The Best Holiday Appetizers to Buy at Costco This Year
The holiday season is all about appetizers at my house. From casual seasonal visits to full-on holiday parties, often my entertaining is all about fabulous and festive grazing. And my secret weapon is always to load in a bunch of fun appetizers from Costco for quick and easy snacks. Here are 9 great appetizers to make all your parties easy on you and easy on your budget.
Cuisine Adventures All Natural Spanakopita
There might be no more perfect frozen appetizer than these crispy savory pockets. Filled to bursting with spinach and feta, they are vegetarian, easy to heat, and delicious hot, warm or room temp, so no need to worry about them on your buffet. A major crowd pleaser, the box has 48 triangles for under $19, and is always a good thing to have stashed in your deep freeze.
Buy it: Cuisine Adventures All Natural Spanakopita ($18.65), Instacart.com
Kirkland Signature Breaded Panko Shrimp
While there is nothing wrong with the old-fashioned fresh shrimp platter, I always think it is a little more special to have a cooked shrimp dish. These panko-crusted jumbo shrimp have the added benefit of being frozen, so you don't have to source them last minute. The panko coating stays extra crispy, and you can take dipping sauces in almost any direction. A two-and-a-half-pound box will run you about $24, which is an excellent shrimp value.
Buy it: Kirkland Signature Breaded Panko Shrimp ($23.62), Instacart.com
Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Cooked Shrimp
Prefer those ungilded shrimp? Costco is still your best option, with a frozen two-pound bag of large shrimp for only $19. All you need is a jar of cocktail sauce and some lemon wedges and you can go super classic and traditional.
Buy it: Kirkland Signature Farm-Raised Cooked Shrimp (price varies), Instacart.com
Mediterranean Margherita Flatbread
Take the flavors of a classic margherita pizza but make them in elegant oval flatbreads that are easy to slice and share, and you have a winning combo. All the ease of those mini pizza appetizers, but with an elegant Mediterranean flair. A box of 10 is only $15, and they also make for a great lunch for one, or dinner for the kids on nights you are going out.
Buy it: Mediterranean Margherita Flatbread ($13.67), Instacart.com
Cello Cracker Cut Cheese Slices
A cheese platter is always essential for your holiday appetizer spread, but can be expensive and a pain to source and prep a good variety. Cello premium cheeses has taken all the guesswork and fuss out of the equation, with a four-cheese variety pack, conveniently cut into cracker-friendly squares. A two-pound tray is under $15.
Buy it: Cello Cracker Cut Cheese Slices ($14.29), Instacart.com
La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread
Crudites and dip are welcome fresh additions to any gathering, and with all the pre-prepped veggies available these days, even easier to pull together. The key is having a terrific dip, and this one hits the mark. Great spinach artichoke flavor enhanced with Parmesan, it comes in a generous 31-ounce tub to get you through several small gatherings or one huge one for about $10.
Buy it: La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread ($10.93), Instacart.com
Savanna Orchards Gourmet Honey Roasted Nut Mix
Sometimes all you really need at your party are little snacks to go with pre-dinner drinks or afternoon cocktails. I quickly bore of the same-old bowls of salty mixed nuts with all the cashews picked out (looking at you Uncle Mark). This nut mix is like honey roasted peanuts and basic mixed nuts had a delicious tub of babies, and for under $15 for 30 ounces.
Buy it: Savanna Orchards Gourmet Honey Roasted Nut Mix ($13.05), Instacart.com
Foster Farms Take Out Crispy Wings
I don't even know if you are allowed to have a holiday party without wings as part of the appetizers. Luckily, Costco has these frozen crispy wings in a generous 4-pound package for only $22. They come with classic Buffalo sauce, but you can change it up to any sauce you love.
Buy it: Foster Farms Take Out Crispy Wings ($22.38), Instacart.com
Partini Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos
Jalapeno poppers make any party, but there might be no fussier appetizer to try and make from scratch. Costco not only has pre-made frozen poppers for your convenience, but they are also next level, wrapped in bacon and stuffed with cheese. A box of 20 is under $13.
Buy it: Partini Bacon Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Jalapenos ($13), Instacart.com