11 Costco Appetizers, Ranked Worst To Best

11. Foster Farms mini corn dogs

When catering to a variety of apps, adding a touch of playfulness can create lasting memories. To inject some fun for our guests, we often reach for Foster Farms mini corn dogs. While they have a generous amount of cornmeal breading that can get a bit messy with small bites, we suggest taking a big bite out of each one for the best experience.

These mini corn dogs are also a hit with younger guests. Organizing a party that caters to all age groups can be challenging, but a diverse condiment bar can be a game changer. We love offering a range of gourmet ketchups, mustards, and other toppings to enhance this appetizer for the adults, while kids typically enjoy their corn dogs with plain ketchup. Either way, it’s a simple one-tray setup that keeps everyone satisfied.

A bag of 84 mini corn dogs costs under $15, leaving plenty of budget for additional treats. The bag is resealable, but we’ve noticed that it tends to empty quickly, whether we’re serving them as appetizers or enjoying them as a quick family snack. We give high marks for taste and convenience, but due to their messiness, we usually reserve them for more casual gatherings.

10. Del Real pupusas

When we crave a more filling appetizer, we often reach for pupusas. These stuffed flatbreads are a beloved dish across Latin America, particularly in El Salvador, their country of origin. The Del Real pupusas available at Costco are crafted from corn masa and filled with birria and cheese. While they are delicious on their own, you can enhance them with toppings like guacamole, salsa, extra cheese, or other flavorful ingredients.

Each box contains 10 pupusas and retails for about $18, making it one of the more expensive options on our list. We typically reserve these for small gatherings or when we want a handheld snack that also offers a good source of protein—each serving contains 11 grams. Plus, when you add veggies as toppings, you boost the nutritional value even further.

While they can certainly be enjoyed for lunch or dinner, don’t underestimate their potential as a hearty appetizer. If you're planning to serve multiple courses with longer intervals in between, including something more substantial like pupusas can be a great addition to your menu.

9. Pilgrim's Korean BBQ-style chicken wings

For a unique take on classic buffalo chicken wings, we recommend Pilgrim's Korean BBQ-style chicken wings. You can find this impressive four-pound bag for about $20 in the freezer section at Costco, right next to other chicken products, including the popular breaded chicken chunks. We've served these wings alongside the chunks on an appetizer platter and received enthusiastic feedback from family and friends. While four pounds may seem like a lot, the resealable top of the bag allows you to take out only what you need for each meal.

The Korean barbecue flavor initially caught our attention, and it’s what keeps us coming back for more. These wings are coated with a spice rub and a generous amount of soy sauce, resulting in juicy bites packed with umami flavor. Unlike many appetizers that often feature cheese or bread, these wings offer a protein-rich alternative that truly stands out. The only drawback is that they can be a bit messy, so be sure to have plenty of napkins handy.

8. Kirkland Signature shrimp cocktail

We really enjoy the Costco shrimp cocktail platter from the prepared foods section because it has everything you need to serve a delicious appetizer. This ready-to-eat shrimp platter comes with cocktail sauce and lemon, making it easy to set out with minimal preparation, especially if you're okay with a less polished presentation. The shrimp are tail-on and need to be peeled, which is typical for most shrimp cocktails we've encountered.

Each platter contains about eight servings, making it ideal for a small gathering. If you're hosting a larger group or have shrimp enthusiasts in attendance, you might want to consider getting two or more platters. Priced at around $19 for a 24-ounce package, it is slightly more expensive than some other stores. However, these jumbo shrimp eliminate the need for additional cocktail sauce or lemons. While they are a tasty and popular appetizer, they rank a bit lower for us due to their higher price point. Additionally, they are not arranged in a neat circle like some other brands; instead, they are packed more randomly in the tray.

7. Partini jalapeño poppers

Jalapeño poppers are a beloved appetizer found in many restaurants, and you can easily make them at home using Partini jalapeño poppers. These treats are generously filled with cream cheese and coated in a crispy breading. They offer a classic appetizer experience that satisfies your desire for a crunchy, fried snack. Additionally, they serve as a great alternative to mozzarella sticks, providing a similar cheesy filling without the excessive stringiness or chewiness. A 2.2-pound box is priced at approximately $19, making it a much more economical choice compared to ordering them as an appetizer at a restaurant.

Each popper is packed with cream cheese, which complements the crispy coating nicely. However, the crunch of the jalapeño can sometimes be overshadowed by the other ingredients. While they won’t set your mouth ablaze, there is still a hint of heat. If you prefer a milder spice level, these poppers are just right as they are. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, you can always enhance them with a dash of your favorite hot sauce.

6. Amylu chicken meatballs

Amylu chicken meatballs are a must-have from Costco and consistently appear on our favorite product lists from the warehouse. Made with antibiotic-free chicken, they pack 17 grams of protein per serving and are simply delicious. While we prefer the basil and Parmesan flavor, the teriyaki pineapple option is great for a more tropical theme. There's a slight price difference, but both varieties are under $18 for a 46-ounce package. We love to toss these in the Crock-Pot with sauce, allowing guests to serve themselves with toothpicks during game night for a laid-back dining experience.

Amylu's meatballs have a slight advantage over the Kirkland Signature frozen meatballs, which are also suitable for appetizers. We often choose Kirkland when serving them with marinara due to their Italian seasoning or when catering for a large group, as their package contains an impressive six pounds. Although Amylu's meatballs are a bit smaller and pricier, they are made with leaner meat and offer more flavor options.

