Beyond the Usual Suspects: Underrated Ralphs Products and Recipes You Need to Try

Ralphs, that dependable grocery store staple, is often taken for granted. We rush in for milk, eggs, and bread, rarely venturing beyond our usual shopping list. But nestled amongst the familiar brands and produce are some truly underrated gems – products that offer exceptional quality, surprising versatility, and amazing value. This article aims to shed light on these hidden heroes, providing you with delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that showcase the very best of Ralphs’ underappreciated offerings.

Let’s ditch the ordinary and explore the extraordinary – the Ralphs products you didn’t know you needed (until now)!

## The Underrated All-Stars: A Ralphs Product Spotlight

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s introduce our star players. These are the Ralphs-branded (or reliably stocked) items that consistently outperform their price point and deserve a permanent spot in your pantry.

* **Ralphs Brand Organic Chicken Broth:** Forget the watery, flavorless broths of the past. This organic chicken broth is rich, savory, and perfect for soups, stews, sauces, and even for cooking rice. The flavor is comparable to more expensive brands, making it a fantastic budget-friendly option.

* **Ralphs Brand Cottage Cheese:** Creamy, tangy, and a great source of protein, Ralphs cottage cheese is incredibly versatile. Eat it straight, top it with fruit, or use it in baking for a moist and delicious treat.

* **Ralphs Brand Frozen Fruit (Especially Berries):** Frozen fruit is a lifesaver for smoothies, desserts, and breakfast. Ralphs’ frozen berries are consistently high quality, offering a great blend of sweetness and tartness. They’re also pre-washed and ready to use, saving you valuable time.

* **Kroger Brand Deluxe Ice Cream (Specific Flavors):** Kroger, Ralphs’ parent company, has some truly outstanding ice cream flavors under their “Deluxe” line. Keep an eye out for flavors like Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Cookies & Cream. The texture is rich and creamy, rivaling more expensive premium brands.

* **Private Selection Pasta Sauces (Especially Marinara and Vodka Sauce):** The Private Selection line is generally a step above the standard Ralphs brand, and their pasta sauces are no exception. The Marinara is simple, clean, and flavorful, perfect as a base for your own creations. The Vodka Sauce is creamy, rich, and decadent – a restaurant-quality sauce at a fraction of the price.

* **Ralphs Brand Olive Oil:** A good quality olive oil is essential for any kitchen. Ralphs offers a decent extra virgin olive oil at a very reasonable price. It’s perfect for everyday cooking, sautéing, and salad dressings.

* **Simple Truth Organic Quinoa:** Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse, and Ralphs’ Simple Truth organic quinoa is a great way to incorporate it into your diet. It’s pre-rinsed and cooks up quickly, making it a convenient and healthy option.

* **Ralphs Brand Tortilla Chips (Especially the Restaurant Style):** These chips are thin, crispy, and perfectly salted – ideal for dipping in salsa, guacamole, or layering in nachos. The restaurant-style chips are particularly good, offering a light and airy texture.

* **Murray’s Cheese Selection (If Available):** Some Ralphs locations have a Murray’s Cheese counter. While not *every* cheese is underrated, explore the selection! You can often find unique and delicious cheeses at surprisingly affordable prices, along with helpful staff to offer recommendations and samples.

* **Ralphs Bakery’s Day-Old Bread:** Don’t overlook the day-old bread section! You can often find amazing deals on loaves that are perfect for making croutons, bread pudding, or French toast. Just make sure to check the expiration date and quality before purchasing.

## Recipe Time: Unleashing the Potential of Underrated Products

Now that we’ve introduced our star ingredients, let’s get cooking! These recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and to showcase the versatility of our featured Ralphs products.

### 1. Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons (Featuring Ralphs Organic Chicken Broth & Day-Old Bread)

This comforting classic gets a gourmet upgrade with homemade grilled cheese croutons. Using Ralphs Organic Chicken Broth adds depth of flavor, and day-old bread transforms into crispy, cheesy goodness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon Ralphs Brand Olive Oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups Ralphs Brand Organic Chicken Broth
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* 4 slices Ralphs Bakery Day-Old Bread
* 2 slices cheddar cheese, halved
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Soup:** Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender (in batches) and blend until smooth. Return to the pot.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in heavy cream (if using).
5. **Make the Grilled Cheese Croutons:** Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat. Top each slice with cheddar cheese halves and the remaining slices of bread, butter-side up.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Cut the grilled cheese sandwiches into cubes.
8. **Serve:** Ladle soup into bowls and top with grilled cheese croutons. Enjoy!

**Why this works:** The Ralphs Organic Chicken Broth elevates the simple tomato soup to something truly special. The day-old bread is given new life as delicious, crunchy croutons.

