14+ Genius Trader Joe’s Hacks You Need to Try!

Trader Joe’s is a goldmine when it comes to meal shortcuts and hacks! I am rounding up over 14 Trader Joe’s Hacks that I use all the time! I make #11 at least 2x a month, and once you try my orange chicken “upgrade/hack,” you’ll never go back!

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14 TRADER JOE’S HACKS YOU NEED TO TRY!

1. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning (EBTB)

Everything bagel crescent rolls

Roll out TJ’s crescent roll dough, sprinkle generously with Everything But the Bagel seasoning, and bake!

EBTB dipping oil

Add EBTB seasoning to some good-quality olive oil for a delicious dipping oil for crusty bread.

chicken or fish seasoning

Instead of salt and other seasonings, add EBTB seasoning to season your breadcrumbs or flour when making a crunchy coating for chicken or fish. Air fry the meat for extra crispiness!

2. Avocado “Toast”

Instead of using your bread for avocado toast, try using a crispy Trader Joe’s hashbrown instead! SO DELISH!

3. Pizza Crust

If you have a pizza craving but don’t want to take the time to roll out the dough, use TJ’s Pizza Crusts you find in the bread section! They bake up in about 6 minutes and hold a lot of yummy toppings!

Hint: Use Trader Joe’s Garlic Spread Dip as a garlicky “base” layer under your marinara sauce!

4. Chicken and Dumplings

Use TJ’s Organic Biscuit dough to make dumplings! Start by boiling some chicken stock. Cut the biscuits into small pieces and drop them into the boiling chicken stock. Boil for about 15 minutes, then stir in some chopped, pre-cooked chicken!

5. Lobster Bisque Pasta

Who knew SOUP could make such an amazing pasta??! Use TJ’s Lobster Bisque soup plus just FIVE other ingredients to make this delicious pasta dish

6. Orange Chicken Upgrade

The TJ’s orange chicken is yummy on its own but try this upgrade: While the orange chicken is cooking, heat the sauce in a small saucepan. Add a few teaspoons of soy sauce, a nice big tablespoon of Crunchy Chili Onion, and a tinyyyyy drizzle of sesame oil! Pour over the orange chicken and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Instant UPGRADEEEE!!!!

7. Easy Breezy Fish Tacos

Use Trader Joe’s Battered Fish Nuggets (SO GOOD!!) as the base for fish tacos. Toss a bag of the cole slaw with TJ’s Jalapeno Sauce (if you like spice) OR tarter sauce (if you don’t like spice) and pile that mixture on top of your fish tacos. Top with some avocado slices and a squeeze of lime juice.

8. Ravioli Chicken Parmesan

You’ll be shocked that the “secret ingredient” in this Ravioli Chikcen Parmesan is…chicken nuggets! I know it sounds weird but it works SO WELL! My family loved this dish and it’s done in about 30 minutes!

9. Garlic Spread on Pizza

Instead of pizza sauce, use TJ’s Garlic Spread as the “sauce” for your pizza! Divine!

10. Garlic Naan Grilled Cheese

Why use plain old bread for grilled cheese when you can use TJ’s GARLIC NAAN??! You’ll find it in the frozen section and it’s best if you thaw it or put it in the microwave on defrost a little before grilling it with lots of your favorite cheese!

12. Crescent Roll Beignets

Use TJ’s Crescent Rolls as dough for beignets! Divide dough into triangles. Then deep fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely golden brown. Immediately roll in cinnamon and sugar!

13. Elote Corn Chip Chicken

Use the Elote Corn Chips as a crust for oven-baked chicken! You can use this recipe and swap out the tortilla chips for TJ’s Elote chips!!

14. Jam Jars

Ok, NOT a recipe, but do you ever notice how so many TJ’s products come in really nice jars?! The strawberry jam jar is so cute for displaying tiny “bouquets” of flowers and the enchilada sauce jars are perfect for storing homemade sauces and salad dressing!