A holiday meal can feel luxurious without breaking the bank—especially at Costco.Balancing indulgence with convenience and nutrition makes the holiday feel sustainable.Costco offers surprising upgrades like Wagyu, caviar, and lobster tails.
Maybe you’re cooking for a crowd. Or perhaps, as I did for many years, you’re spending Christmas alone. Either way, the big day is one of the weightiest culinary milestones of the year—much like Thanksgiving but with more freedom to be creative. In the past, I’ve done everything from pizza flights to at-home Korean barbecue to satisfy my family’s yen for something a little different.
This year, I’m focusing on a more traditional meal. Since Hanukkah starts 10 days before Christmas this year, there’s no overlap. We’ll have three days to recover from latkes and brisket. I’ll have a bigger group at Christmas, and I’ve decided on a looser theme of once-a-year indulgence.
That means many different things throughout my menu. But whether it’s the convenience of a premade side or shelling out for a costly protein that I wouldn’t buy any other day of the year, it’s all edible luxury. And that’s all the gift I need. That and the convenience and more budget-friendly prices I can find at Costco.
Kirkland Signature Cheese Flight
Costco. EatingWell design.
1.8 lbs. for $28.36 from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Sure, I could select some of my own favorite cheeses à la carte, but there’s no chance that I’d find such varied flavors at such an exceptional value. For less than $30, I’ll be feasting on five different cheeses that come to a weight of almost two pounds. Of the five, which include a Vermont cheddar, an Alpine-style cheese, fontina, and nutty Belgian comtesse, I’m most excited to try the Italian sheep’s cheese flavored with truffles.
Fratelli Beretta Charcuterie Sampler Platter
Costco. EatingWell design.
24 oz. for $17.01 from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
With my cheese plate, I’ll be serving up fresh grapes and perhaps some cut apples, but the most important accompaniment is this sampling of cured Italian meats. I may love a dry cure a little more than your average gal, but I also want to make my cheese-and-charcuterie board memorable for my guests at a bargain. The collection includes peppered, dry, Calabrese and Genoa salami, as well as soppressata and spicy Spanish-style chorizo. I plan to present the board with crackers and a selection of jams.
Plaza Osetra Caviar Malossol
Costco. EatingWell design.
1.76 oz. for $52.99 from Costco at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
The final ingredient for the appetizer course? Something I’ve never dared purchase for at-home dining. Advertised as “nutty and briny,” I just can’t resist this farmed caviar, especially knowing that at least at my local Costco, it was almost $10 less than the online list price. How to enjoy it? I’m too lazy to make blinis, so I’ll use the crackers from the charcuterie board to scoop up the popping sturgeon roe. I’ll pair it with small bowls of crème fraîche, chopped boiled eggs and chives. It’s a little bit of Tolstoy-esque Russian splendor to celebrate the winter chill.
Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
Costco. EatingWell design.
Four 25.4 fl. oz. for $13.61 from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
You can keep your Veuve Clicquot (though the fancy Champagne is also available at Costco). My family likes to toast with this sparkling cider at any opportunity. None of us drink alcohol, so this all-American, California-born alternative is our go-to. We imbibe it from champagne flutes, so an onlooker wouldn’t even know the difference.
Delicata Squash
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Two squashes for $5.99 from Costco at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Healthy? On Christmas?! Yes, it’s all right to get some nutrition with your fun food. In the case of winter squash, your heart and digestive system will thank you as much as your palate when you indulge. My favorite way to dig in is with our Garlic-Butter Delicata Squash. All I have to do is halve the squashes, then score them, brush them with garlicky butter and add some Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s like garlic bread but sweeter and with lots of fiber!
Main Street Bistro Scalloped Potatoes
Costco. EatingWell design.
40 oz. for $8.96 from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
I’ve made scalloped potatoes from scratch enough times to know that it’s a process. Even our Easy Scalloped Potatoes recipe involves more effort than I want to put forth this year. The answer is this extra-large container of the dish, made with real cheddar, Parmesan and Romano cheeses. All I have to do is crisp it up in the oven.
A5 Wagyu New York Strip
Costco. EatingWell design.
One pound for $59.99 from Costco at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
You may clutch your pearls at the idea of spending this much on meat, but trust me when I explain two things: A little ultra-marbled wagyu beef goes a long way, and it’s worth every penny. The Japanese meat is like eating beefy butter, so just a few ounces per person should be enough. Cut small steaks, season and sear them, then serve them with our creamy Sauce au Poivre to make the dish even more festive.
Wild Cold Water Lobster Tail
Costco. EatingWell design.
One pound for $26.99 from Costco at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
What could be grander than a Christmas surf-and-turf? For pescatarian guests (and for those who want a little something extra with their beef), rich Stuffed Lobster Tails are just the ticket. My favorite part of this recipe isn’t the smoky roasted red peppers. It’s the topping of whole-wheat panko, which serves as a delightful contrast to the creamy, Old Bay–seasoned lobster and crab mixture within.
We Take the Cake Dubai-Style Chocolate Cake
Costco. EatingWell design.
26.28 oz. for $21.55 from Costco.com at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
Dubai chocolate is all the rage right now and with good reason. I became a fan of all things pistachio on my Sicilian honeymoon in 2022. There are few flavors that go better with the nut than chocolate. That’s why I’m skipping making my own cake this year in favor of this chocolate pastry with a thick layer of pistachio cream. At less than $22, it’s far less expensive than it would be to get a similar cake at one of my local bakeries. Since I’m balling out on my proteins, this makes all the sense in the world.
Kirkland Signature Peppermint Bark
Costco. EatingWell design.
24 ct. for $19.28 from Costco at time of publication. Prices may vary in-store.
My family unwraps our gifts on Christmas Eve right after the big meal. Though we’re usually stuffed, it’s still fun to have a little something extra to nosh on during the holiday proceedings. Over the years, Costco’s peppermint bark has become as much a part of the tradition as the presents themselves. The combination of dark and white chocolate strikes a balance that leaves room for the bracing peppermint flavor. Want to make your own healthier version instead? Try our Peppermint-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark.
The Bottom Line
Chances are that you’re going to start planning lighter meals once the Christmas tree becomes compost. Christmas dinner is your last big hurrah before New Year resolutions and a healthier January. So why not live a little? That said, it’s important to pick your splurges. If you, like me, decide to go expensive and less health-focused on some dishes, make sure to save money or try more healthful options for others. Ultimately, a wholesome lifestyle is all about balance, even on Christmas.
Dining and Cooking