October at Trader Joe’s is like winning the grocery lottery. Every aisle is bursting with pumpkin spice, autumnal flavors, and exciting new products just begging to be incorporated into your cooking. Forget the same old dinners – this year, we’re diving headfirst into the newest Trader Joe’s offerings to create innovative and delicious recipes that will make you the star of any fall gathering (or just a happy camper on a chilly weeknight).
This blog post is your ultimate guide to the best new Trader Joe’s products this October and, more importantly, how to turn them into culinary masterpieces. We’re going beyond simply suggesting you buy these items; we’re providing detailed recipes with step-by-step instructions to ensure your cooking adventures are a success. Get ready to elevate your October meals with these Trader Joe’s-inspired creations!
**First, Let’s Highlight the Stars of the Show: Top New Trader Joe’s Products This October**
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a quick tour of the Trader Joe’s aisles and spotlight the must-have new products that will form the backbone of our fall feasts.
* **Pumpkin Overnight Oats:** A convenient and delicious way to start your day. These oats are packed with pumpkin spice flavor and require minimal prep. Look for them in the refrigerated section.
* **Pumpkin Brioche Twist:** This decadent bread is perfect for French toast, bread pudding, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee. Its rich, buttery flavor and beautiful swirl make it a showstopper.
* **Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites:** A frozen appetizer that’s surprisingly sophisticated. These creamy, cheesy bites are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to introduce butternut squash to even the pickiest eaters.
* **Pumpkin Spice Hummus:** Don’t knock it ’til you try it! This unique hummus is surprisingly versatile and adds a touch of autumnal sweetness to savory dishes.
* **Maple Leaf Cookies:** Adorable and delicious, these maple leaf-shaped cookies are a perfect addition to any fall dessert platter. Their delicate maple flavor is irresistible.
* **Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce:** This sauce is your shortcut to perfectly seasoned and flavorful roasted vegetables or proteins. Its smoky, spicy, and sweet flavor profile is a winner.
* **Fall Zucchette Pasta:** Adorable pumpkin shaped pasta is great for a fast, festive weeknight meal. It’s a great option for mac and cheese or simply tossed with butter.
* **Honeycrisp Apple Granola:** This granola combines the sweet-tart flavor of Honeycrisp apples with crunchy oats and nuts. It’s perfect for topping yogurt, oatmeal, or enjoying as a snack.
* **Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi:** Frozen pumpkin cheesecake flavored mochi, these little bites are perfect for a dessert.
* **Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Slims:** A spin on the classic oreo flavor, these are sure to please.
**Now, for the Recipes!**
**Recipe 1: Pumpkin Brioche French Toast Casserole with Honeycrisp Apple Granola Crumble**
This recipe transforms the Pumpkin Brioche Twist into a show-stopping French toast casserole perfect for a weekend brunch or holiday gathering. The Honeycrisp Apple Granola adds a delightful crunch and autumnal flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Brioche Twist, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 6 large eggs
* 1 ½ cups milk (or non-dairy alternative)
* ½ cup heavy cream (or non-dairy alternative)
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ cup Trader Joe’s Honeycrisp Apple Granola
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* ¼ cup maple syrup (for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Brioche:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Make the Custard:** In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
3. **Assemble the Casserole:** Arrange the cubed Pumpkin Brioche Twist evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. **Soak the Brioche:** Pour the custard mixture over the brioche, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is soaked. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or overnight in the refrigerator for even better results).
5. **Prepare the Crumble:** In a small bowl, combine the Honeycrisp Apple Granola and melted butter. Mix well.
6. **Add the Crumble Topping:** Sprinkle the granola crumble evenly over the soaked brioche.
7. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and the custard is set.
8. **Serve:** Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup and enjoy!
**Recipe 2: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bite Skewers with Pumpkin Spice Hummus Dip**
This fun and festive appetizer is a playful twist on classic mac & cheese. The Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites are skewered and served with a creamy Pumpkin Spice Hummus dip for a burst of autumnal flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites
* ½ cup Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Hummus
* Wooden skewers
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Mac & Cheese Bites:** Bake the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites according to the package directions.
2. **Assemble the Skewers:** Once the mac & cheese bites are cool enough to handle, carefully thread 3-4 bites onto each wooden skewer.
3. **Prepare the Dip:** Transfer the Pumpkin Spice Hummus to a small serving bowl.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle fresh parsley over the hummus for a pop of color.
5. **Serve:** Arrange the mac & cheese bite skewers on a platter and serve with the Pumpkin Spice Hummus dip. This can be served hot or cold.
**Recipe 3: Fall Zucchette Pasta with Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce and Sausage**
This quick and easy weeknight meal is packed with flavor and comes together in minutes. The Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce adds a smoky, spicy kick to the adorable Fall Zucchette Pasta. Adding sausage provides the protein and heartiness to round out the meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Fall Zucchette Pasta
* 1 jar Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), removed from casings
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Sausage:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. **Cook the Pasta:** While the sausage is cooking, cook the Fall Zucchette Pasta according to the package directions.
