The Best Costco Appetizers to Buy

You know one of the main (only) reasons you love going to Costco is getting to graze at all the sample tables.  And when it’s free, everything tastes good, am I right?  Well, the researchers at thekitchn.com did the arduous task of tasting for you, and according to their findings, these are the top appetizers you should definitely pick up on your next trip (after you’re done sampling, of course):

• Boursin 3-Pack: Always a popular sampler item, Costco offers these up in a three-pack (a single box of shallot and chive plus two boxes of the garlic and fine herb fan-favorite), so you can rest assured it will last past the first 10 minutes of your party. Boursin is a hit served with plain crackers or thin slices of baguette.
• Ling Ling Potstickers: These got big thumbs up from the reviewers at thekitchn.com. Found in the frozen foods aisle, these savory dumplings come in two flavors: chicken and vegetable and pork and vegetable.
• La Terra Fina Baked Brie en Brioche:  Sure, you could make your own baked brie, but who’s got the time? This extra-large cheese round is already assembled and ready to bake. Wrapped with buttery brioche with a layer of sweet chopped apples and cranberries, this cheese is a Brie-lover’s dream.
• Cuisine Adventures Mini Quiches:  For brunch and beyond, these three-bite quiches are a hit every single time. Mixed with half Florentine and half three-cheese (to satisfy vegetarian and meat-lovers alike), these savory apps are like a mini version of a cheesy, savory deep-dish quiche.
• Kirkland Signature Italian-Style Beef Meatballs:  From the freezer section, Costco’s signature lightly spiced, bite-sized meatballs are just the right size for an appetizer, and they get high praises all around. For an easy app, toss them in the slow cooker with your choice of sauce. You may want to grab an extra bag to stash in the freezer for last-minute dinners.
• Big Veggie Platters: Costco veggie platters win on so many counts. Care to take a guess at how long it might take you to prep all those veggies? These four-pound platters (which serve about 16 people) save you a ton of prep time, and Costco is known for its reliably fresh produce. Plus, they come with dip.

While the reviewers found it tough to find any particularly bad choices in the sample-studded aisles of Costco, they felt there are simply some that are better than others. Here are two that are worth skipping.

• Shrimp cocktail:  We don’t doubt the quality of these massive trays of shrimp cocktail — it’s just hard to know how long they’ve been sitting there. If you really want to serve this appetizer at your next shin dig, consider grabbing a bag of frozen shrimp and cooking them up at home.
• Sushi: Sushi certainly makes a fun party appetizer, but these sliced rolls are a pass. Again, it’s hard to say how long the trays have been sitting out, and this isn’t an appetizer that can stand the test of time.

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Photo Credit: Elena Elisseeva / Shutterstock.com