The Best Costco Appetizers For Holiday Hosting Brett_Hondow – Getty Images
Every day of the year, you can find something new, exciting, and delicious at Costco. But there’s something extra special about what the warehouse sells during the holidays: the best, most affordable wrapping paper, budget booze for festive toasts, and cozy pajamas for the whole family. You name it, Costco has it.
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a big party with the whole neighborhood, Costco’s food selection is the best way to feed a crowd. And besides the iconic peppermint bark and reasonably priced prime rib, the warehouse is unmatched for appetizer options. Setting out snacks to tide guests over until the main event is, frankly, nonnegotiable. We have plenty of show-stopping recipes that will wow your guests, but let’s be honest: sometimes you’re just not in the mood to make something from scratch.
Thankfully, Costco delivers like it always does. From the pantry to the freezer or prepared foods, there are appetizers that will win over even the pickiest party guests. We’ve taste-tested a lot of Costco products over the years and narrowed it down to 13 items that are worth buying for your holiday spread. When you’re going up and down the aisles of your local warehouse, make sure to add these to your cart.
Mozzarella Sticks
We’ve never met a mozzarella stick we didn’t like. They’re melty, savory, crispy, and perfect for dipping. But why limit mozz sticks to just a bar snack when you can serve them as a holiday appetizer? Bonus points if you channel your inner Chili’s with a Nashville hot chicken-inspired sauce to brush on the breading.
Gabby Romero
Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Anything tacos can do, taquitos can do better. These crispy handheld snacks are an ideal appetizer because they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat. An added bonus: the two most common taquito condiments—salsa and guacamole—are Christmas colors!
Gabby Romero
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are the kind of appetizer that instantly makes a party feel fancy. The high quality shellfish will take your party to the next level. These larger cakes are perfect for a formal first course, but Phillips brand also sells mini crab cakes at Costco. Christmas canapés, anyone?
Gabby Romero
Cooked Italian-Style Beef Meatballs
A meatball is a classic appetizer option for a reason, acting as a vehicle for your delicious sauce of choice. We love a nostalgic grape jelly glaze, but these Italian-style beef meatballs from Kirkland taste delish with any option.
Gabby Romero
Spanakopita
If you’ve spent any time browsing recipes on our site, you probably know we have a slight (read: serious) obsession with feta. You can find the cheese in plenty of our holiday appetizers, like cranberry whipped feta dip and baked feta bites. On days when you want to keep things simple, this frozen spanakopita from Costco can do no wrong.
Gabby Romero
Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Crispy? Check. Bite sized? Check. Comes with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce? Check. We’re huge fans of these coconut shrimp, and there’s a good chance your guests will be too.
Gabby Romero
Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip
Name a better combo than spinach and artichoke. This Costco dip takes the classic flavor pairing and ups the ante with Parmesan, making an already delicious dip even better. It’s good on its own, but warming it in the oven with an extra layer of cheese will turn you into the ultimate host this holiday season.
Gabby Romero
Caramelized Onion Dip
If we had to pick one dip to eat for the rest of our lives, it’d be caramelized onion dip. It’s tangy, savory, and incredibly versatile. This dip will go with chips, bread, and vegetables—you name it.
Gabby Romero
Cocktail Beef Franks Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Pigs in a blanket are one of our favorite appetizers, period. The humble hot dog pairs with luxuriously buttery puff pastry for a savory bite-sized treat that makes any party extra special.
Gabby Romero
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños
Wrapping anything in bacon immediately upgrades it, and these jalapeño poppers are no exception. Making them from scratch often involves painstakingly removing the seeds, stuffing the peppers, and avoiding rubbing your eyes for a full day. This Costco appetizer does all the hard work for you.
Gabby Romero
Fruit, Meat, & Cheese Tray
As amazing as those viral charcuterie boards may look on TikTok, let’s be real: most hosts don’t have time to make a stunning spread under time constraints. Costco gets it, so they made this stunning spread with everything you need for a delicious cheese-and-meat board.
Gabby Romero
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
You thought bacon-wrapped scallops were limited to wedding cocktail hours and fancy restaurant menus? Think again. This box of pre-rolled appetizers just needs some time in the oven before upgrading any holiday party. If you’re using your oven for other holiday dishes, here’s a hot tip: use your air fryer instead to get an extra crispy exterior.
Gabby Romero
Shrimp Cocktail
Costco’s shrimp cocktail ticks off every box. It comes with all the condiments you need, it’s completely pre-cooked and ready to serve, and it’s affordable. Oh, and most importantly, it’s delicious.
Gabby Romero
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