What’s the best one-stop-shop for 4th of July appetizers?… Costco, here we come!
When planning a party of any size, from a small get-together to a massive backyard blowout, Costco is our go-to spot to stock up on delicious favorites and all the necessary supplies. Pushing that oversized cart through the wide aisles feels like a mission, and a successful one at that. Massive bags of chips that could feed a small army? Check. Sturdy disposable cups and plates that won’t collapse under the weight of a hearty serving? Got it. Reasonably priced alcohol, from craft beers to fine wines? You know it! It’s a haven for hosts who want to impress without breaking the bank.
You can practically find anything you need for a party there, from folding tables to giant packs of paper towels for the inevitable spills. And to top it all off, the experience isn’t complete until you treat yourself to a slice of pepperoni pizza or the legendary $1.50 hot dog at the food court when you’re done shopping. It’s the perfect reward for a job well done. And as the days get longer and summer is in full bloom, many of us begin planning our Independence Day shenanigans, dreaming of fireworks, sunny skies, and of course, fantastic food.
But the best hosts know that the secret to starting a party on the right foot is offering plenty of 4th of July appetizers as soon as guests arrive. A fantastic spread of starters sets a festive mood and keeps everyone happy while the main courses are grilling. On top of all your other party-planning tasks—like curating the perfect patriotic playlist, decorating the yard, and planning the main meal—preparing an array of appetizers from scratch can make the occasion more stressful than needed. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen when they could be mingling with their friends and family.
Thankfully, Costco appetizers come to the rescue with plenty of high-quality prepared and frozen foods that will win over even the fussiest party guests. The freezer and deli sections are treasure troves of easy, elegant, and crowd-pleasing options that require minimal effort on your part. Yet, navigating the vast selection can be daunting, and not every product is worth the deeply discounted price. Some are destined for greatness, while others might fall flat.
That’s why The Price Makers went and found the 18 best 4th of July appetizers at our favorite warehouse club, doing the delicious research so you don’t have to. We’ve tasted, tested, and vetted these items to ensure they meet the high standards of a memorable celebration. So when you want to stock up for your next soiree, you know exactly which Costco appetizers will take your party to the next level and make you look like a hosting genius.
Foster Farms Buffalo Chicken Wings
Chicken wings have become rather pricey lately, which makes these fully-cooked wings from Foster Farms a major deal for any party host. But beyond saving some extra cash, these wings taste amazing and are incredibly easy to prepare. Since they’re pre-cooked, you’re really just heating them up, which is a huge time-saver. For the best results, we recommend popping them in an air fryer to get that perfectly crispy skin that every good wing needs.
They come fully cooked and are tossed in a classic tangy and spicy buffalo sauce that has just the right amount of kick to please a crowd without being overwhelming. You can also find the Sweet Chipotle BBQ flavor with this brand if you want to offer a less spicy, smokier option. Serve them with some celery and carrot sticks, and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Roasted Chicken Swiss Rollers
Pinwheels are the most delightful and visually appealing way to present an average wrap or sandwich, transforming it into a bite-sized, elegant appetizer. These Roasted Chicken and Swiss Rollers from the Costco deli are a perfect example of this. But, if you ask us, we believe you can make an entire delicious lunch out of these rollers, not just as a party appetizer! They are packed with tender roasted chicken, mild Swiss cheese, and a creamy spread, all rolled up in a soft tortilla.
To serve, simply arrange them on a platter in a circular pattern for a beautiful presentation. They require absolutely no work beyond opening the package, making them one of the easiest 4th of July appetizers you can offer. They’re a hit with both adults and kids, offering a familiar and satisfying flavor in a fun-to-eat format.
Roasted Pine Nut Hummus
Kirkland’s hummus is one of the most solid and reliable 4th of July appetizer options at Costco. It’s a wonderful, healthy-ish dip to have on hand for pita chips and fresh veggies, providing a lighter option amongst more indulgent snacks. The huge tub means you won’t run out, even with a large crowd. This isn’t just any plain hummus, either; the addition of roasted pine nuts on top adds a fantastic textural contrast and a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the entire dip.
We suggest spooning it into a decorative bowl, creating a little swirl on top with the back of a spoon, and drizzling it with some high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika for a professional touch. Set it out with a colorful array of dippers like bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, baby carrots, and pretzel thins for a vibrant and inviting display.
Caramelized Onion Dip
If we had to pick just one dip to eat for the rest of our lives, it’d surely be the caramelized onion dip from Costco. Forget the kind you make from a powdered soup mix; this is the real deal. It’s deeply savory, tangy, a little sweet from the slow-cooked onions, and incredibly versatile. This dip is rich and creamy, with an umami depth that will have your guests coming back for more. It will go well with sturdy kettle-cooked potato chips, crusty bread, hearty crackers, fresh vegetables, and anything else you can think of.
