The 11 Best Costco Holiday Appetizers: A “Food Reviewer” Taste Test & Ranking

December 4, 2025

The holidays are here, and let’s be honest: you need food that tastes homemade but requires zero effort.

As a food writer who has scoured the freezer aisles and obsessively tracked consumer sentiment (so you don’t have to), I’ve ranked the best holiday appetizers currently on Costco shelves.

From “restaurant-quality” shrimp to the mac & cheese that actually lives up to its name, here is the definitive guide to winning your holiday potluck.

1. Kirkland Signature Tempura Shrimp

The Star of the Freezer Aisle Rank: #1 Intro: If you buy one thing, make it this. These massive, straight-fried shrimp are a cult favorite for a reason—they genuinely rival what you get at a Japanese restaurant. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Sweet, tender shrimp encased in a savory batter. The included soy-ginger dip is good, but the shrimp stand on their own.
Texture: The panko-tempura hybrid batter shatters when you bite into it. Light, airy, and critically—not oily.
Heat/Cook: Air Fryer is mandatory (400°F for 7-8 mins). The oven is fine, but the air fryer unlocks the “how is this frozen?” magic.
Best way to enjoy: Served on a platter with spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: Shoppers consistently call these “dangerous” because they can eat a whole box. High praise for the size of the shrimp and the lack of “breading-only” bites.
The Bad: They can get greasy if undercooked. Who Will Love It: Sushi lovers, picky kids, and anyone trying to impress guests with minimal effort. Quick Verdict: The undisputed king of Costco appetizers. Buy two boxes.

2. Kirkland Signature Cauliflower Crust Pizza

The “I Can’t Believe It’s Gluten-Free” Pizza Rank: #2 Intro: Don’t let the “cauliflower” scare you. This Supreme pizza has a die-hard fanbase because it eats like a high-end thin-crust tavern pie, not a health food compromise. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Savory roasted veggies, zesty pepperoni, and sausage. The crust has a nutty, toasted cheese flavor rather than a vegetal cauliflower taste.
Texture: Shockingly crispy. It snaps when you fold it.
Heat/Cook: Bake it directly on the oven rack for maximum crunch.
Best way to enjoy: Cut into small party squares (tavern cut) rather than slices. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: “Better than delivery” is a common sentiment. Fans love that it doesn’t get soggy.
The Bad: It’s high in sodium and calories for a “veggie” crust (it’s held together by cheese, after all). Who Will Love It: Gluten-free guests, thin-crust enthusiasts, and keto-ish eaters. Quick Verdict: A crowd-pleaser that vanishes from the tray before the regular pizza does.

3. Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese

The Premium Comfort Food Rank: #3 Intro: Using their famous Flagship and Just Jack cheeses, Beecher’s brings their Pike Place Market legend to your freezer. It’s rich, sharp, and unapologetically heavy. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: This isn’t mild cheddar; it’s tangy, sharp, and complex. The sauce is thick and clings to the penne perfectly.
Texture: Creamy but with a slight grittiness from the real aged cheese (in a good way).
Heat/Cook: Oven bake until the top is bubbling and brown.
Best way to enjoy: Served in mini ramekins or shooter cups with a dash of cayenne or paprika. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: Praised for having “real cheese flavor” and not tasting artificial.
The Bad: Recent reviews mention quality inconsistency (sometimes dry/greasy). Who Will Love It: Cheese snobs, comfort food seekers, and adults who think Kraft is for babies. Quick Verdict: Expensive, but cheaper than a flight to Seattle—and worth every penny.

4. Sukhi’s Potato & Pea Samosas

The Flakiest Veggie Option Rank: #4 Intro: These triangular pockets of joy are a vegetarian savior. They come with a vibrant cilantro chutney that brightens up the entire bite. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Mildly spiced potatoes and peas with warming notes of garam masala. The chutney is herbaceous, tangy, and fresh.
Texture: The pastry shell is the winner here—it blisters and flakes beautifully.
Heat/Cook: Air fry to get that “fresh from the fryer” bubbling crust.
Best way to enjoy: Dipped generously in the cilantro chutney (thaw the sauce packet in warm water while they cook). Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: The crust texture is consistently praised. The chutney is often called “liquid gold.”
The Bad: Spice lovers might find the filling a bit too mild/safe. Who Will Love It: Vegetarians, Indian food fans, and texture lovers. Quick Verdict: A sophisticated appetizer that feels handmade.

5. Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita

The Ol’ Reliable Rank: #5 Intro: A holiday party isn’t complete without these spinach and feta triangles. They are a classic for a reason: consistent, tasty, and easy to eat. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Spinach-forward with a salty kick from the feta.
Texture: Phyllo dough shatters messily (part of the charm) while the center remains creamy.
Heat/Cook: Oven bake until golden. Do not microwave unless you hate joy.
Best way to enjoy: Serve with a side of tzatziki to cut the richness. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: “Party staple” status. People love how they crisp up.
The Bad: Some batches can be light on the feta cheese, leading to a “mostly spinach” taste. Who Will Love It: Everyone. Seriously, these are safe for almost any crowd. Quick Verdict: You can’t go wrong. The beige safety net of holiday hosting.

