When I mention the revolving door at my house, I truly mean it. Throughout the year, our Vermont farm is constantly visited by family, friends, and friends of friends. Especially during the holidays, it's a common sight. To be prepared, I keep my fridge and freezer stocked with a variety of affordable and go-to appetizers from Costco. These just need a little bit of extra effort to make them seem fancy.
Stock Up on Costco Appetizers for Holiday Gatherings
Charcuterie, Cheese, and More
Charcuterie, cheese, dried fruit, and crackers are obvious choices. But I also like to grab dips, desserts, and frozen appetizers that can be easily heated up and served. It's always good to have a variety on hand because you never know when unexpected company will arrive.For example, the Royal Asia Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Thai Chili Sauce is a great option. You can bake these (gluten-free!) frozen shrimp, but cooking them in the air fryer at 400°F for eight minutes gives the coconut coating a nice and crispy texture. I enhance the sweet chili sauce by combining it with Kewpie mayo and adding a touch of lime zest. Garnishing with scallions makes these shrimp seem like they were made at home.The La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip & Spread is another crowd-pleaser. It's cheesy, garlicky, and filled with spinach. Serve it with chips, crudités, and crackers like Simply Mill's Almond Flour crackers, which are gluten-free. This dip always disappears at parties.Higher-End Cheeses and More
The Kirkland Signature Cheese Flight is a wonderful selection of higher-end cheeses. It includes a provolone, manchego, chèvre, and fontal, and it's already prepped and ready to go. I especially love the inclusion of Jasper Hill's cave-aged cheddar from my home state of Vermont.Along with the cheeses, the Fratelli Beretta Antipasto Tray provides some meat to go with the cheese. This set of Italian cured meats includes dry salami, black pepper-rubbed dry salami, dry coppa, and prosciutto, ensuring there's something for everyone.Frozen Treats and Desserts
The La Vie Gourmand Portuguese Custard Tarts (Pasteis de Nata) are a must-have. Find them in the freezer aisle and enjoy these custardy tarts. They taste just as good at room temperature as out of the oven, so you don't have to worry about keeping them warm for your guests.The Cuisine Adventures Spanakopita is great for vegetarians. These flaky spinach and feta triangles are a delicious way to get your greens. With a box containing 48 spanakopita, it's perfect for emergency entertaining or snacking.The Junior's Mini Cheesecakes are another freezer aisle find. This pack includes original, chocolate swirl, and strawberry swirl flavors. They just need a little extra something to make them party-worthy. Drizzling them with caramel and topping them with chopped nuts, a fresh fruit topping, or lemon curd makes them stand out on your dessert table.The Good Foods Buffalo Style Chicken Dip is creamy and crowd-pleasing. It's packed with shredded chicken, hot sauce, and a Monterey Jack cheese blend. Serve it with carrots, celery, and sturdy potato chips like Ruffles.The Tsar Nicoulai Classic White Sturgeon Caviar Gift Set is a unique addition. You can get caviar at Costco with this gift set, which includes a two-ounce jar of domestically farmed caviar, smoked sturgeon paté, blini, and crème fraîche. It's the perfect setup for a holiday happy hour.