Stock up on crowd-pleasing mains, fresh sides, snacks and drinks with minimal prep required.
Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Key Points
- Costco offers ready-made foods that make summer hosting easier.
- Premade sides and snacks help reduce prep time before a cookout.
- A balanced shopping list can help you enjoy more time with guests.
If you’re looking forward to grilling season but wondering what you can serve while still getting to relax and enjoy the day, these Costco foods will help you take the stress and guesswork out of warm-weather hosting. Discover a full menu featuring a ready-to-grill protein; healthy, zero-prep sides and snacks; refreshing beverages; and even a no-bake dessert that doesn’t require refrigeration. All you’ll have to do is fire up the grill, set the table and wait for your friends and family to arrive.
Aidells Organic Smoked Chicken & Apple Sausages
This grill-ready protein is packed with simple ingredients, including premium chicken and dried apple pieces. Each serving contains only 190 calories and 3 grams of sugar but a whopping 13 grams of protein for increased satiety. The sausages cook up in practically no time on the grill.
Kirkland Signature Grain & Celery Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This veggie-forward side is surprisingly filling, making it a great meat alternative. It features a blend of protein-rich quinoa, bulgur wheat and almonds, plus a delicious mix of fruit and vegetables, including dried cranberries, kale, cabbage and celery. Just toss it with the included apple cider vinaigrette before serving.
Kirkland Signature Organic Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
Appetizers are a must for any gathering, and it doesn’t get more effortless than hummus. At less than $7 for 34 ounces at my local Costco, Kirkland’s giant tub of hummus offers an excellent value and exceptional taste. The organic ingredients include a blend of chickpeas, sesame tahini and lemon for brightness. Serve it as a dip for vegetables, or simply grab a bag of Stacy’s Organic Simply Naked Pita Chips to create a classic combo.
Fresh Cut Fruit Bowl
Fresh fruit never disappoints. And since Costco sells pre-cut fruit bowls, you can skip all the prep and get right to enjoying it—whether as an appetizer or a refreshing side. While fruit varieties can vary by location, you can count on big chunks of ripe fruit, like melon, pineapple and strawberries. Three-pound bowls cost around $13 near me—enough for roughly 10 to 12 people.
Kirkland Signature Tortellini Pasta Salad with Mozzarella Pearls and Dressing
This substantial side dish requires zero prep. The Tuscan-inspired pasta salad includes bite-size pieces of five-cheese tortellini, savory salami chunks, black olives, grape tomatoes and mozzarella pearls, all tossed in a flavorful Italian dressing. Place the container over a bed of ice to keep it perfectly chilled.
Le Chic Pâtissier Macarons Variety
Choosing desserts for cookouts can be tricky, especially if they require refrigeration or quickly deteriorate in the summer heat. This budget-friendly and shelf-stable box of French macarons includes 36 servings (for less than $15) and a variety of flavors—like chocolate and raspberry—so every guest can find a favorite. Plus, they’re gluten-free.
Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water, Variety Pack
Keep your guests refreshed with Kirkland Signature Sparkling Water. This variety pack features lemon, lime and grapefruit flavors. Toss them in an ice-filled cooler about an hour before the party to greet your guests with chilled beverages. The party-size pack includes 35 (12-ounce) cans at a price that rings in at under 50 cents per serving.
Tips for Buying Summer Cookout Foods at Costco
While you can certainly grab the foods on this list and call it a day, you might want to customize your menu to better suit your preferences and those of your guests. These tips for shopping Costco’s summer grilling selection can help.
Confirm your headcount. Make sure to get a rough estimate of how many guests to expect. This step can help ensure that you purchase enough food while preventing overbuying and waste.
Create a balanced menu of items. Creating a shopping list is always a good idea for staying on track, especially in a warehouse setting where it’s easy to become distracted by impulse buys. The products on this list were curated to include the main food groups—using it as a guideline can help you do the same when customizing your list.
Include ready-made options. Making meals from scratch is a thoughtful gesture that your guests are sure to appreciate, but including ready-made dishes in your menu is a smart way to take off some of the pressure. Costco’s aisles are packed with foods that require minimal prep, including pre-made salads and heat-and-serve proteins.
Don’t forget the ice. Keeping perishables chilled is a food safety must, so consider purchasing bags of ice from Costco. You can create a makeshift cold bar by filling deep trays or bowls with ice and placing food containers on top to keep them cool. Keep in mind that not all Costco locations sell ice, so it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
The Bottom Line
Costco is a great place to stock up for your summer grilling events. In addition to offering options from every food group, the warehouse is also known for its crowd-friendly portions, as well as for its large variety of satisfying mains, sides and snacks. Creating a shopping list that includes a balanced mix of foods, including ready-made options, can help you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the cookout.
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