I Tried a Trader Joe’s Inspired Cookbook and These Were My Favorite Recipes

August 3, 2023

Clean Plates

Trader Joe’s is an iconic grocery store full of delicious foods, everything from seasonal delights to their signature staples. With its popularity, it’s no surprise that shoppers have taken Trader Joe’s to new heights by creating recipes based on the foods they find in the store. While some have taken their culinary skills to TikTok, others have published cookbooks, including one called Cooking Through Trader Joe’s Cookbook Favorites. Published by Kelsey Lynch, creator of Trader Joe’s Food Reviews on social media, this cookbook (unaffiliated with the brand itself) highlights favorite recipes she has made in the past from some of the store’s unique and popular items.

I am no chef, so cookbooks and recipes that I can follow with ease have become my best friends. Lynch’s cookbook can create simple, effective, and delicious recipes that I have had fun making, especially with the use of Trader Joe’s products. While these may be all of Lynch’s favorites, here are the ones out of the Trader Joe’s Cookbook that I would make all the time.

1. Triple Créme Brie Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is one of my favorite summer staples, and this simple yet delicious recipe hits the spot every single time. The use of Trader Joe’s triple créme brie cheese gives a smooth, creamy texture (even with brine on it). Once you cook your bowtie pasta, mix in that chopped-up cheese along with some diced tomatoes and basil to add pops of color. Simply season it with olive oil, pepper, salt, and minced garlic to create a light and filling pasta salad you’ll be serving to all your friends and family at the next BBQ.

2. Cookie Butter Creamer

If you need a hint of sweetness to go with your morning cup of joe, then this creamer will do you wonders. This Trader Joe’s cookbook creamer makes two cups worth, so you can store it in the fridge for days. All you need is half and half, cougar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and the secret ingredient: Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter. Blend them all together and you have a rich and tasty creamer treat.

3. Garlic Cheese Bombs

This appetizer is so easy and combines two of my favorite things- garlic knots and cheese. You just can’t go wrong with this Trader Joe’s cookbook item! Trader Joe’s ingredients you’ll need include their “ready to bake” pizza dough, their fresh marinated mozzarella cheese balls, and their onion salt. Simply roll the pizza dough around the mozzarella and season with the onion salt. Although it’s an appetizer that makes 12 bombs, I could honestly turn this into a meal for one.

4. Blood Orange Raspberry Mojito

Cleanse your palette with a refreshing alcoholic beverage. The Blood Orange Raspberry Mojito from the Trader Joe’s cookbook puts a spin on the classic thanks to the simple syrup mixed with sugar, water, and blood orange juice. To further emphasize the flavor, the mojito also uses Trader Joe’s Blood Orange Seltzer Water. The final product produces a gorgeous orange-ombre color that’ll make you feel brighter just by sipping.

5. Everything but the Bagel Zucchini Chips

Even if you weren’t a Trader Joe’s fan, you most likely have heard of the iconic seasoning, “Everything but the Bagel.” Sprinkle it on anything and your mouth will burst with flavor. For this recipe, you’ll coat your zucchini with Everything but the Bagel seasoning mixed with parmesan cheese. Stick this dunked veggie into the air fryer or oven and you’ve got a crispy, healthier snack option that you’ll be able to snack on all day.

6. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Hope you saved room for dessert because you’re going to want to eat one or two (dozen) of these cookies. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies from the Trader Joe’s cookbook only take about 30 minutes to make and require all your standard ingredients like softened butter, sugar, egg, flour, etc. However, the special ingredient you will be using is actually in the frosting topping- Trader Joe’s Fleur de Sel Caramel Sauce. Mix that with milk chocolate and you’ve got yourself a decadently delicious cookie.

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