Transform Baked Potatoes With This Hearty Trader Joe's Dip (It's Under $5)

From interesting side dishes to must-have grab-and-go meals that can be chowed down with zero prep, Trader Joe's is the go-to store for those of us who love good food but lack time. When paired with a baked potato, the brand's hearty Buffalo chicken dip makes the perfect meal for just that kind of busy, enthusiastic eater. Plus, at $4.99 for a 12-ounce tub, it's a great deal; grab some potatoes, and you get multiple lunches or dinners for under $10.

Just make sure you choose the right spud for baking — different types of potatoes have their own strengths. Potatoes like Russets are ideal for baking since they're larger and fluffier than waxy ones. This works with the rich Buffalo chicken dip as it's loaded with cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and sour cream, and can sink into the flesh without weighing it down when added as a topping. The spicy, slightly vinegary high notes of the dip then bring out the baked potato's sweetness and earthiness.

The baked potato's crisped skin adds a great textural element to a Buffalo dip, almost imitating crisped chicken skin. Plus, it allows you to add even more dip without losing structural integrity. A basted baked potato might be too much for a quick meal, but if you can swing it, at least finish your potato in the oven with a little butter and salt.

Even with a rich, cheesy filling like Trader Joe's Buffalo Style Chicken Dip, you can rarely go wrong adding more cheese to a baked potato. Something sharp and strong like aged cheddar is perfect to marry the richness and vinegary, spiced notes of the dip. You could also add some additional sour cream for a different sharpness that will similarly combine with the existing flavors.

To add a refreshing touch to your baked potato, top it with chives, spring onion, or even finely chopped raw white onion. Stirring corn or even peas into the dip before you heat it would add sweetness, freshness, and a few extra vitamins.

If you're leaning into the Buffalo sauce of it all, ranch would make a perfect partner to this topped potato. You could drizzle it, but throwing together a simple salad and dressing it with your favorite variety of punched-up DIY ranch would round out this meal really well.