Somewhere between the towering pallets of peanut butter and the 40-roll packs of paper towels, Costco's refrigerated section stocked up on the kind of meals you'd expect to require reservations. These ready-made meals skip the fuss but don't skimp on flavor.
Alaskan Leader Seafoods Miso Marinated Black Cod
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Costco's Alaskan miso-marinated black cod has become a bit of a sleeper hit. It’s packed in family-sized boxes with individually sealed portions and made with wild-caught fish and Hikari miso straight from Japan. The prep is minimal, the taste is bold, and the end result tastes like it came from a chef-owned spot.
Cluckin' Tasty Spicy Chicken Sandwich
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Cluckin' Tasty Spicy Chicken Sandwich is a low-key contender in the world of fast food alternatives. It costs $2.83 a pop (a six-pack for $16.99) and serves breaded chicken breast on a fluffy Hawaiian bun—simple but totally customizable.
Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
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The Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken is a hearty three-pound bird for just $4.99. After the skin and bones are removed, the bird offers over two pounds of meat. Its seasoning strikes a nice balance of savory and is flexible for basic meals or reinvented into soups, tacos, or pasta dishes.
Chicken Bake
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There's something about Costco's Chicken Bake that keeps everyone coming back for more. For $3.99, this handheld wonder packs a punch with tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a cheesy trio of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan, all topped with creamy Caesar dressing. The frozen version, priced at $13.49 for six, offers convenience but falls short of the warm crunch and gooey texture of the one at the counter.
Kirkland Signature Take & Bake Margherita Pizza
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If your pizza cravings need a little something special, Costco's Kirkland Signature Take & Bake Margherita Pizza brings a fresh twist. The Roman-style Pinsa crust is topped with creamy mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, and a zesty San Marzano-style sauce. The price might get mixed reviews, but it's still a standout option for a homemade pizza night.
Food Court Pizza (Slice or Whole)
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Costco's food court slice is a giant in the value game. It delivers a big bang for your buck at $1.99 per slice or $9.95 for an 18-inch pie. The mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan blend gives it a rich, savory taste, while the crust strikes that perfect chewy-crispy balance.
Rana Black Garlic and Cheese Ravioli
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Black garlic isn't something you'd expect to find tucked inside ravioli—but that's exactly what makes Costco's Rana Black Garlic and Cheese Ravioli such a delicious surprise. Two 13-ounce packs go for $12.59, whereas the same dish will run you upwards of $20 for a single serving at most restaurants.
Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta
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The Kirkland Signature Chicken Alfredo with Penne Pasta tips the scales at over four pounds and serves around 12 servings for under $18. While the first round is smooth sailing, leftovers can get clingy—nothing a splash of milk can't fix.
A La Carte Herbes de Provence Lamb Shanks
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Lavender and lamb might sound like a fancy menu flex, but Costco's à la Carte Herbes de Provence Lamb Shanks make it doable at home. Each shank is slow-cooked and infused with thyme, honey, basil, Dijon, and lavender. A 2.5-pound package costs about $18.
Formaggio Fresh Mozzarella Salad
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Not every salad needs to be leafy to steal the show. Costco's Formaggio Fresh Mozzarella Salad features mozzarella balls soaked in a garlicky, herby marinade with a little kick from red pepper flakes. Even the oil is too good to waste—perfect for dipping or dressing. At $8.99 for a 12-ounce tub, it stacks up nicely against the plated versions at mid-range chains.
Chef Hak's Organic Roasted Rainbow Carrots
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Chef Hak's Organic Roasted Rainbow Carrots arrive already dressed in a glossy maple Dijon glaze that's equal parts sweet and tangy. Priced at approximately $14.03 for a 31-ounce package, the texture varies depending on the heating method—roasting works better than microwaving.
Kirkland Signature Wild Cooked Dungeness Crab Sections
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Cracking into Dungeness crab feels even better when it doesn't require making a reservation. Costco's Kirkland Signature Wild Cooked Dungeness Crab Sections come ready to heat straight from the Pacific Northwest. They’ll run you around $24.50 per pound, but land well below the price tags at seafood spots like The Boiling Crab, where a whole crab can run up to $69.
Kirkland Signature Wild Warm Water Lobster Tails
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Compared to Eddie V's Prime Seafood, where two 8-ounce lobster tails go for $114, Costco's Kirkland Signature Wild Warm Water Lobster Tails are a smart and tasty workaround. They clock in around $32.13 per pound and bring tender, sweet meat that stands up to broiling, steaming, or grilling without fuss.
Creamy Italian Salad Kit
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The Creamy Italian Salad Kit from Taylor Farms piles on romaine, kale, shredded carrots, and both red and green cabbage, then throws in crunchy garlic crouton crumbles. At $9.99 for a 22-ounce kit, it costs just over $1 a serving.
La Boulangerie Smoked Ham & Swiss Cheese Croissants
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La Boulangerie Smoked Ham & Swiss Cheese Croissants make for a fancy breakfast. At $12.99 for a pack of eight, you're looking at about $1.62 per croissant—a far cry from the $5.99 price tag at Starbucks for something similar. They're easy to store, fast to heat, and don't skimp on flavor.
