You'll find plenty of cost-effective party food solutions at Costco, with ready-made platters serving 16-24 guests ranging from $9.99 to $49.99. Their selection includes fresh fruit and vegetable trays, gourmet meat and cheese platters, and crowd-pleasing seafood options like shrimp platters. For hot appetizers, try their Spanakopita or bacon-wrapped jalapeños, while vegetarian guests can enjoy samosas and layered bean dip. Budget-friendly choices feature Take & Bake pizzas at $8.99 and cookie platters for $15.99. Place your order 24 hours in advance, and don't forget to explore their seasonal special event menu items for additional catering inspiration.
Key Takeaways
- Ready-made party platters serve 16-24 guests, featuring meat and cheese combinations, shrimp, and fruit selections from $26-$49.99.
- Pre-ordered vegetable and fruit trays at $9.99 each provide healthy options while keeping costs low for large gatherings.
- Heat-and-serve appetizers like Spanakopita, Spring Rolls, and Chicken Taquitos offer variety without extensive preparation time.
- Gourmet seafood options include Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Dungeness Crab for upscale entertaining needs.
- Budget-friendly solutions combine Take & Bake Pizza at $8.99 with cookie platters and pies under $16.
Ready-Made Party Platters
When you're planning a party, Costco's ready-made platters can save you time and money while impressing your guests. Their gourmet selections include everything from savory meat and cheese combinations to fresh fruit arrangements, with prices ranging from $26 to $49.99.
You'll find an impressive variety of options to suit different tastes and occasions. The fruit, meat, and cheese platter at $39.99 offers a perfect blend of Italian meats and aged cheeses, while the popular shrimp platter serves 20-24 people for the same price. A tempting cookie tray of 60 provides a sweet finish to any gathering. For sandwich lovers, the sprouted grain platter feeds 18-20 guests with quality ingredients like roasted chicken and roast beef.
To order these seasonal platters, visit the deli or bakery kiosks in person with at least 24 hours' notice. While you can't customize the platters, you'll find ready-made options in the produce section for last-minute needs.
The value is exceptional, with some platters costing as little as $1.67 per person. Remember that while most locations offer similar options, some stores feature unique items like fresh-made sushi platters, so it's worth checking your local Costco's selection.
Top-Rated Costco Appetizers
Beyond the convenience of party platters, Costco's selection of individual appetizers lets you mix and match crowd-pleasing favorites.
You'll find gourmet seafood options like Smoked Norwegian Salmon and Dungeness Crab that'll elevate your spread, while Social Kitchens Sweet and Spicy Shrimp offers a perfect blend of flavors for those who enjoy a kick.
For vegetarian options, you can't go wrong with the three-flavor Vegetable Samosa variety pack or classic Spanakopita filled with feta and wrapped in flaky phyllo dough. Fresh organic ingredients make these plant-based options a healthy choice for your guests.
These meat-free choices guarantee all your guests have delicious options to enjoy.
When you're looking to impress without the stress, try combining convenient picks like Kirkland Signature Burnt Ends with bacon-wrapped jalapeños.
You can create an impressive spread by pairing the creamy Kirkland Signature French Brie with fruits and crackers.
For easy serving, opt for the bite-sized Cocktail Beef Franks in puff pastry or crispy Chicken & Cheese Taquitos that don't require utensils.
Remember to include some Royal Asia Coconut Shrimp or Maryland Style Crab Cakes for an upscale touch that'll make your guests feel special.
Budget Party Food Solutions
Planning a party on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality or variety at Costco. You'll find numerous affordable options that can create an impressive spread for your guests.
Start with simple snacks like their Vegetable Trays and Fruit Bowls at just $9.99 each, which serve as perfect health-conscious choices. The fresh cut fruit comes in generous 3-pound portions.
For crowd favorites that won't break the bank, consider the Meat and Cheese Platters at $26.99, serving 16-20 people. You can complement these with cost-effective finger foods like Mini Mozzarella Balls and Kirkland Signature Mixed Nuts.
The Rojo's Black Bean 6-Layer Dip paired with Kirkland Organic Tortilla Chips creates an economical snacking station.
When it comes to main courses, Take & Bake Pizza at $8.99 offers great value. For larger gatherings, consider Whole Organic Chickens or Bison Meat, which provide substantial portions at reasonable prices.
Don't forget dessert – Costco's pies at $11.99 and Cookie Platters serving 60 pieces for $15.99 guarantee a sweet ending without overspending.
You can also add Croissant Sandwich Platters at $32.99 to round out your menu with filling options.
Quick Entertaining Essentials
Costco's party-ready selections make last-minute entertaining a breeze.
You'll find convenient vegetable options like their fresh vegetable platter at $9.99 for 4 pounds, perfect for serving a crowd. The fruit selections include pre-cut bowls at $9.99 for 3 pounds, offering a healthy alternative that requires zero preparation.
For protein-rich appetizers, consider the Cheese & Meat Platter that serves up to 20 guests or the popular Chicken & Swiss Rollers that feed 24. These ready-to-serve items let you focus on your guests instead of the kitchen.
The Shrimp Platter makes an impressive centerpiece for any gathering, serving 20-24 people at $39.99.
You can easily create a complete spread by adding some grab-and-go items like the Mixed Nuts or 6-Layer Dip with tortilla chips. For more substantial options, the Croissant Sandwich Platter feeds 16-20 people at $32.99.
Don't forget simple heat-and-serve items like Spring Rolls or Spanakopita that add variety without requiring extensive preparation. These quick solutions help you put together an impressive spread without spending hours in the kitchen.
Special Event Menu Ideas
Whether you're organizing a wedding, graduation party, or corporate event, creating an impressive menu doesn't have to be complicated. Costco offers versatile options that allow for easy menu variations while keeping your budget in check.
Start with crowd-pleasing appetizers like the Rojo's Black Bean 6-Layer Dip paired with Kirkland Organic Tortilla Chips. You can create different serving stations by combining the Meat & Cheese Platter with the Shrimp Platter and adding Beer Queso for warm, satisfying dips.
For hot appetizers, consider Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños and Cocktail Beef Franks in Puff Pastry.
Don't forget to include ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences. The Vegetable Samosas and Royal Asia Spring Rolls make excellent vegetarian options, while the Smoked Salmon Sampler Pack caters to pescatarians.
For a sweet finish, mix and match from Costco's dessert selection – combine the Cookie Platter with individual Tiramisu samples and perhaps a classic Pumpkin Pie.
Pre-cut fruit and vegetable trays provide healthy alternatives, while Kirkland Signature Mixed Nuts offer convenient snacking options throughout your event.
