Have you heard about Trader Joe’s Baked Dumplings? This viral Trader Joe’s dumpling bake recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason! I remember the first time I made it; my son, Max, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was. It’s a fun and easy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to make, even on busy weeknights.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Pure Comfort
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm, cheesy dumpling bake. The crispy edges and soft, flavorful filling create a delightful contrast that’ll make you feel right at home.
What You Need
- 16 oz 1 package Trader Joe’s Baked Dumplings – You can use any flavor you like.
- 4 oz 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Feel free to substitute with cheddar or a dairy-free option.
- 4 oz 1/2 cup marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
- 1 oz 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan adds a nice flavor, but you can skip it if you want.
- 1 tbsp 1 tablespoon olive oil – This will help with browning.
- to taste Fresh basil leaves, for garnish – Optional, but adds freshness.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 35 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the dumplings a few hours in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the dumplings will bake evenly and get nice and crispy.
- In a baking dish, drizzle the olive oil to coat the bottom. This will help the dumplings brown beautifully as they bake.
- Arrange the Trader Joe’s Baked Dumplings in a single layer in the dish. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they can crisp up nicely.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the dumplings. This adds flavor and keeps them moist while baking.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top. Who doesn’t love a gooey, cheesy layer?
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick. It will melt into a delicious golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. You’ll know it’s done when the edges start to crisp up.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together and make it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh taste that pairs perfectly with the dumplings.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, add some sautéed garlic or onions to the marinara sauce.
- If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- You can serve this with a side salad for a complete meal.
Mix It Up
- Try adding cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Swap out the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a light salad to complement the richness of the dumplings.
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FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dumplings and sauce a few hours in advance.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Just freeze before baking, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the dumplings?
You can use homemade dumplings or even ravioli if you prefer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Baked Dumplings are a fun and tasty dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With this viral Trader Joe’s dumpling bake recipe, you’ll be creating a comforting meal that everyone will love. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Baked Dumplings
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Main
- 16 oz package Trader Joe’s Baked Dumplings any flavor
- 4 oz cup shredded mozzarella cheese can substitute cheddar or dairy-free option
- 4 oz 1/2 cup marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 oz 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tbsp tablespoon olive oil for browning
- to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure even baking and crispiness.
- Drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange the dumplings in a single layer in the baking dish without overcrowding.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the dumplings.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges start to crisp.
- Let cool for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.