Great drinks, a perfect soundtrack, the perfect lighting: all these things can make a party good. But what makes a get-together memorable? The food. Once the guests arrive, however, we'd much rather be chatting away, cocktail in hand, than stuck plating apps in the kitchen. So what's a lazy party host to do?
Enter Trader Joe's, grand purveyor of frozen foods, dips, and treats that can make you look like the Martha Stewart of any party — without breaking the bank. With instructions pretty much limited to "heat and serve," you can impress your guests with minimal effort.
Click through to see our favorite Trader Joe's picks for any party (just don't forget our invite!).
Chipotle Black Bean Dip
This dip is not messing around with just three, flavor-packed ingredients — pureed black beans, chipotle chiles, and adobo sauce.
Sweet Plantain Chips
We'll be munching on these Columbian plantain chips morning, noon, and night.
Cave Aged Blue Cheese
Every party needs a fancy (yet affordable) wedge of blue cheese.
English Ale Cheddar Cheese With Mustard
Pair this cheddar with your favorite bottles of ale.
Cilantro & Jalapeño Hummus
This hummus packs some major flavor.
Pretzel Slims
When you're feeling like a pretzel but ALSO in the mood for a chip — these have you covered.
Dark Chocolate Covered Caramels
You won't be able to eat just one of these decadent treats.
Raisin Rosemary Crisps
These fancy looking and tasty crackers may be just perfect for any cheeses or spreads you'll be serving.
Unexpected Cheddar
Even cheddar cheese can be improved.
Ode To The Classic Potato Chip
You can't go wrong with this snacking staple.
Brewed Ginger Beer
Sweet, citrusy, and spicy. Sip it all by itself or mix it into a cocktail.
Chocolate Coconut Almonds
Like a candy bar's more social older sibling.
Island Salsa
Transform typical chips and salsa with this tropical mix and these Roasted Plantain Chips.
Vanilla Meringues
Simple doesn't have to mean boring.
Brie En Croûte
How does Brie get dressed up for a party? In a tasty crust, of course.
5 Cheese Greek Spiral
This classic Greek pie is like cheese and crackers, all in one delicious package.
Sriracha Seafood Potstickers
After you try these, you might have to have a talk with your go-to Chinese delivery spot about seeing other people.
Brownie Crisp
If you purposefully bake your brownies until they're well-done, this is the perfect snack for you.
Chocolatey Coated Chocolate Chip Dunkers
Leave it to Trader Joe's to solve the age-old problem of cookies that are too big to fit in your cup of milk.
Bacon Wrapped Dates Stuffed With Goat Cheese
Proof that frozen can also be fancy-schmancy.
Party Size Mini Meatballs
These taste good in just about whatever sauce you grab to go with 'em, but we love the Sweet Chili Sauce.
Parmesan Pastry Pups
Who knew pigs in a blanket could be so elegant?
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Serve with pita chips, promptly watch it disappear.
Caramelized Onion Dip
Sweet and savory caramelized onions upgrade the typical onion dip for an app that is perfect with veggies or chips.
Mini Cinnamon Sugar Churros
You'll wonder how you ever had a churro-less get-together before.
Spinach Sour Cream Dip
There's spinach in there, so it's practically a salad...right?
Breaded Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
If loving deep-fried cheese is wrong, we don't want to be right.
Sriracha Potato Chips
Leave it to TJ's to bring us not just any Sriracha chips, but waffle-cut Sriracha chips.
Speculoos Cookie Butter Cheesecake Bites
If you want to provide dessert at your next party, it's hard to top cheesecake bites made with Trader Joe's highly coveted cookie butter.
Baconesque White Cheddar Popcorn
We like bacon on everything, so why not popcorn?
Cowboy Caviar
Serve with tortilla chips, sit back, receive compliments.
Rosemary Garlic Monkey Bread
Monkey bread is usually sweet, but we love the idea of a savory version served with dips and appetizers.
Sriracha Hummus
We're already slathering hummus or Sriracha everything, so putting them together? Genius.
Alsatian Style Onion Tart
It's not delivery, it's not DiGiorno, it's a tarte à l'oignon. This French twist on the familiar pizza makes even the most typical party spread look fancy.
Breaded Chicken Breast Nuggets
Bonus: This beloved finger food is also gluten-free.
Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
This spinach dip subs in yogurt for heavy sour cream, making for a lighter version of the app staple.
Mac & Cheese Bites
Cheesy, carb-tastic macaroni and cheese would be perfect party snacking food — if only it didn't require a fork. Oh, wait...
Chicken Quesadillas
These quesadillas, stuffed with peppers, corn, and cheese, are perfect as a starter or main course, depending on party and appetite size.
Milk Chocolate Covered Mini Pretzels
No judgement if you forgo displaying these in a bowl and just eat them straight from the bag.
Portobello Mushroom Fries
Earthy, meaty, and totally veg-friendly.
Feta Cheese Spread
You'll wonder how your cheese plate ever did without it.
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