Before you ask, no, these new frozen Trader Joe’s biscuits are not dupes for Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits. But they’re not trying to be. It’s right there in the name—these are herby cheesy biscuits. No Old Bay Seasoning in sight. But wait, before you click away, they still might have a place in your freezer. Because people are freaking out over these things.
They’re out just in time for Thanksgiving and all the Trader Joe’s appreciation accounts (and even Simply Recipes) have totally fallen for these frozen biscuits. They’re flavored with rosemary and thyme, and include both parmesan and cheddar shreds. And you don’t even have to preheat your oven to make them. They go in cold, then cook as the oven warms up.
But do they pass the Sporked test? We baked up a whole box-full (they come six to a package and cost $4.99) to find out.
Pros: I really hate preheating the oven. It always takes ages longer than I feel like it should. So, I really dig that you can put these right from the freezer into the oven and then just turn it on and walk away for 30 minutes. Great. But beyond how easy these are to make, they also taste good. They’re tender and flaky and the dough has a bit of the twangy buttermilk finish. I really enjoy the pockets of cheese you hit every so often. And they manage to be herby without being overwhelmingly herby. They’re not so flavor-packed that they’re going to clash with anything on a Thanksgiving table. If you’re looking for a fun bready side for a fall feast, these Trader Joe’s biscuits are a must-buy.
Cons: They don’t look great. While they rise and they do get some good, crispy crunchy bits around the outside, they have an overall gray hue. (I think it’s the herbs?) And I think some folks would appreciate a little bit more cheese. A sprinkling on top could really push them over the edge. But for just $5 and 30 minutes in an oven, I really think these are a steal. Even if they are greige.
Hi! I’m the editor-in-chief of Sporked. I will never turn down a fresh-shucked oyster but I’ll also leap at whatever new product Reese’s releases and I love a Tostitos Hint of Lime, even if there is no actual lime in the ingredients.
Why you should trust me: I have been writing about food and beverages for well over a decade and am an avid at-home cook and snacker. I began my career writing about fine dining and recipes, moved into cocktails and spirits, and now I talk about groceries. If you can eat it or drink it, I’ve probably written about it.
What I buy every week: Trader Joe’s dried okra. Appleton Farms prosciutto from Aldi. Some sort of Trader Joe’s cheese (I’m into the aged gouda at the moment). Frozen waffles (usually the Eggo Cinnamon Toast Minis). Spindrift water (loving the Cosmopolitan right now).
Favorite ranking: Smoked salmon. Imagine me as Scrooge McDuck but instead of coins I’m diving into a vault of slippery smoked salmon slices. Pure joy. I also found some real steals in that taste test!
Least favorite ranking: Canned oysters. I had such high hopes for this but it quickly became a chore. The kitchen smelled like an uncleaned aquarium.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!
Justine Sterling
Gwynedd Stuart
Angela Guglielmino
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!