I don't say this lightly, but these little frozen garlic cubes have changed my life. I mean it. If you cook a lot (which I do), and you've ever found yourself staring at a garlic bulb thinking, "Ugh, do I really have to peel and mince this thing right now?", then Trader Joe's Crushed Garlic Cubes were made for you.
They're like a gift from the frozen food gods. Or maybe from someone who just really understands that chopping garlic is the absolute last thing you want to do when you're already 12 minutes behind on dinner and one kid is yelling that they're "sooooo hungry they might pass out."
I keep at least two boxes of these stocked at all times. I use them in soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta, marinades, everything. I even dropped one in olive oil in a pan the other day, just to feel like I was doing something productive while figuring out what to make. Worked like a charm.
Taste and Texture
Flavor-wise, these are the real deal. It's not that weird garlicky paste you get from jars that smells like the inside of a medicine cabinet. Nope. This tastes like fresh garlic-strong, a little spicy, earthy, and it builds real flavor in your food. Each cube melts down quickly and smoothly, no weird clumps or gritty pieces. It's basically like you magically minced a garlic clove without lifting a knife.
I use these mostly as a flavor base when I'm starting a dish. Just pop one or two into a hot pan with olive oil and you're halfway to dinner. Stir it around for a few seconds and suddenly the kitchen smells like you've got your life together.
Do I still use fresh garlic sometimes? Yes. But am I also thrilled to take a shortcut that no one at the dinner table will ever notice? Also yes.
Preparation (Heating)
There's no prep. That's the magic. You literally just pop one out of the tray and throw it in. You don't even need to defrost it first-it melts fast in a hot pan, sauce, or soup. I've used it in everything from lentil stew to butter chicken to scrambled eggs.
One cube equals about one clove, so it's easy to measure if you're following a recipe. Or if you're like me, you just throw in two and call it a day because there's no such thing as too much garlic.
Also worth noting: the little silicone-y cube tray thing it comes in is super easy to work with. You don't have to wrestle the cubes out or bang the tray on the counter like you're summoning demons. They pop right out, even straight from the freezer.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Zero chopping or peeling
- Tastes like fresh garlic
- Easy to use-literally just toss it in
- One cube = one clove = no brain math
- Saves me from garlic fingers that smell for 48 hours
Cons:
- You will become so dependent on these that chopping garlic feels medieval
- Not ideal for recipes where you want visible garlic pieces (like garlic confit or roasted garlic toast)
- If Trader Joe's ever discontinues them, I will cry
Location in Store
These are hiding in the frozen section. Usually near the frozen herbs-think basil, ginger, and parsley cubes. Sometimes I've seen them stashed near the frozen veggies like artichokes hearts, depending on the store. If you can't find them, ask someone! They're worth the extra lap around the aisle.
Similar Products
If you're as hooked on these garlic cubes as I am, I highly recommend Trader Joe's Crushed Ginger Cubes. They're just as life-changing, especially if you cook a lot of Asian-style meals or just want a quick way to zing up a soup, smoothie, or stir-fry. I keep both in my freezer like a proud little meal-prep goblin.
Final Verdict
Look, these garlic cubes are one of those things you don't think you need until you try them-and then suddenly you're wondering how you ever cooked without them. They're my weekday dinner secret weapon. They've rescued me from sad, flavorless meals and endless garlic cleanup. I'm not saying they'll solve all your problems, but they'll definitely make dinner easier-and that's something.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 out of 5-because they actually do spark joy)
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