5. Spring Valley beef franks

What could be more classic than pigs in a blanket? For a similar experience with minimal effort, consider the Spring Valley cocktail beef franks. Each small frank is wrapped in puff pastry, and all you need to do is place them on a tray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to leave some space between the franks, as they will expand while baking. We enjoy serving them with a condiment bar, but you can also keep it simple with just ketchup.

Each box contains approximately 75 to 80 puff pastry-wrapped cocktail weenies and is priced just over $25. They may stick together in the freezer, so you might need to gently separate them before placing them on a tray. The only improvement would be a resealable box or bag; instead, you have to open the entire box and secure any leftovers with a clip if you don’t plan to cook them all. Eighty cocktail weenies can be quite a lot, even for a big gathering, so we usually prepare half or fewer for a single appetizer. Occasionally, we intentionally make extra to enjoy as a dinner appetizer and then pack the leftovers for lunch the next day. Since they’re already cooked, all you need to do is reheat them.

4. Garden Lite Vegetarian Spinach & Egg White Frittata

Appetizers don’t always need to be heavy or fried—just take a look at the Garden Lite Veggies Made Good mini frittatas. Each delightful bite is filled with spinach, tomatoes, onions, and red bell peppers. Egg whites and mozzarella cheese hold everything together while adding a boost of protein. When baked in the oven, they emerge crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them ideal for a two-bite snack.

These mini frittatas are also vegetarian-friendly, which is why we prefer them over some other egg bites available at Costco. We aim to offer appetizers with nutritional value so that guests don’t leave feeling weighed down. Each $15 box contains 20 individually wrapped bites, allowing you to serve them all as an appetizer or save some for later. They also make a fantastic quick and healthy breakfast, ready in under a minute when microwaved. With each frittata individually wrapped, you can prepare just what you need and save the rest for another time.

3. Bistro 28 pretzel bites

The Bistro 28 pretzel bites box is a recent addition to our favorite appetizer selection, and it's one we’re excited to revisit for future meals. Each box contains approximately 50 small bites, along with three sauce packets: two cheddar cheese dips and one mustard dip. For the best presentation, be sure to transfer the dips into serving bowls. Additionally, brush the tops of the pretzels with water or butter and sprinkle on the provided salt.

While you can heat these pre-made pretzels in the microwave in just over a minute, we recommend using an air fryer or oven for the crispiest results. They only require five to six minutes to cook, and the extra time is definitely worthwhile. Plus, you can easily prepare the entire box using just a couple of trays. Overall, these do take a bit longer and require more assembly than some other appetizer options, which is why they ranked lower on our list despite their delicious taste. We prefer appetizers that are ready to eat or can be assembled in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling as guests arrive. However, if you’re aiming for a more relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen and want to involve your guests in the preparation, these pretzel bites are a great choice.

2. Cuisine Innovations Feta & Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Bites

For an elegant appetizer that gives the impression of being labor-intensive, consider the Cuisine Innovations feta and caramelized onion puff pastry bites. Each delightful morsel features a flaky, buttery puff pastry shell topped with tangy feta cheese and sweet caramelized onions. The blend of rich pastry, salty feta, and sweet onions elevates this dish to one of the most refined appetizers on our list. It offers a more savory experience than a simple fried cheese bite and presents beautifully on a serving tray.

Be sure to leave some space between the bites on the tray to allow for proper air circulation. You can bake them in the oven for about 15 minutes or use an air fryer for approximately five minutes. After removing them, let them rest on the counter for a few minutes to maintain their crisp edges. They will slightly curl, helping to keep the cheese and onions securely in place, resulting in a delectable one-bite treat.

Each box contains 36 bites and retails for around $15, which may seem a bit steep compared to cocktail weenies. However, when you factor in the cost of all the necessary ingredients and the time it would take to prepare these appetizers from scratch, they are a worthwhile investment. These bites are an excellent choice if you're looking for something that appears sophisticated without requiring much effort.

1. West End chicken skewers

One of our household's all-time favorites from Costco is the West End chicken skewers. The grilled Mediterranean-style chicken is so flavorful that we could enjoy it for any meal or as an appetizer. The meat is tender and delicious, whether served hot or cold, with just the right amount of char on the outside to enhance the flavor while still serving as a versatile base for toppings or sauces. You can dip them, top them with guacamole or salsa, or even remove the chicken from the skewers to incorporate into other appetizers or main dishes. If you can't find the renowned Costco rotisserie chicken for a recipe, these skewers are a fantastic alternative.

We prefer them as appetizers because they are more substantial than many other options available. For a party with heavy hors d'oeuvres, these skewers offer 24 grams of protein per two-skewer serving, along with plenty of flavor. Priced at around $19 for 14 skewers, they come in two packs, allowing you to open one while keeping the other vacuum-sealed for freshness. If you're serving smaller bites, simply slide the chicken pieces off the skewers and arrange them on a platter with barbecue sauce for dipping.

Methodology

We’ve enjoyed these appetizers at gatherings with friends and family, as well as when we’ve been hosted by others, and they’ve also made for great casual meals at home. While all of them are tasty and ones we would purchase again, some are more suited for laid-back get-togethers, while others feature more sophisticated ingredients.

To rank them, we considered taste, versatility, and ease of preparation. We prefer appetizers that are either ready to serve or require minimal effort to prepare, especially when we have guests arriving (or even just for ourselves). We also took cost into account, noting which options are worth splurging on for smaller gatherings and which are budget-friendly for larger events. While some of our favorite appetizers cater more to adult tastes, the ones that topped our list are appealing to a wide range of palates.