The 7 Best Trader Joe’s Items for Delicious Barbecues

It’s the season for backyard barbecues, outdoor picnics, and poolside parties. And while these summer experiences promise delicious bites and fun in the sun, we don’t always have time to prepare far in advance before inviting people over.

When hosting a hot-weather gathering with limited time to cook from scratch, premade dishes, quick shortcuts, and ready-to-cook options can be lifesavers for a barbecue. This is the perfect time to rely on a good grocery store — and, unsurprisingly, some of the best choices for seasonal cookouts are from Trader Joe’s.

From frozen desserts and marinated meats to crowd-pleasing barbecue sides and sauces, the California-based budget grocer is a cornucopia of great foods for your next cookout, especially if you know exactly what to pick. All of these sides, mains, sauces, and desserts are recommended by Trader Joe’s shoppers online, so you can make sure your next outdoor gathering is one everybody remembers.

Seasoned Corn Ribs

Trader Joe’s Seasoned Corn Ribs are a fun and easy-to-eat spin on traditional corn on the cob. The vegan snack is simply seasoned with plant-based butter, sunflower oil, cornstarch, and salt. 

According to the Trader Joe’s website, the “rib” shape of this side is made by cutting corn cobs lengthwise into quarters, then cooking them until the pieces of corn curve and take on a “barbecued rib-like shape.” The savory, buttery corn ribs can be cooked in the microwave, air fryer, or oven and topped with additional seasonings of your choice. 

Shawarma Chicken Thighs

At just $6.99 per pound, the Shawarma Chicken Thighs from Trader Joe’s are sure to be a hit with everyone thanks to a marinade of cumin, onions, garlic, cinnamon, coriander, paprika, turmeric, parsley, lemon juice, natural rosemary flavor, and vinegar powder. 

This is far from traditional chicken shawarma, which is usually slowly cooked on a spit, but it is packed full of flavor and requires hardly any prep. You can make these chicken thighs the highlight of a barbecue by grilling them until charred, then serving them with a side of diced tomatoes coated in olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, and salt, along with some tzatziki.

Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce

This mustard-based barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy South Carolina classic, with a golden hue that hints at its name. The Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce from Trader Joe’s costs just $2.99 for an 18-ounce bottle and is made with cane sugar, yellow mustard, distilled vinegar, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, molasses, spices, garlic, onion, and natural smoke flavor. 

With the addition of both molasses and cane sugar, the grocery chain’s condiment is a bit sweeter than some renditions of Carolina Gold, making it a great glaze for grilled meat. One Redditor praises the condiment, saying, “This was one of my favorite mistaken purchases. Used it on ribs — divine.” 

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

A flavorful pasta salad is a welcome addition to any barbecue, and Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a quick and excellent alternative when you don’t have time to make one from scratch. It’s made with farfalle pasta, green peas, zucchini, spinach, and shredded Asiago cheese, all tossed in a basil-lemon vinaigrette. 

In one online review, mother-and-daughter duo Meg and Maddie (@floridamomof3) rave about the $4.99 side dish, calling it “so fresh tasting” and “delicious.” Not only is this pasta salad affordable, but its fresh, citrusy notes will perfectly complement the smoky meats on the table. 

Key Lime Pie

When you’re hosting any dinner, you’re almost certain to have someone ask, “What’s for dessert?” So, it’s best to be prepared with a Key Lime Pie in the freezer. Trader Joe’s version of this sweet and tart dessert features a graham cracker crust and a custard filling made with key lime juice and condensed milk. One customer notes on Instagram that, “I’m not big into sour desserts, but this one has the perfect tangy-to-creamy ratio and I’m obsessed!”

TJ’s $5.99 frozen pie doesn’t come with whipped cream on top, so we suggest grabbing some heavy cream to make your own (you can even do it without a mixer). Make sure to let the pie thaw in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.

Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork

Pulled pork sandwiches are a great summer food, but this fall-apart tender meat requires hours of slow cooking to make yourself. Luckily, Trader Joe’s sells Hardwood Smoked Pulled Pork for $8.99 per 16 ounces, which is ready to heat and serve. This meat comes pre-seasoned with garlic, onion powder, white pepper, brown sugar, molasses, maple syrup, coffee, and dried vinegar.

Microwave the pulled pork for three minutes or cook it in a conventional oven for about 20 minutes, then toss it with barbecue sauce and build sandwiches for all your friends.

Chicken Uncured Bacon Ranch Dip

Even a cookout needs appetizers so guests can munch on a variety of dips, chips, and crudités while waiting for the main dish to cook. Trader Joe’s Chicken Uncured Bacon Ranch Dip ($4.99) is a creamy, savory crowd-pleaser that combines everyone’s favorite condiment. This dip features several creamy components like sour cream, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, and buttermilk, along with uncured bacon, garlic, onion, chives, parsley, dill, and black pepper for flavor. 

While you can microwave the dip and enjoy it warm, try eating it cold — especially during the summer — with radishes, carrots, or your favorite chips.