### 2. Berry Blast Smoothie (Featuring Ralphs Frozen Berries & Cottage Cheese)

Start your day with a protein-packed and antioxidant-rich smoothie. Ralphs Frozen Berries provide a burst of flavor and nutrients, while the cottage cheese adds creaminess and a boost of protein without being overly sweet.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup Ralphs Brand Frozen Mixed Berries (or your favorite berry blend)
* 1/2 cup Ralphs Brand Cottage Cheese
* 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* 1/4 cup yogurt (optional)
* 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
* Ice cubes (as needed)

**Instructions:**

1. Combine frozen berries, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt (if using), and honey/maple syrup (if using) in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes as needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

**Why this works:** This smoothie is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. The cottage cheese adds a unique creamy texture and protein, making it a more satisfying and healthy option than using just fruit and milk.

### 3. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Quinoa (Featuring Simple Truth Organic Quinoa & Ralphs Olive Oil)

This one-pan wonder is a complete and healthy meal with minimal cleanup. Simple Truth Organic Quinoa cooks alongside the chicken, absorbing all the delicious flavors. The Ralphs olive oil keeps everything moist and flavorful.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
* 1 tablespoon Ralphs Brand Olive Oil
* 1 lemon, sliced
* 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 1 cup Simple Truth Organic Quinoa, rinsed
* 2 cups water or Ralphs Brand Organic Chicken Broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place lemon slices, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity.
5. In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, spread the chopped onion, carrots, and celery.
6. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
7. Sprinkle the rinsed quinoa around the chicken in the pan.
8. Pour water or chicken broth over the quinoa.
9. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve the chicken and quinoa with the roasted vegetables.

**Why this works:** This recipe is incredibly easy and flavorful. The quinoa absorbs the juices from the chicken and vegetables, creating a delicious and healthy side dish. The Simple Truth Organic Quinoa is a convenient and nutritious addition to this one-pan meal.

### 4. Vodka Sauce Pasta with a Twist (Featuring Private Selection Vodka Sauce)

Skip the restaurant and create a decadent vodka sauce pasta at home using Private Selection Vodka Sauce. This recipe adds a simple twist to elevate the flavor even further.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
* 1 jar (24 ounces) Private Selection Vodka Sauce
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1 tablespoon Ralphs Brand Olive Oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the Private Selection Vodka Sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Stir in chopped basil.
8. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan cheese.

**Why this works:** The Private Selection Vodka Sauce is already delicious on its own, but the addition of fresh garlic, red pepper flakes, and basil elevates it to restaurant-quality. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

### 5. Spicy Guacamole with Ralphs Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips

This is a classic appetizer, elevated by the perfectly thin and crispy Ralphs Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips. The guacamole recipe itself is simple, but allows you to adjust the spice level to your liking.

**Ingredients:**

* 3 ripe avocados
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tablespoons lime juice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
* Ralphs Brand Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Halve the avocados, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.
2. Mash the avocados with a fork until desired consistency is reached (leave some chunks for a more rustic guacamole).
3. Stir in red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and cumin (if using).
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more lime juice for tanginess, more jalapeño for heat, or more salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately with Ralphs Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips.

**Why this works:** The Ralphs Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips are the perfect complement to this guacamole. Their thin and crispy texture makes them ideal for dipping, and their subtle saltiness enhances the flavors of the avocado, cilantro, and lime.

### 6. Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Featuring Ralphs Brand Cottage Cheese)

These pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese. They’re a delicious and healthy way to start your day.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1 cup Ralphs Brand Cottage Cheese
* 1 egg, lightly beaten
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the griddle

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat a lightly greased griddle or frying pan over medium heat.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fruit, or whipped cream.

**Why this works:** The cottage cheese adds moisture and protein to these pancakes, making them more satisfying and nutritious than traditional pancakes. They’re also surprisingly light and fluffy.

## Beyond the Recipes: Tips for Maximizing Your Ralphs Shopping Experience

* **Sign up for the Ralphs Rewards Card:** This is a no-brainer. The rewards card unlocks exclusive deals, coupons, and fuel points.
* **Download the Ralphs App:** The app allows you to load digital coupons, create shopping lists, and track your fuel points.
* **Check the Weekly Ads:** Ralphs offers weekly sales and promotions on a wide variety of products. Pay attention to these ads to save money on your favorite items.
* **Explore the International Aisle:** Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the standard grocery aisles. The international aisle often contains unique and affordable ingredients that can add excitement to your cooking.
* **Ask for Samples:** If you’re unsure about a particular product, ask a store employee if they have any samples available. This is a great way to try new things without committing to a full purchase.
* **Don’t Be Afraid of Store Brands:** Ralphs’ store brands are often just as good as (or even better than) name-brand products. Don’t be afraid to give them a try – you might be surprised at the quality and value.

## Conclusion: Embrace the Unexpected at Ralphs

Ralphs is more than just a grocery store; it’s a treasure trove of underrated products waiting to be discovered. By venturing beyond your usual shopping list and exploring the hidden gems that Ralphs has to offer, you can elevate your cooking, save money, and discover new favorites. So, the next time you’re at Ralphs, take a closer look – you might just be surprised at what you find! Happy cooking!