3. **Combine:** Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the cooked sausage.
4. **Add the Sauce:** Pour the Pumpkin Chipotle Roasting Sauce over the pasta and sausage. Stir to coat everything evenly.
5. **Simmer:** Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Serve:** Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
**Recipe 4: Pumpkin Spice Hummus and Veggie Wrap**
This recipe combines the surprising flavor of pumpkin spice hummus with fresh vegetables in a wrap for an easy and healthy lunch or snack. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for on-the-go eating.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 large tortilla (whole wheat or your favorite type)
* 2-3 tablespoons Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Hummus
* 1/4 cup mixed greens or spinach
* 1/4 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
* 1/4 cup sliced bell pepper (any color)
* Optional: sprouts, avocado slices, or any other favorite veggies
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tortilla:** Lay the tortilla flat on a clean surface.
2. **Spread the Hummus:** Spread the Pumpkin Spice Hummus evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. **Add the Veggies:** Layer the mixed greens, carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper over the hummus.
4. **Add optional ingredients:** Add any other vegetables to your liking.
5. **Wrap it up:** Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then tightly roll it up from the bottom.
6. **Cut and Serve:** Cut the wrap in half and serve immediately, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap for later.
**Recipe 5: Honeycrisp Apple Granola Yogurt Parfaits**
This simple parfait is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fall for breakfast, snack, or dessert. The Honeycrisp Apple Granola adds a perfect crunch and sweetness to the creamy yogurt.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or any yogurt of your choice)
* 1/2 cup Trader Joe’s Honeycrisp Apple Granola
* 1/4 cup diced fresh apple (Honeycrisp or your favorite variety)
* Optional: a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
* Optional: sprinkle of cinnamon
**Instructions:**
1. **Layer the Ingredients:** In a glass or parfait dish, layer half of the yogurt, followed by half of the Honeycrisp Apple Granola, and half of the diced apple.
2. **Repeat:** Repeat the layers with the remaining yogurt, granola, and apple.
3. **Add Optional Toppings:** Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, if desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy immediately for the best texture.
**Recipe 6: Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi Ice Cream Sandwiches**
A simple but impressive dessert that takes advantage of the perfect portion control that mochi provides. Create a flavorful fall themed ice cream sandwich with ease.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi
* 1 pint vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
* Optional: Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies for rolling.
**Instructions:**
1. **Soften the Ice Cream:** Let the vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
2. **Prepare the Mochi:** Remove the Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi from the freezer and let them sit for a minute or two to slightly soften.
3. **Assemble the Sandwiches:** Take one mochi piece and carefully slice it in half horizontally. Place a small scoop of softened vanilla ice cream on the bottom half.
4. **Top and Roll (Optional):** Place the top half of the mochi back on top of the ice cream, creating a sandwich. Gently roll the edges of the ice cream sandwich in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies if desired.
5. **Freeze (If Necessary):** If the mochi sandwiches have become too soft, place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy immediately!
**Recipe 7: Pumpkin Spice Joe-Joe’s Slims Milkshake**
A super easy milkshake recipe using Joe-Joe’s slim cookies! This is a great recipe to get the kids involved in.
**Ingredients:**
* 10 Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Slims
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream (or pumpkin spice ice cream for extra flavor!)
* 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
* Optional: Whipped cream and extra Joe-Joe’s Slims for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the Pumpkin Spiced Joe-Joe’s Slims, vanilla ice cream, and milk.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy. If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk.
3. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste and add more cookies or milk as needed to reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
4. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into a glass.
5. **Garnish (Optional):** Top with whipped cream and a crumbled Joe-Joe’s Slim for garnish.
6. **Serve Immediately:** Enjoy immediately!
**Tips for Trader Joe’s Shopping Success in October:**
* **Go Early:** The most popular items, especially the limited-edition pumpkin products, tend to sell out quickly. Visit your local Trader Joe’s early in the day for the best selection.
* **Check the Freezer Section:** Don’t forget to explore the freezer section for hidden gems like the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese Bites and Pumpkin Cheesecake Mochi.
* **Be Adventurous:** Don’t be afraid to try new things! Trader Joe’s is known for its unique and innovative products, so step outside your comfort zone and discover your new favorite fall flavor.
* **Read Reviews:** Before you head to the store, check online reviews of the new products to get an idea of what others are saying.
* **Buy Extra:** If you find something you love, stock up! Many of the seasonal items are only available for a limited time.
* **Follow Trader Joe’s Fan Accounts:** Stay updated on the latest product releases and restocks by following Trader Joe’s fan accounts on social media.
**Conclusion:**
October at Trader Joe’s is a culinary playground, and these new product recipes are your ticket to creating unforgettable fall meals. From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, grab your shopping list, head to your local Trader Joe’s, and get ready to embrace the flavors of autumn! Happy cooking!