6. Amylu Cranberry & Jalapeño Chicken Meatballs

The Sweet & Spicy Shortcut Rank: #6 Intro: These are pre-cooked and ready to throw into a crockpot. The cranberry adds a festive sweetness that screams “holiday party.” Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: A distinct sweet-savory balance. The jalapeño provides flavor, not burn (they are very mild).
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Texture: A bit denser and “sausage-like” than a fluffy homemade meatball.
Heat/Cook: Slow cooker with BBQ sauce or cranberry sauce is the move.
Best way to enjoy: On a toothpick with a glaze of chili sauce. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: Convenient and flavor-packed.
The Bad: Texture can be rubbery if overcooked. “Where’s the heat?” is a common complaint. Who Will Love It: Meal preppers, busy hosts, and “sweet meat” fans. Quick Verdict: A low-stress, high-flavor filler that keeps guests fed.

7. Cuisine Adventures Puff Pastry Bites

The Fancy Variety Pack Rank: #7 Intro: A vegetarian collection featuring flavors like caramelized onion & ricotta and spinach & parm. It’s an easy way to offer variety in one box. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Buttery and rich. The caramelized onion one is the standout; the others are pleasant but blend together.
Texture: It’s all about the puff. When done right, they are tall and airy.
Heat/Cook: Oven is critical. Give them space on the tray so they puff properly.
Best way to enjoy: Plated on a tiered stand for a “high tea” vibe. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: “Looks beautiful on a platter.” The pastry quality is high.
The Bad: Filling can sometimes be scarce, leading to a “mouthful of dry dough” experience. Who Will Love It: Pastry lovers and people who like grazing. Quick Verdict: Pretty and palatable, but drink some water with them.

8. Bibigo Vegetable Spring Rolls

The Crunchy Munchy Rank: #8 Intro: These are decent vegetable egg rolls that get incredibly crispy. They are a solid filler item, though not the main event. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Standard cabbage and carrot mix. The edamame inside adds a nice earthiness but can be divisive.
Texture: The wrapper bubbles up perfectly in the air fryer.
Heat/Cook: Air fryer. Don’t even think about the oven if you want them crunchy.
Best way to enjoy: Ditch the included sauce (it’s okay) and use a high-quality sweet chili or hot mustard. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: The crunch is unbeatable.
The Bad: The filling is often described as “mushy” or “bland” compared to the exterior. Who Will Love It: Vegetarians and fried food fans. Quick Verdict: Good texture, boring filling. A vehicle for sauce.

9. Kirkland Wild Argentine Red Shrimp

The “Lobster” Shrimp Rank: #9 Intro: These raw shrimp are famous for their red shell and sweet, lobster-like meat. When they are good, they are world-class. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Sweet, rich, and buttery.
Texture: Softer than regular shrimp (more like lobster tail).
Heat/Cook: They cook FAST. Sauté them in butter and garlic for literally 2 minutes.
Best way to enjoy: Shrimp cocktail or grilled skewers. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: “Tastes like lobster!”
The Bad: Consistency. Recent reviews complain about “mushy” textures or off-putting chemical smells in bad batches. It’s a gamble. Who Will Love It: Seafood connoisseurs willing to roll the dice. Quick Verdict: High risk, high reward.

10. Roots Farm Organic Sweet Potato Fries

The “Clean” Fry Rank: #10 Intro: A wider, flat-cut fry that promises organic ingredients and no seed oils. A healthy alternative that struggles slightly with texture. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Pure sweet potato flavor, not masked by oil.
Texture: Hard to get crispy. They tend to lean towards “soft roast” rather than “fry.”
Heat/Cook: High heat air fry is the only hope for crunch.
Best way to enjoy: Dusted with cinnamon sugar for a dessert-y vibe. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: Ingredients list is clean.
The Bad: “Soggy,” “limp,” and sometimes “slimy.” Who Will Love It: Health-conscious parents and clean eaters. Quick Verdict: Great for a Tuesday dinner, maybe not a holiday party.

11. Imperial Garden Organic Edamame

The Healthy Snooze Rank: #11 Intro: It’s edamame. It’s high quality, organic, and comes in steamable bags. It’s delicious, but it’s barely an appetizer. Taste Test Notes:
Flavor: Fresh, grassy, and sweet.
Texture: Firm beans with a nice pop.
Heat/Cook: Microwave steam bag. Done in 3 mins.
Best way to enjoy: Heavily salted with flaky sea salt. Real Customer Feedback:
The Good: Healthy, cheap, reliable.
The Bad: It’s boring. Who Will Love It: That one guest on a diet. Quick Verdict: Solid snack, but zero “holiday” factor.