BBQ season is here, and that means loading up on grill-worthy goodies from Costco! Not all warehouse deals are created equal, though.
Some items will have your guests raving, while others might leave them politely pushing food around their plates.
I’ve rounded up the Costco heroes and zeros to help you host the neighborhood’s most talked-about cookout this summer.
1. Korean-Style Short Ribs (Pre-Marinated)
These may sound like a win, but the pre-marinated Korean-style short ribs often come out more rubbery than juicy. The marinade tends to burn before the meat fully cooks, leading to a charred exterior and chewy bite.
Worse, the sugar-heavy sauce can torch quickly on a hot grill. For true Korean BBQ flavor, you’re better off marinating your own.
2. Pre-Made Shrimp Skewers With Garlic Butter
These skewers look appealing in the freezer section, but don’t let the glossy garlic butter fool you. They cook unevenly, with shrimp often turning rubbery before the vegetables are even warmed through.
Plus, the butter leaks into the flames, causing flare-ups and a smoky mess. You’re better off assembling your own fresh version at home.
3. Mac And Cheese Bites
Great for game day, terrible for the grill. These frozen bites are designed for the oven or air fryer, and tossing them on the BBQ is a fast track to disaster.
They fall apart, stick to grates, and lose that crispy outer shell in seconds. Save these for indoor snacking, not summer cookouts.
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4. Veggie Burgers (Frozen Plant-Based Blend)
Costco’s latest frozen veggie burger sounds like a healthy win, but they’re a flop on the grill. The patties are fragile and tend to crumble at the first flip, leaving half your burger behind.
The flavor is also underwhelming—more freezer aisle than fresh garden. For plant-based guests, a portobello mushroom cap might be a better pick.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Delicious in theory, disappointing in practice. These frozen poppers don’t hold up to the grill’s high heat—the bacon burns before the pepper softens, and the filling oozes out messily.
They’re also tricky to cook evenly without scorching. Save yourself the mess and oven-bake these instead.
6. Pre-Made Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
They may be new to the Costco meat section, but these sticky-sweet thighs don’t belong anywhere near your BBQ. The sauce chars far too easily, and the chicken itself often remains undercooked inside.
The result? Burnt outsides and raw centers—not exactly a hit with your guests. Try plain thighs and add sauce after grilling.
7. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Meat & Rice Blend)
Great for a weeknight dinner, but they’re a grilling nightmare. The peppers tend to collapse or blacken too quickly, and the filling falls out with the slightest movement.
Plus, they take ages to heat through. Unless you enjoy scraping rice off grill grates, skip these for outdoor meals.
8. Frozen Lobster Tails
Lobster on the grill sounds fancy, but Costco’s frozen variety is tricky and often ends up overcooked. They’re small, easy to dry out, and not worth the price for the payoff.
If you must have seafood, opt for shrimp or fresh fish. Save the lobster for a special indoor dinner where you can control the heat.
9. Premade BBQ Ribs (Heat & Serve)
Ribs come slathered in sauce and sealed in plastic, but they’re a far cry from true BBQ bliss. The texture is mushy, and the flavor leans overly sweet and artificial.
Reheating them on the grill only dries them out. If you want real ribs, grab a raw rack and season them yourself.
10. Artisan Rolls (Mini Brioche or Pretzel Buns)
Don’t sleep on the bread! Costco’s mini brioche and pretzel buns elevate anything you throw on them—burgers, sausages, pulled pork.
A quality bun can make or break your BBQ plate, and these deliver.
11. Kirkland Signature Beef Patties (Fresh, 1/3 lb)
Fresh ground beef patties are grill-ready and deliver every time. Thick, juicy, and well-balanced in fat content, they form a flavorful crust without drying out.
You can season them as you like or let the meat speak for itself. Throw these on the grill and watch your guests line up for seconds.
12. Kirkland Signature All-Beef Hot Dogs
No BBQ is complete without a great hot dog, and Costco’s famous all-beef franks hit the mark. They’re plump, flavorful, and snap perfectly when grilled.
At their price point and taste level, they’re practically unbeatable. Whether you’re feeding kids or adults, these are a crowd-pleaser.
13. Sweet Corn (Fresh, Husk-On)
Costco’s fresh sweet corn, especially in peak season, is a BBQ essential. Grill it in the husk for a smoky-sweet finish that screams summer.
Add a little butter, lime, or chili powder afterward, and you’ve got a side dish no one skips. Affordable, easy, and always a hit.
14. Seasoned Chicken Wings (Party Pack)
These pre-seasoned wings cook beautifully on the grill, getting crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside. Whether you’re into spicy, smoky, or sweet, Costco’s variety packs give you options.
They’re great for grazing and perfect for sharing. Just flip frequently and watch them disappear fast.
15. Pineapple Spears In Natural Juice
Grill these for an easy dessert or tropical side dish—either way, they shine. The natural sugars caramelize on the grates, bringing out a deep, almost candy-like flavor.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or next to grilled pork for a sweet-savory combo. Simple, delicious, and refreshingly different.
16. Smoked Sausages (Various Flavors)
Whether it’s kielbasa, cheddar-stuffed brats, or jalapeño beef sausages, Costco’s smoked meats bring serious flavor. These cook quickly and evenly, and the casings crisp up perfectly over direct heat.
Slice them for sliders or serve whole with buns and mustard. Easy to grill, easier to love.
17. Marinated Carne Asada (Ready To Cook)
This bold, citrusy beef cooks quickly and delivers juicy results when seared hot and fast. Just slice and serve for tacos, bowls, or steak salads.
It’s one of the best value options for flavor-packed protein that feels like you did way more work than you actually did. Grill, rest, slice—done.
18. Fresh Salmon Burgers
Costco’s salmon burgers are a great alternative to traditional beef, and they hold up surprisingly well on the grill. They’re well-seasoned, firm, and not overly fishy.
Top with avocado and a squeeze of lemon for a lighter, more gourmet BBQ option. Perfect for pescatarians—or anyone looking to mix things up.