Chefs Share Their Favorite Costco Frozen Foods They Can’t Help but Indulge In

The esteemed Chef Samin Nosrat made headlines when she heaped praise on Costco’s Kirkland Signature Organic Olive Oil.

"It’s made in Italy and is super delicious and super inexpensive," she revealed on episode 54 of the Forever 35 Podcast. "It’s really clean of impurities and it tastes really good."

Nosrat added that it has consistently ranked highly in blind tastings. Talk about an endorsement!

That inspired us to reach out to professional chefs with years of experience to share their best Costco shopping hacks, starting with frozen foods.

Premade dinners sometimes aren’t well-executed, but Rao’s Eggplant Parmesan is a home run, according to Kevin Ashton, Culinary Advisor at Restaurantji.

“The parmesan has a delicious sauce and the eggplant is good and not overly crispy,” he revealed. “I always enjoy eating it because it tastes like real food.”

This time-saver frees you up for other pressing tasks you need to focus on during the hour it takes to cook. “It is an excellent option for a delicious meal and cleanup is minimal,” Ashton added.

Kirkland Signature is known for being a great brand, and its beef meatballs are a shining example, says author and restaurant owner Chef Adonis Icalina.

“These aren’t your run-of-the-mill frozen meatballs,” he explained. “They're made from high-quality beef and seasoned just right, which gives them a rich, savory flavor.”

Icalina also appreciates their versatility and convenience. “Whether I’m using them for a classic spaghetti and meatballs, a hearty meatball sub, or even tossing them in a barbecue sauce for a party appetizer, they always hold their shape and flavor exceptionally well,” he continued.

Nic Vanderbeeken, Executive Chef of Aperitif, can’t help but extol the virtues of Kirkland Signature’s Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon.

“Being wild-caught, the flavor is robust, with a rich, firm texture that holds up beautifully whether you’re grilling, baking, or searing it,” he explained.

“The product’s consistency and availability allow me to create dishes that reflect the same standards I uphold in my restaurant, even when I’m outside of the kitchen.”

Chef Icalina also swears by this Costco mainstay. "The freshness and quality of this salmon are impressive, especially given that it’s frozen," he shared.

"It’s a reliable, healthy option that provides a rich, flavorful protein source that’s easy to prepare and versatile in the kitchen."

Everyone loves a good dumpling, and Chef Ashton is especially fond of Costco’s Bibigo Chicken and Cilantro Wontons.

“These are my favorite go-to options for a quick, delicious meal,” he revealed. “Toss them in a pan and finish with a little teriyaki sauce for the most delicious outcome.”

Ashton’s punch-up moves for this dish don’t stop there. “I love serving them with rice or vegetables,” he added. “You can also add other frozen foods, such as cauliflower rice and Kirkland Garlic Butter Shrimp, for a more fulfilling dinner.”

Everyone loves fresh, seasonal fruit, but Kirkland Signature Frozen Organic Berries hold their own, says Ranveer Brar, Chef and Owner of Kashkan Restaurants.

“This product is highly treasured by a chef like me because of its quality and convenience,” he revealed. “The berries can be put to different uses even after being stored in a fridge.”

Brar uses these berries in both sweet and savory preparations. “They form part of different meal recipes like dessert smoothies and sauces or preserves,” he continued.

“Their organic nature acts as the icing on the cake since it fits well with my sustainability agenda, which demands the utilization of top-notch ingredients.”

Kirkland Signature knocked it out of the park again with their Cheese Ravioli, per Chef Icalina.

“The ravioli are generously filled with a creamy cheese blend that offers a comforting, rich flavor in every bite,” he explained. “What I appreciate most is their texture; they're tender yet firm enough to hold up to various sauces.”

Icalina has excellent serving advice, too. “I usually serve them with a homemade marinara or a light sage butter sauce, and they taste like a restaurant-quality dish,” he added.

Comfort food for folks of all ages, Chef Ashton swears by Kirkland Signature’s Chicken Breast Chunks.

“I love chicken nuggets because they are always a great and quick dinner option to have on hand,” he shared. “You can cook the nuggets in an oven or air fryer.”

Ashton has good reason to endorse these nuggets in particular. “I don't trust chicken nuggets that are perfectly round and uniform in size,” he continued. “The 4-pound bag… contains different-sized nuggets with a nice light breading.”

It’s not just regular folks who appreciate Costco’s frozen food sections — it’s experienced chefs with global perspectives who understand the value of these ingredients.

Whether you’re using them as an ingredient or preparing an entire dinner, these products don’t disappoint.

You're sure to find inspiration in the rest of the warehouse, too, as Costco carries a wide variety of top-notch fresh, boxed, and canned foods to help you save money on groceries.