When I want a crowd-pleasing starter without making it from scratch, Sam’s Club is an easy stop. These seven frozen appetizers offer a convenient alternative to homemade while still feeling worthy of sharing.
1. Member’s Mark Wild Caught Handmade Crab Cakes, Frozen, 6 ct. – $17.98
Date-night appetizers get easier with these small-batch crab cakes, a convincing stand-in for steakhouse or seafood restaurant crab cakes. Made with fresh, wild-caught blue swimming crab meat, they work equally well passed around, plated over salad, or tucked into buns.
Taste: There is plenty of sweet crab flavor, with balanced seasoning that does not bury it under garlic. The center stays moist while the light panko exterior adds a delicate crunch and helps each cake hold together.
Make It Better: Bake them until the outside is nicely browned, then serve them as the first course; leftovers also make an excellent sandwich or salad topper.
Parting Thoughts: Seafood lovers should find these worth the freezer space, especially when making crab cakes from scratch sounds like far too much work.
2. Member’s Mark Southern Style Chicken Bites, Frozen, 3 lbs. – $13.97
Skip the drive-thru: these fully cooked Southern-style bites are the freezer-friendly answer to Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The 3-pound bag is especially handy for game-day trays, after-school snacks, or a quick meal when everyone wants a different dipping sauce.
Taste: The white-meat chicken is juicy and seasoned with a mild Southern profile, including a subtle dill note. Light breading supplies crispness without turning each bite into a thick shell.
Make It Better: Bake a tray and set out ranch, honey mustard, and a Chick-fil-A-style sauce so everyone can build a personal dipping plate.
Parting Thoughts: For households that routinely debate ordering nuggets, this bulk bag is the practical winner.
3. Royal Asia Farm Raised Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce, Frozen, 36-48 ct. per box, 2 lbs. – $17.94
Sweet coconut wrapped around tender shrimp makes this a polished substitute for restaurant coconut shrimp or bang bang shrimp. With 36 to 48 pieces and sweet chili sauce packets included, the box is ready for cocktail hour, holiday hosting, or a shareable movie-night platter.
Taste: The coconut crust brings noticeable sweetness, while the sweet chili sauce adds a mild spark of heat. Under the crisp golden coating, the sustainably sourced farm-raised shrimp stay tender.
Make It Better: Bake the shrimp until deeply crisp and arrange them in a single layer rather than piling them up; extra sweet chili sauce on the side keeps the coating crunchy.
Parting Thoughts: Anyone who likes a sweet-savory appetizer will appreciate the restaurant feel, though coconut skeptics should choose another box.
4. SuperPretzel Soft Pretzels, King Size, Frozen, 20 ct. – $10.98
I keep these king-size pretzels around when a mall soft pretzel or stadium pretzel craving hits at home. Because the 20 fully baked pretzels include both salt and cinnamon-sugar toppings, one box can cover savory party snacks and a casual sweet treat.
Taste: The interior is soft and pleasantly chewy, with the familiar yeasty flavor of a classic soft pretzel. Salt gives it a savory edge, while cinnamon sugar turns the same base into something warm and dessert-like.
Make It Better: Microwave one for a soft snack, then add the included topping; mustard or cheese sauce suits the salted version, while a little butter helps the cinnamon sugar cling.
Parting Thoughts: The sheer versatility makes this box a crowd-friendly keeper for families, fundraisers, and casual gatherings.
5. Deep Indian Kitchen Potato & Pea Samosas with Tamarind Mint Chutney, Frozen, 15 ct., 30.2 oz. – $11.87
Flaky pastry surrounding potatoes, green peas, and traditional Indian spices gives these the character of Indian restaurant takeout samosas without the dough-and-filling project. The 15-count vegan package is a useful option when a party spread needs something plant-based but still substantial.
Taste: The filling is savory and moderately spicy, with the potato and peas carrying the traditional seasoning well. Outside, the thin pastry turns crisp and flaky, while the included tamarind mint chutney adds a tangy, cooling contrast.
Make It Better: Bake them until the pastry is crisp and serve the chutney alongside a yogurt dip for guests who prefer a gentler finish.
Parting Thoughts: Plant-based guests will feel genuinely considered here, and everyone else may reach for seconds before noticing the label.
6. Member’s Mark Bone-In Oven Roasted Chicken Wings, Frozen, 3 lbs. – $14.98
Game day feels far less messy when these fully cooked wings stand in for restaurant or sports-bar chicken wings. The individually frozen mix of drummettes and flats lets me bake only what the table needs instead of handling raw wings for an entire crowd.
Taste: An herb-and-spice marinade gives the meat plenty of flavor even before sauce enters the picture. The chicken remains juicy, and thorough oven crisping gives the skin the bite a good wing needs.
Make It Better: Bake them until the skin is crisp, then toss them with sauce just before serving or leave them plain and offer several dips.
Parting Thoughts: Mess-conscious hosts get the biggest payoff, although anyone wanting heavily sauced wings should plan to add a favorite sauce.
7. Minh Chicken Egg Rolls, Frozen, 2.75 oz., 16 ct.
For the friend who always orders an extra starter, these make a convenient alternative to Chinese takeout egg rolls. White-meat chicken and freshly cut cabbage, carrots, onion, and celery give the 16-count box enough substance for party platters or a quick shared snack.
Taste: The filling tastes clean and savory, with chicken balanced by the mixed vegetables rather than dominating them. Oven baking crisps the wrapper and provides a satisfying contrast to the tender center.
Make It Better: Give the egg rolls room on the baking sheet so the wrappers crisp evenly, then serve them with sweet chili or plum sauce.
Parting Thoughts: Keep this one in mind when you want the pleasure of egg rolls without chopping, rolling, and frying them yourself.