Spinach Artichoke and Parmesan Dip
And since we’re on the topic of amazing, can’t-miss dips, try to name a better, more iconic combo than spinach and artichoke. We’ll wait. It’s a party staple for a reason! This Costco appetizer dip takes the classic flavor pairing of creamy spinach and tender artichoke hearts and ups the ante with the salty, nutty flavor of delicious Parmesan cheese, making an already delightful dip even better and more complex.
It’s perfectly good served cold or at room temperature right out of the container, but if you want to be crowned the ultimate host this 4th of July, take a few extra minutes to warm it up in the oven. Spoon it into an oven-safe dish, add an extra layer of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top, and bake until it’s hot and bubbly. Serve it with toasted baguette slices or tortilla chips for a truly restaurant-worthy experience.
Coconut Shrimp With Sweet Thai Chili Sauce
Crispy? Check. Bite-sized? Obviously. Includes a sweet and spicy dipping sauce right in the box? Put it in the cart immediately! These coconut-crusted shrimp are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both a little tropical and a little bit fancy. Most Costco shoppers are huge fans of these coconut shrimp, and there’s probably a good chance your guests will be, too. The shrimp are juicy and tender, and the crunchy coconut coating provides the perfect textural contrast.
They cook up quickly in the oven or air fryer, emerging golden brown and delicious. The included Sweet Thai Chili sauce is the perfect accompaniment, offering a gentle heat and tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the fried shrimp. Garnish the platter with a few lime wedges and some chopped fresh cilantro to make it pop.
Mozzarella Sticks
Have you ever met a mozzarella stick you didn’t like? It’s a universal truth that cheese, when breaded and fried, becomes an irresistible force of nature. They’re crispy on the outside, melty and gloriously stringy on the inside, savory, and perfect for dipping. But you usually find them on county fair food stands and kids’ menus, often overlooked as a serious party appetizer.
Well, not anymore! Costco has a delicious frozen version of them, and they make for perfect 4th of July appetizers that appeal to every single generation at your party. For the crispiest results, use an air fryer. Serve them hot with a bowl of warm, high-quality marinara sauce for dipping and watch as even the most sophisticated guests can’t resist grabbing one… or five.
Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices
If you’re feeding a group of people who love fish or you simply want to add a touch of elegance to your appetizer spread, Costco’s smoked salmon variety pack is a fantastic choice. It’s the closest you can get to a pescatarian’s dream charcuterie board. This isn’t just one type of salmon; the pack often includes different cures, like traditional and gravlax-style with dill, offering a lovely variety of flavors.
Serving this is effortlessly chic. Arrange the delicate salmon slices on a platter with small bowls of capers, finely diced red onion, fresh dill, and whipped cream cheese. Add some mini bagels, crackers, or slices of dark pumpernickel bread alongside it. Place it next to a cured meat variety, and you have the perfect surf-and-turf appetizer station, thanks to Costco!
Kirkland Signature Shrimp Cocktail
No holiday gathering, be it Christmas or the Fourth of July, can be complete without a classic shrimp cocktail, right? It’s a timeless appetizer that feels celebratory and special. But what’s even better is that Costco does all the hard work for you with its deli-made version. There’s no need to buy, peel, devein, and cook the shrimp yourself. This platter is ready to serve straight from the fridge.
The shrimp are always perfectly cooked—firm but tender—and beautifully arranged on a convenient platter. It even comes with zesty lemon wedges and a tangy cocktail sauce that has a nice horseradish bite. It’s zero-effort elegance, and it’s always one of the first things to go at any party.
Fratelli Beretta Uncured Antipasto
Charcuterie and grazing boards are all the rage, and for good reason. They’re beautiful, offer variety, and encourage guests to mingle as they pick their favorite bites. You can create your own impressive grazing board and feed an entire crowd with this uncured antipasto set from Costco. It comes with a wide variety of authentic Italian cured meats including rich coppa, salty prosciutto, classic Milano salami, and slightly spicy soppressata. The quality is exceptional for the price.
Arrange these meats on a large wooden board or platter, and then fill in the gaps with cheeses, olives, nuts, and crackers—all of which you can also find at Costco! It’s a perfect addition to a 4th of July charcuterie board that looks like it took hours to assemble.
Chicken and Cheese Taquitos
We all love tacos, but for a party setting where people are standing and talking, taquitos are arguably better! These crispy, handheld snacks are filled with savory shredded chicken and melted cheese, all rolled up in a corn tortilla that fries up to be perfectly crunchy. They can be served with your favorite guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, or sour cream for an easy appetizer that everybody will love.
They may not be as traditionally “festive” as some other items on our Costco appetizer list, but they’re just as delicious and incredibly convenient. We suggest setting up a mini “taquito bar” with small bowls of various toppings so guests can customize their own. They’re a surefire hit that brings a touch of Mexican-inspired flavor to your celebration.
Cocktail Beef Franks Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Pigs in a blanket are one of America’s favorite appetizers of all time, beloved for their simple, savory goodness. But now, the humble hot dog teams up with a luxuriously buttery puff pastry for a savory, bite-sized treat that makes any party extra special. This is the elevated version of the nostalgic classic, trading the standard crescent roll dough for flaky, multi-layered puff pastry.
