Additional Coverage:
- I ate almost every frozen appetizer I could find at Costco. Here’s what is and isn’t worth buying for a party (or lunch). (businessinsider.com)
Costco’s Frozen Appetizer Showdown: What’s Worth Your Party Plate?
With Super Bowl season upon us and party plans in full swing, local hosts are flocking to Costco, a perennial favorite for stocking up. But with so many frozen appetizers vying for precious freezer real estate, which ones truly deliver? One adventurous local journalist took on the monumental task of taste-testing 12 different frozen bites from the warehouse giant to help you make informed decisions for your next get-together.
The mission: find the ultimate party pleasers, ensuring no guest (or valuable freezer space) goes to waste. Here’s the lowdown, from the less-than-stellar to the absolute must-buys.
The Underperformers: Not Quite Ready for Prime Time
El Monterey’s Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
Coming in at around $15 for a 3-pound package of 30, these taquitos might seem like a budget-friendly option. However, despite previous uneventful encounters, this journalist found them to be the least compelling.
While acceptable as a quick snack, their uneven cooking in the air fryer (crispy edges, soft middles) and mildly flavored, sparsely filled interior left them wanting more. They’re a decent vehicle for a good sauce, but ultimately, better options exist for party spreads.
Foster Farms Take-Out Crispy Buffalo Wings
Wings are a Super Bowl staple, and the idea of a convenient frozen option is tempting. At $19 for a 4-pound bag, these Foster Farms wings promised “crispy,” but even with extended air fryer time, the skin never quite achieved that satisfying crunch. While the included Buffalo sauce was decent and the meat moist, the overall lack of crispiness means these wouldn’t be a touchdown at any party.
Ajinomoto Japanese-Style Gyoza
A box of 60 dumplings for $15 sounded like a good deal. These hane-style gyoza are known for their crispy “lace” bottoms when pan-fried.
While the bottoms did crisp up nicely, the steamed upper portions were deemed a bit too soft and limp. The accompanying dipping sauce and the gyoza filling itself were also noted as bland, failing to impress.
Tyson Thai-Style Chili Crispy Wings
Hoping for a flavorful alternative to traditional Buffalo, these $18, 3.5-pound bags of dry-rubbed wings seemed promising. They did achieve a pleasant crispiness in the air fryer.
However, despite a peppery kick and some sweetness, the flavor lacked any distinct “Thai” profile, leaving the journalist wishing for a bolder seasoning. A solid option, perhaps, but not a showstopper for a football party.
The Solid Contenders: Reliable and Re-Purchasable
Petite Cuisine Mozzarella Sticks
A family favorite, these 5-pound bags (often found on sale for around $13.50) are a freezer staple. Quick to prepare in the air fryer (but watch them closely to prevent cheese explosions!), they boast a delightful crisp exterior with a garlicky breading and perfectly molten cheese inside. The only downside is the sheer volume they occupy in the freezer – a small price to pay for consistent deliciousness.
Kirkland Signature Supreme Cauliflower-Crust Pizzas
Who knew a cauliflower crust could be so good? Priced at $12 for a pack of two, these “flatbreads” (when cut into appetizer-sized pieces) were a pleasant surprise.
The cracker-thin, crispy crust had no noticeable cauliflower taste, and the colorful, well-loaded toppings (peppers, pepperoni, sausage) provided a satisfying sweet and salty bite. An excellent choice, especially for gluten-intolerant guests.
Spring Valley Cocktail Beef Franks in Puff Pastry
The quintessential hors d’oeuvre, these pigs-in-a-blanket came in as the priciest at $22 for a 2.5-pound package. After 15 minutes in the air fryer, the pastry became a beautiful golden brown and perfectly flaky, complementing the “just okay” franks. A reliable, crowd-pleasing finger food that has earned a permanent spot on party menus.
Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken-Breast Chunks
A Costco freezer section mainstay at $15 for a 4-pound bag, these chicken chunks are a versatile win. Easy to air-fry to a golden crisp, the meat remains moist, and the breading has a subtle peppery kick (perhaps too much for the youngest palates, but perfect for adults!). Great on their own with honey mustard or tossed in sauce for “boneless wings.”
Laoban Chinese-Style Barbecue Pork Bao Buns
At $16 for a package of 12, these might seem a bit steep, but they proved worth the splurge. While microwaving was an option, steaming them for 10 minutes yielded an “incredible” result: a moist, sweet, and squishy bun with an earthy, sweet Berkshire pork filling hinting at five-spice seasoning. Though slightly large for a typical appetizer, their unique texture and flavor make them a standout.
Mila Pork Soup Dumplings
A risky plunge at $13 for a 44-ounce bag, given the family’s discerning taste for soup dumplings. Despite an initial concern about them freezing into a mound, a brief thaw allowed for careful separation and steaming with the included liners.
The result? Perfectly soft, moist, and intact dumplings with a comforting, mild flavor that rivaled takeout.
These are a definite repurchase and a fantastic way to warm up guests.
Cuisine Adventures Firecrackers with Green-Chile Chicken
Snagged on sale for $9.50, these 30-piece firecrackers initially seemed similar to the taquitos. However, their egg-roll-like wrapper crisped up beautifully and evenly in the air fryer.
The filling-distinct chunks of chicken, green chiles, and sweet corn-was deemed delicious, akin to high-quality “southwestern egg rolls” found in restaurants. Versatile with various dipping sauces, these are a definite hit.
The Champion: The Top Pick for Your Next Party
Kirkland Signature Breaded Panko Shrimp
Taking the top spot, these shrimp, at $20 for a 2.5-pound box (40-50 pieces), were an absolute triumph. After just 10 minutes in the air fryer, they emerged golden and crunchy, with a garlicky panko breading and perfectly tender shrimp.
Delicious on their own, they also pair beautifully with marinara or cocktail sauce. Their convenient tails make them ideal finger food, and the journalist even plans to use them in sandwiches.
This Kirkland Signature find is a definite must-buy for any upcoming party.
So, as you gear up for your next gathering, consider these insider tips for navigating Costco’s frozen appetizer aisle. Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!