This Unique $5 Trader Joe’s Snack Had My Guests Waiting in the Kitchen for More

Staff Author, Christine Fiorentino
·4 min read
2

They're "perfectly" easy and tasty.

<p>Adobe Stock/Allrecipes</p>

Adobe Stock/Allrecipes

Trader Joe's is known and loved for taking a theme, technique, or flavor, and running with it in unique, creative, and exciting directions with a "go hard or go home" attitude—and there's no exception when it comes to pickling. I've spotted pickled popcorn, hummus, cucumbers, chips, and an array of brines throughout my many Trader Joe's adventures, and for the most part, I've been pleasantly surprised (and equally shocked) at how much I enjoy their unique combinations and concepts. So when I spotted Perfectly Pickled Pups, TJ's latest endeavor when it comes to a love of "pickle-ifying," as the popular grocery chain refers to it, I was intrigued, admittedly a tiny bit skeptical, and inspired to pick up a couple of boxes from the frozen foods aisle to test out on company over the weekend.

The savory, adorable Perfectly Pickled Pups are a fun and unique snack to share with a group. Here's everything you need to know about preparing these precious appetizers!

What Are Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups?

Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups are bite-sized mini uncured beef franks coated in dill pickle-flavored batter and breading. This item struck me as something a bit different to bring to the table for savory snacking and easy entertaining. The mini franks are infused with a briney, dill-pickle flavor, and the coating is made with a breadcrumb combination of sugar, onion, garlic, vinegar, and dill weed, giving both the interior and exterior a piquant, pickly flavor profile.

How to Prepare Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups

With nine in each package and two optional sets of instructions for preparation, I prepared one box of the Perfectly Pickled Pups in the air fryer, and the other in the conventional oven to see which option people prefer more.

According to the package, the air fryer is recommended for preparing the Pups. This is done in just 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). The secondary option, the oven, advises cooking the Pups at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for 14 to 17 minutes. The pickled pickems' are cooked from their frozen state and need to cool for just two minutes before serving, making them a quick and easy snack whichever way you choose to prepare them.

Air Fryer vs. Conventional Oven

I decided to do a blind taste testing, opting not to share which platter came from the air fryer and which came from the conventional oven. Both methods resulted in tasty treats that were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a distinct dill and brine flavor. However, to the shock and awe of the entire group, every single taste tester loved the conventional oven-cooked bites the most. The two common reasons were that the exterior was crispier and a bit more golden, and the interior was significantly juicier, giving the Pups more flavor and depth.

This snack, while delicious, is screaming for a dip to dive into. I prepared a yogurt dip that provided the perfect cool and creamy balance to compliment the tangy flavors of the Perfectly Pickled Pups. Get the full dip recipe below.

<p>Christine Fiorentino</p>

Christine Fiorentino

Dill Yogurt Dip Perfect for Serving Alongside Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt or cashew yogurt

  • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground mustard

  • kosher salt, to taste

  • freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • chili flakes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl. Mix to combine. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with chopped parsley and chili flakes for serving.

Snacks to Serve With Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups

The Bottom Line

Trader Joe's Perfectly Pickled Pups live up to the hype! They're a budget-friendly appetizer that an entire group can enjoy. Prepare them in the conventional oven in just 15 minutes and serve them with a creamy yogurt dip for perfect balance and simple snacking!