Run, Don’t Walk: These 11 Trader Joe’s November Freezer Drops Are Already Flying Off Shelves

November has barely started, but I’ve already made a trip to Trader Joe’s to see what’s new in the freezer aisle. With Thanksgiving coming up, I’m especially interested in anything that might save me from spending half the day in the kitchen. I went in looking for the latest frozen arrivals, although I’m not sure I’ve ever walked into Trader Joe’s and stuck to my shopping list.

The selection isn’t all turkey and stuffing this time of year either. Trader Joe’s has a new take on the frozen kimbap that went viral in 2023, along with the return of a Thanksgiving favorite that’s been missing for several years.

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There are also a few unexpected additions, including a couple of easy dinner options that have nothing to do with the holiday. After all, Thanksgiving is only one day. I still need easy dinners for the rest of the month, especially on nights when cooking is the last thing I feel like doing.

I’m always up for trying something new at Trader Joe’s, but I also want to know what I’m getting for my money. So, I looked into this month’s freezer finds, including how much each package costs, what’s inside and a few fun ways to serve them. Here’s what’s worth checking out this month at Trader Joe’s in the frozen foods aisle.

Why November Is the Biggest Month for Trader Joe’s Freezer Drops

November is a pretty exciting time to browse Trader Joe’s freezer aisles, especially with Thanksgiving right around the corner. As the pumpkin-heavy fall lineup starts winding down, holiday appetizers, side dishes and ready-to-heat entrées begin making their way into stores. And if you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, anything that cuts down on prep time is worth considering. With some smart freezer finds, you can skip making everything from scratch without spending a fortune on catered food or takeout.

But it’s not all about Thanksgiving. Trader Joe’s also rolls out new frozen meals and snacks for everyday eating, which come in handy when you’ve already got enough holiday cooking on your plate. Some products are brand-new, while others are returning favorites that shoppers haven’t seen in years. Just keep in mind that November arrivals don’t necessarily hit every store at the same time.

Related: We Asked 5 Chefs What Trader Joe’s Products They Love—and We’re Taking Plenty of Notes

Must-Have Trader Joe’s November Freezer Finds

From quick weeknight dinners to Thanksgiving shortcuts, here are the November freezer finds at Trader Joe’s worth making room for in your cart.

1. Sweet Corn Ravioli, $4.49

Sweet corn might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of ravioli, but Trader Joe’s is giving it a shot. The frozen Sweet Corn Ravioli features pasta pockets filled with sweet corn and ricotta cheese, all coated in a creamy corn sauce made with shallots, garlic and chives.

At $4.49 for a 16-ounce package, you get about two servings, making it a pretty affordable dinner for two or a side dish for the family. And because the sauce is already included, there’s no need to buy anything extra.

How to serve: Just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes according to the package directions, add some freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper, and serve it alongside roasted chicken or salmon.

2. Spicy Pork Kimbap, $4.99

Remember how hard it was to get your hands on Trader Joe’s frozen kimbap when it first went viral in 2023? Well, there’s a new version to add to your shopping list. This time, the Spicy Pork Kimbap includes gochujang-marinated pork, carrots, spinach and pickled radish, all wrapped in rice and seaweed. Each $4.99, 8-ounce package comes with eight pieces, making it a reasonably priced option for a quick lunch or afternoon snack.

How to serve: It’s ready after a few minutes in the microwave, but you can also crisp up the slices in a skillet afterward for a little crunch. Serve it with kimchi or a simple dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar and sesame oil.

3. Turkey & Stuffing En Croute, $16.99

After disappearing from Trader Joe’s freezers for several years, the Turkey & Stuffing En Croute is finally back, just in time for Thanksgiving. The $16.99, 40-ounce package features a seasoned boneless turkey breast and cornbread stuffing wrapped in buttery puff pastry. It serves six to eight people, making it a pretty good deal if you’re hosting a smaller Thanksgiving gathering or just don’t feel like cooking an entire turkey.

How to serve: Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan ahead. The frozen entrée requires 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator before baking for about an hour. Slice it up and serve it with turkey gravy, cranberry sauce and your favorite holiday sides.

Related: I Tried Trader Joe’s New Turkish Cheese-Stuffed Flatbread and Immediately Went Back for More

4. Hane Style Beef Gyoza, $3.69

If you like your dumplings with a crispy bottom, Trader Joe’s latest freezer find is worth checking out. Each $3.69, 10.13-ounce package of the Hane Style Beef Gyoza contains 12 Japanese-style dumplings stuffed with ground beef, shiitake mushrooms and green onions seasoned with soy sauce and sweet rice wine. What makes these different from regular potstickers is the thin, crispy layer that connects the dumplings as they cook. The package comes with two sets of six, so you can prepare half now and save the rest for later.

How to serve: To make them, just add the frozen dumplings to a nonstick skillet with a little water, cover and steam for about seven minutes, then uncover and let the water evaporate until the bottom turns golden brown. Serve them with Trader Joe’s Gyoza Dipping Sauce or chili crisp for an easy appetizer or snack.

5. Mini Apple Danish Pastries, $4.99

Warm apple pastries sound pretty good on a chilly November morning, especially when you don’t have to make them from scratch. Trader Joe’s Mini Apple Danish Pastries are made in France with buttery, flaky dough and a filling of apple purée and caramel. The 11.28-ounce bag contains eight pastries for $4.99, making them a nice option for a weekend breakfast or holiday brunch.

How to serve: Unlike some frozen pastries, these don’t need to thaw or rise before baking. Just pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee in the morning, or serve them warm with a scoop of Trader Joe’s Apple Pie À La Mode Ice Cream for dessert.

6. Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas, $4.49

There’s no shortage of pumpkin desserts this time of year, but Trader Joe’s Mini Spicy Pumpkin Samosas take things in a savory direction. These returning seasonal appetizers are stuffed with pumpkin, paneer cheese and spices like garam masala, cumin and coriander.

The 8.5-ounce box contains 12 flaky pastries for $4.49, making them an easy addition to your Thanksgiving appetizer spread, especially if you want something besides the usual cheese and crackers.

How to serve: Just bake them according to the package directions until golden and crispy. Serve them with mango chutney or a simple yogurt-based dipping sauce to balance out the spices.

Related: The 7 Best French Groceries To Buy at Trader Joe’s (And 3 To Skip)

7. Chicken Flautas, $4.99

Trader Joe’s frozen chicken taquitos have some competition. The chain’s new Chicken Flautas are made with larger flour tortillas stuffed with seasoned dark-meat chicken, Monterey Jack cheese and green chiles. You get four flautas in an 11.52-ounce box for $4.99, making them a good option for a quick lunch or dinner.

How to serve: They’re already cooked, so there’s not much preparation involved. Just pop them in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, following the package directions. Serve with Trader Joe’s Fiesta Guacamole, sour cream or salsa for dipping. You could also add some Mexican-style rice and refried beans if you’re looking for something a little more filling.

8. Plum Torte, $7.99

Pumpkin pie isn’t the only dessert worth serving at Thanksgiving. Trader Joe’s Plum Torte is another option, and you won’t have to spend much time in the kitchen preparing it. The 18.7-ounce cake is just $7.99, and it features halved, slightly tart plums baked into a buttery cake, with enough to serve about six people.

How to serve: It comes fully baked and frozen, so all you need to do is remove the paper tray and warm it on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes. The edges get a little crispy, while the inside stays soft and moist. Add a dusting of powdered sugar, or serve it warm with a scoop of Trader Joe’s vanilla ice cream. You could even bring it out for brunch the next morning.

9. Basque Style Cheesecakes, $4.99

Not everyone wants an entire cheesecake sitting in the fridge, especially with all the other holiday desserts around. Trader Joe’s Basque Style Cheesecakes come in a 5.63-ounce box with two individual servings, so there’s no slicing or sharing required. Made in Spain, these little $4.99 cheesecakes have the caramelized top and creamy center that Basque-style cheesecake is known for, without the traditional graham cracker crust.

How to serve: They’re ready to eat after thawing in the refrigerator for about four hours, making them a convenient dessert when you don’t feel like baking. Try topping them with fresh raspberries or a spoonful of Trader Joe’s lemon curd.

Related: I Tried Applebee’s New Sizzlin’ Skillets, and They’re So Good, I’ve Officially Ended My Decade-Long Hiatus

10. Mashed Sweet Potatoes, $2.99

If you’re already making turkey, stuffing and everything else for Thanksgiving, peeling and mashing sweet potatoes is one job you can skip. Trader Joe’s Mashed Sweet Potatoes come in an 18-ounce frozen bag with about three to four servings for $2.99. The sweet potatoes have already been peeled, cooked and mashed, then frozen into small portions so you can heat up as much or as little as you need.

How to serve: Sweet potatoes are actually the only ingredient, so you can season them however you like. Just heat them in the microwave or on the stovetop according to the package directions. Stir in some butter and cinnamon for a sweeter side, or top with browned butter and chopped pecans for something a little different.

11. Linguine Nerano, $4.79

If you’ve never heard of pasta alla Nerano, it’s an Italian dish that originated near the Amalfi Coast and features zucchini and cheese instead of the usual tomato-based sauce. Trader Joe’s has turned it into a frozen meal, complete with linguine, grilled and fried zucchini, basil and a creamy sauce made with smoked Provola cheese. The $4.79 16-ounce package contains two servings, making it an easy dinner when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.

How to serve: You can heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop according to the package directions. Add some freshly grated Parmesan and basil before serving, or pair it with grilled chicken and a side salad for a more filling meal.

3 Hacks for Shopping Trader Joe’s Freezer Aisles in November

Here’s how to shop smarter at Trader Joe’s this month.

1. Ask employees about upcoming arrivals.

Don’t assume something is sold out just because you can’t find it. Trader Joe’s doesn’t release all its seasonal products at once, so some November goodies may still be on the way. Ask a crew member whether an item has arrived yet or when the next shipment is expected. You might save yourself an unnecessary trip.

2. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving week.

Trader Joe’s seasonal favorites aren’t guaranteed to stick around, and some products disappear well before the holiday itself. If you spot something you know you’ll want for Thanksgiving, grab it while you can. Just make sure you have enough freezer space before loading up on extras.

3. Check the cooking instructions before buying.

Not every frozen Trader Joe’s product can go straight from the freezer to the oven. The Turkey & Stuffing En Croute, for example, needs to thaw in the refrigerator before baking. Check the preparation time and serving size before tossing something into your cart, especially if you’re planning a holiday meal. And if you have other errands to run, bring an insulated bag to keep everything cold on the way home.

The Final Verdict: Which November Drop Is Worth the Hype?

If I could only pick one item from Trader Joe’s November freezer lineup, I’d go with the Turkey & Stuffing En Croute. It’s not the cheapest thing on this list, but $16.99 for a Thanksgiving centerpiece that serves six to eight people is hard to beat. Plus, it’s been missing from stores for several years, so I’m glad to see it back. You can build an entire holiday meal around it without spending hours preparing a turkey from scratch. Just remember to give it enough time to thaw before baking.

And if you’re not shopping for Thanksgiving, the Spicy Pork Kimbap would be my pick for an easy lunch or snack.

Related: 5 Trader Joe’s Frozen Foods That Make Back-to-School Nights So Much Easier