Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is a popular pre-made dip that can be found in the refrigerator section of Trader Joe’s stores. It contains shredded chicken, hot sauce, sour cream, and cheese. Many people enjoy heating it up and eating it warm with chips or vegetable crudités. However, some may wonder if it’s safe or tasty to eat the buffalo dip cold straight out of the container.
Is it safe to eat Trader Joe’s buffalo dip cold?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip cold without heating it up first. The dip is a commercially prepared, pre-cooked product that has been pasteurized during production. This kills any harmful bacteria that could cause foodborne illness. As long as the cold dip has been stored properly at refrigerator temperatures below 40°F, there is no food safety risk in consuming it unheated.
Does the texture and taste change when cold?
The texture and taste of Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip do change slightly when it is served cold rather than hot. When cold, the dip has a thicker, more dense consistency closer to a chicken salad. The flavors are more muted and the buffalo spice does not stand out as prominently. The sour cream taste comes through more when served chilled. Some people may find they prefer the richer, more indulgent taste and texture of the room temperature or chilled dip. Others may miss the hot, spicy kick of the heated version.
Tips for serving Trader Joe’s buffalo dip cold
Here are some tips for enjoying Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip cold:
- Stir the cold dip before serving to evenly distribute the chicken and spices.
- Add extra hot sauce on top to boost the buffalo flavor.
- Mix in some extra shredded cheese to make it more creamy.
- Serve with sturdy crackers or veggies to scoop up the thick dip.
- Top with diced tomatoes or chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Drizzle ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing on top if desired.
Cold Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe Ideas
Trader Joe’s buffalo dip can inspire all kinds of tasty recipes when served cold, beyond just scooping it onto crackers or chips. Here are some creative recipe ideas:
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mix the cold buffalo dip with chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded carrot, crumbled blue cheese, and ranch dressing. Toss everything together for a hearty buffalo chicken salad.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Spread the chilled buffalo dip onto tortillas or lettuce leaves. Top with diced chicken, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Roll up for hand-held buffalo chicken wraps.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spread cold buffalo dip over a prepared pizza crust. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until melted and bubbly. Finish with diced chicken, tomatoes, scallions, and ranch drizzle.
Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
Slather chilled buffalo dip on burger buns or bread. Layer shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, and extra buffalo sauce. Serve as open-faced sandwiches.
Nutrition Info
Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is a high calorie, high fat indulgence. A 2 tablespoon serving provides the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Fat | 5g |
| Carbs | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s Buffalo Chicken Dip can definitely be enjoyed chilled, straight from the container. While it has a slightly different taste and texture when cold, it is still a flavorful, protein-packed dip. Feel free to get creative and use it to make easy, no-cook meals and snacks. Just be mindful of portion sizes, as the high calorie dip should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.