My Dad's Freezer Is Full of These Trader Joe's Ravioli

When I went home last weekend for Father's Day, I did what I always do—immediately open every snack drawer and inspect the pantry, fridge, and freezer to see what treats I may find lying around. I mostly found the usual suspects; a sea of near-expired condiments, a plethora of pasta shapes, the most random assortment of snacks acquired on various vacations (and even the pretzels from the flights there.) But what really caught my eye was a freezer full of one particular product from Trader Joe's—box after box of one type of ravioli. Why?

Introducing Trader Joe's' Sweet Corn, Burrata, & Basil Ravioli

These seasonal ravioli are like a bite of summer, all wrapped up in a gorgeous pasta pillow. Filled with sweet corn kernels, herbaceous chopped basil, and a creamy mix of fresh burrata and ricotta cheese, the pasta features a visually-appealing yellow striped-semolina dough. Most importantly, they're incredibly delicious.

They were apparently an instant favorite of my dad and his girlfriend, Ellen. When I inquired on why they're worth stocking up on she said they're, "Classic but not the usual suspects," a delightfully nuanced riff on a weeknight staple and, "deeply satisfying comfort food." And they're not the only ones who feel strongly about them.

There are entire Reddit threads dedicated to their fandom and return to shelves. "Literally my favorite ravioli ever from Trader Joe’s," raves one Reddit user. "These are my absolute favorite ravioli at Trader Joe’s - grabbed 3!" writes another.

When it comes to preparing them, I asked my dad and Ellen how they like to serve them. "One word: Rao's," they replied, referring to the beloved marinara sauce. Sounds like the easiest two-ingredient dinner ever, if you ask me.

Some Reddit users suggested tossing them in brown butter, infused with herbs like sage or thyme, then garnishing with a little lemon zest, fresh basil, or both. Others mentioned that they're amazing paired with Trader Joe's' pesto or drizzled with the store's spicy honey. Personally, I would also do some brown butter, plus more fresh corn kernels and basil. They'd also pair well with TJ's new mini mozzarella pearls.

The ravioli have been available at Trader Joe's for a few years now, and typically arrive in stores just in time for summer, in May or June. As is the case with all seasonal selections at Trader Joe's, it's hard to predict when they'll leave shelves, which would explain why my dad and Ellen had stockpiled at least five boxes in the freezer.

And speaking of the freezer, you won't find these ravioli in the freezer section. They're actually in the refrigerated section, among Trader Joe's other fresh and semi-fresh pasta options, near the cheese and deli meats. However, like all uncooked, fresh pasta, you can freeze these ravioli to extend their shelf life by at least six months. That way you can enjoy the Sweet Corn, Burrata, & Basil Ravioli, as well as other seasonal sensations, long past summer's end.