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Heading for the first tailgate of the season? Well, forget your fancy charcuterie boards and artisanal cheese spreads. Let's be honest – who has time to fuss with elaborate snack recipes when you could be perfecting your corn hole toss or debating the merits of ketchup versus mustard with your fellow fans?
I've scoured the aisles of my fave grocer, Costco, and emerge victorious with a lineup of ridiculously easy, ridiculously delicious, and ridiculously affordable bites that will make you the undisputed king or queen of the tailgate. So grab your giant shopping cart, your membership card, and your appetite. It's time to stock up!
Scroll on for the 9 best Costco appetizers to bring to this season's tailgates!
Costco
Kirkland Signature Beef Franks
Forget your average hot dogs. These bad boys are substantial, flavorful, and perfect for grilling up a storm. Load them into some buns with all the fixings, or slice them up for mini hot dog bites. Kirkland does most things right, and beef franks better than most!
Costco
Ling Ling Potstickers
These are a tailgate game-changer. They cook up quickly on a griddle or even in a slow cooker (if you're feeling pressed for time). Serve them with the included dipping sauce, or whip up your own sweet and spicy concoction, but why bother when the stuff that comes with them is so good?
Costco
Aidells Chicken & Apple Smoked Sausage
For a slightly healthier (but still incredibly delicious) option, these sausages are fantastic. They're fully cooked, so all you need to do is heat them through. Slice them up and serve them with toothpicks, or tuck them into mini buns. Use them chopped up on kabobs with your favorite veggies on the grill to make them pop!
Costco
La Terra Fina Spinach Artichoke & Parmesan Dip
This creamy, cheesy dip is a crowd-pleaser every single time. Serve it hot with tortilla chips, pita bread, or even fresh veggie sticks. It's so good, you should buy two: one for the party and another as a reward for all the hard work you did getting ready for it!
Costco
Bibigo Fully Cooked Mini Wontons
Similar to potstickers but even smaller and quicker to prepare, these mini wontons are ideal for a grab-and-go tailgate snack. Fry them up for a crispy exterior, or steam them for a softer bite.
Costco
Kirkland Signature Meatballs
These pre-cooked meatballs are a tailgate staple. Toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce, a sweet and sour sauce, or even a simple marinara, and keep them warm in a slow cooker. Instant crowd-pleaser! Keep the rolls for meatball sammies on standby!
Costco
Kirkland Signature Street Taco Kits
While not strictly an appetizer, the Costco street taco kits offer incredible versatility for feeding a larger group. You can set up a mini taco bar with the included tortillas, meats, and toppings, letting everyone build their perfect bite-sized tacos. Fiesta!
Costco
Kirkland Signature Frozen Shrimp Cocktail Platter
Elevate your tailgate with this impressive (and surprisingly easy) platter. The shrimp are pre-cooked and ready to serve with cocktail sauce. It adds a touch of class without any extra effort.
Costco
Cuisine Adventures Mini Quiches
These bite-sized quiches are perfect for an early game day or a more sophisticated tailgate spread. They bake up quickly in a portable oven or even on a grill in an aluminum pan, offering a savory, flaky treat. Be sure you lift your pinky finger when you're feasting!
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