The 3-Ingredient “Fancy” Trader Joe’s Appetizer I Make Every Christmas

published Dec 19, 2023
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Shopping cart in Trader Joe's
Credit: Lauren Masur

It’s the holidays, and ‘tis the season to panic because you need a dish to bring to a party! As a last-minute person (can you relate?) I treasure any easy yet impressive shortcuts for bringing an appetizer or a bite. The best appetizers, in my humble opinion, are easy to assemble, have some contrast of taste and texture, and also feel a little indulgent. 

I have such a good Trader Joe’s appetizer that checks all those boxes for you today. It’s the easiest, swankiest, and honestly tastiest appetizer I’ve made lately — and all it takes is three ingredients (and some crackers). 

Credit: Faith Durand

The Three-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Appetizer I Swear By 

This fancy Trader Joe’s appetizer has just three ingredients.

  • Goat cheese: I get a log of plain goat cheese. It’s beautifully shaped — plus, who can resist that unmistakable smooth, creamy tang?
  • Pomegranate arils: I love Trader Joe’s pre-peeled pomegranate seeds. They come in a little box in the produce area, and they’re massively convenient if you don’t want to go to the trouble of opening and dissecting a whole pomegranate
  • Hot honey: In the jam and honey section of Trader Joe’s you’ll find the grocer’s take on spicy honey. Grab a bottle of this

To assemble this appetizer, find your swankiest platter, and arrange a selection of crackers. Place the goat cheese next to the crackers and scatter a generous handful of the pomegranate arils over the goat cheese and around it. Drizzle generously with the hot honey.

Credit: Faith Durand

You can do all this ahead and lightly cover the platter with plastic wrap to store in the fridge. But this is best served at room temperature so the honey and the cheese soften a little bit. So let it come to room temperature before serving. 

And ta-da! That’s it. It seriously took you longer to read this piece than it will for you to make this. It’s festive, fancy, and a little swanky, and will make your guests say “ooh.” 

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