with breadcrumbs or panko.
15. Turkey burgers
Pairs so well with turkey burgers–slather onto your bun like mayo.
16. Layered with avocado toast
Who doesn’t need a little garlicky kick on their avocado toast?! Layer the TJ’s garlic spread, avocado, and top with Everything Bagel seasoning!
17. Stirred into soup
This spread is SOOO good stirred into warm tomato or minestrone soup.
18. Mixed with chimichurri sauce
Mix equal parts of garlic spread and chimichurri sauce for an excellent sauce for grilled steak.
19. On a charcuterie board
It’s the perfect addition to a charcuterie board with crackers and veggies!
20. With falafel
Slather this spread on pita bread, then top with crispy falafel.
21. Stirred into pesto pasta
This spread gives the perfect amount of creaminess to pesto pasta!
22. Salmon
Spread onto the top of salmon and bake or air fry.
23. Stirred in with ricotta cheese in lasagna
I like to use half ricotta and half garlic spread for a cheesy, garlicky layer in lasagna.
24. Dip for chips
Why not?!
25. Stirred into plain rice
Immediately take plain white rice or pilaf to the next level!
26. Pasta salad “base”
I love tossing this spread with orzo when the pasta is still warm. Try making this Garlic Parmesan Orzo Salad!
27. In place of mayo in creamy salads
Use it as a garlicky, non-dairy replacement for mayo in potato salad, macaroni salad or even chicken salad.
28. On quesadillas
Spread this on a tortilla, then top with cheese–you’ll never eat a quesadilla without it! (you might want to serve more on the side for dipping, too!)
29. Stirred into marinara sauce
This spread will kick up your plain, jarred marinara sauce!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! This spread only includes 4 ingredients: canola oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and citric acid.
So far, Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip has been available year-round!
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