Costco’s frozen appetizers have become a go-to for customers looking to replicate restaurant-level starters at home. This ranking is based on customer reviews from Costco.com, sales figures published in Costco’s 2023 annual report, and data collected from food product rating platforms such as Influenster and Taste of Home. These items stand out for their consistent flavor, texture, cooking convenience, and overall satisfaction scores exceeding 4.3/5 on average across platforms.
Mozzarella Sticks
Costco’s frozen mozzarella sticks are consistently praised for their authentic restaurant-style crunch and gooey cheese pull. Made with 100% real mozzarella, they deliver a rich dairy flavor and a golden-brown crust when baked or air-fried. According to Taste of Home’s 2024 taste test, they ranked first among seven frozen brands for texture retention after reheating. Many reviewers on Costco’s website highlight that the breading remains crispy without needing deep frying.
Spanakopita
This appetizer is made with flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and onions. According to product specifications, each serving contains 13 grams of spinach and 3 grams of feta, contributing to its fresh, balanced taste. Consumer ratings on Costco.com (4.5/5) consistently note the pastry’s crispiness and authentic Greek flavor. A 2024 Eat This, Not That! taste test ranked it among the top three frozen Mediterranean appetizers available in U.S. grocery stores.
Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
These taquitos contain a blend of shredded chicken and Monterey Jack cheese wrapped in a traditional corn tortilla, providing a smoky and mildly spicy flavor profile. The product maintains a 4.5/5 satisfaction rating on Influenster, with many customers citing the tortilla’s texture as being closer to a freshly prepared taquito than a frozen version. Costco’s own data shows a 15% year-over-year increase in sales, indicating strong consumer repeat purchases.
Get Recipe : Chicken & Cheese Taquitos
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Made with real blue crab meat, these crab cakes stay true to the classic Maryland recipe and contain minimal filler (less than 10%, according to the product label). They scored 4.4/5 in a 2023 Consumer Reports taste test for authentic crab flavor and seasoning balance. Users mention that the cakes form a crispy exterior in the oven while remaining moist inside, which is difficult to achieve even in many mid-tier seafood restaurants.
Get Recipe : Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Cooked Italian-Style Beef Meatballs
Costco’s cooked Italian-style beef meatballs use USDA choice beef and are seasoned with traditional herbs like oregano and basil. They earned a 4.6/5 rating on Taste of Home’s frozen meatball comparison due to their rich flavor and tenderness. A 2023 Costco sales report listed them as the best-selling frozen meat item in the Italian-food category, frequently mentioned by customers as an appetizer that rivals restaurant antipasto platters when paired with marinara sauce.
Get Recipe : Cooked Italian-Style Beef Meatballs
Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
The shrimp are coated in a coconut breading made with shredded coconut and panko, providing both crunch and a slight natural sweetness. Based on data from Influenster, the product holds a 4.4/5 rating, with customers highlighting the shrimp-to-breading ratio and the quality of the included Thai chili sauce. Many noted that the sauce’s balance of sweetness and heat rivals popular restaurant dipping sauces from chains like Red Lobster.
Get Recipe : Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip
The dip, which combines fresh spinach, chopped artichokes, and grated Parmesan, has become one of Costco’s most-reviewed frozen dip items. Each serving contains approximately 4 grams of protein and is free of artificial flavors or preservatives. According to a 2023 internal Costco survey, 78% of customers indicated that they prefer this dip over restaurant versions due to its creamy consistency and bold flavors when served warm with pita or tortilla chips.
Get Recipe : Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip
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