These little bites bake up golden and puffy, and the all-beef frank inside is juicy and flavorful. They are absolutely perfect for dipping. Set them out with an assortment of mustards—like dijon, spicy brown, and honey mustard—for a sophisticated touch. They are guaranteed to be a hit with guests of all ages.
Maryland Style Crab Cakes
Crab cakes are usually a fancy appetizer you’d order at a nice seafood restaurant. But the high-quality shellfish from Costco, packed with generous chunks of real crab meat, will take your Independence Day party to the next level. These cakes are seasoned beautifully in the classic Maryland style, with just enough binder to hold them together without masking the sweet flavor of the crab.
The only potential downside is that this package only gives you six large cakes for around $26, which makes it somewhat expensive if you’re hosting a large gathering. However, you can easily slice them into halves or quarters after cooking to make them more of a bite-sized appetizer. Serve them warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a dollop of remoulade or tartar sauce for a truly memorable bite.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapenos
Wrapping anything in bacon immediately wins over many folks, and these jalapeño poppers are no exception. They are the perfect trifecta of flavors and textures: the slight heat from the jalapeño, the cool creaminess of the cheese filling, and the salty, smoky crunch of the bacon wrapper. They are an absolute flavor explosion in every bite.
Making them from scratch usually involves the tedious and sometimes painful process of deseeding fiery peppers, stuffing them… and remembering not to rub your eyes for the rest of the day. So, this Costco appetizer is perfect because it does all the hard work for you. Just bake them until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted, and you have a nearly perfect appetizer ready to go.
Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Tray
Ok folks, let’s be honest: Most people hosting a party don’t have time to slice a dozen types of cheese and artfully arrange fruit on top of everything else they’ve got going on. And fortunately, Costco gets it. They understand the host’s plight and have created the ultimate shortcut to an elegant spread.
So they made a gorgeous, ready-to-go spread with everything you need for a delicious meat and cheese board. These trays typically include cubes of cheddar, colby jack, and swiss, alongside sliced salami and prosciutto, and are often rounded out with fresh grapes and sometimes even almonds or crackers. Grab one… or more, remove the plastic lid, and you’ll have all you need to set up your food table in seconds. It’s an instant party.
Seasoned St. Louis Ribs
A full rack of ribs is typically considered a whole meal. But when you slice the rack into individual ribs, they can absolutely serve as a hearty and satisfying appetizer. These pre-seasoned St. Louis style ribs from the meat department are a carnivore’s dream. They’re fatty, rich, fall-off-the-bone tender, and full of delicious smoky and sweet seasoning.
Costco comes to the rescue again with these, but there’s only one big issue you need to be prepared for: they’re the messiest thing you’ll ever eat, in the best way possible. So you better stock up on lots of napkins and maybe even some wet wipes if you plan on serving these.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Did you think delicious, perfectly cooked bacon-wrapped scallops were limited to fancy restaurant menus or wedding cocktail hours? Well, think again! This is another appetizer that feels incredibly luxurious but is deceptively simple to make, thanks to Costco. They have a box of deliciously pre-rolled frozen appetizers where sweet, plump sea scallops are lovingly wrapped in a slice of savory bacon.
You just have to pop them in the oven or air fryer for a bit before upgrading your 4th of July party. They bake up beautifully, with the bacon crisped and the scallop cooked to tender perfection. Your guests will think you spent a fortune and a ton of time, but it’ll be our little secret.
Kirkland Signature Seasoned Rotisserie Chicken
This might seem like an odd choice for an appetizer list, but if you have a bit of extra time to prepare your appetizers and are particularly frugal, you should pick up one of the warehouse club’s famous seasoned rotisserie chickens. At just $4.99, it’s arguably the best deal in the entire store and a phenomenal starting point for a delicious meal or several easy appetizers.
The possibilities are nearly endless. You can shred the meat and make a quick rotisserie chicken salad to serve on crackers or mini croissants. Mix the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing for a classic, addictive Buffalo chicken dip. Or, use the chicken to make mini quesadillas, cutting them into wedges for easy-to-handle bites. From no-bake pizza to chicken-stuffed mushrooms, plenty of easy, fast, and affordable appetizers use this year-round deal. Plus, it tastes delicious!
So what do you think of these 4th of July appetizers from Costco? This list is your ticket to a less stressful, more delicious holiday celebration. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you’ve ever served them at any of your parties. We’d love to hear your experiences! And let our community of readers know if you can think of any other must-have Costco appetizers you’d recommend. What’s your secret weapon from the warehouse club for easy entertaining?
In the meantime, if you enjoyed this article and are already planning your next Costco run, we highly recommend also reading: 19 Healthy Costco Food Items That Will Give You the Biggest Bang for Your Buck. It’s the perfect guide for stocking your pantry with healthier staples to balance out all those delicious party snacks!
