Shopping at Costco means entering a treasure trove of the essentials in the kitchen. From massive cans of fresh vegetables and fresh fruits to gourmet foods that one normally only finds at specialty stores, it’s an arena where professional cooks and avid home cooks base on quality for a reasonable price. The bulk packaging may be annoying at first glance, but to the regular cook, the foods are not just convenient, they’re indispensable.
Chefs in particular have their favorites, items they buy again and again because they know the flavors, textures, and flexibility can’t be beat. Whether it’s pantry basics, high-quality proteins, or international specialties, Costco’s offerings often rival and sometimes surpass what you’d find at boutique markets.
Here are 14 staples chefs swear by from Costco, and why they deserve a permanent spot in your own kitchen.
1. Garlic
Garlic is one of those foods that would rather stay in the background of preparing many meals. It is sold at Costco in large, big bags ideal for anyone who consumes garlic on a daily basis. Fresh garlic is every chef’s friend because it can turn even the most mundane dish, such as boiled potatoes or sautéed greens, into something fragrant and comforting. With bulk buying, there is no rationing of the cloves or substituting with pre-minced. The fresh, sharp zip of Costco’s garlic makes your sauces, soups, and marinades always begin with a robust base of flavor.
2. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
If there is one pantry staple always being sung by chefs, it is Costco’s organic extra-virgin olive oil. Kirkland’s is relied upon not just for its value but also for its quality and purity. Sweet, slightly peppery, and smooth, it’s wide enough in appeal that it can be drizzled over salad, roasted vegetables, or used as a finishing sauce on pasta. For chefs, big bottles mean freedom to cook without concern for cost. Home cooks enjoy the benefits, too, with the quality being equivalent to what would be found at upscale specialty stores at a fraction of the cost.
3. Maple Syrup
Costco’s real maple syrup is far, far more than a breakfast food. Chefs use it as a sweetener to add depth to both the dessert and the savory courses. It’s not just for pancakes, though it does turn them into an entirely new level of delicious. It’s particularly wonderful in salad dressing, meat glazes, and sweet baked goods. Its rich, caramel flavor releasing depth that white sugar cannot. A large jug on the shelf guarantees there is always some to employ in experiment baking muffins or to mix up a sweet-tart marinade for salmon.
4. Prosciutto
For charcuterie fans, Costco prosciutto is a find. Thinly cut, salty, and delicate, it provides that true Italian flavor without the pricey tag of hip stores. Chefs love it not just for boards and hors d’oeuvres but as a component in cooked dishes. Rolled up with asparagus, served on sandwiches, or as a substitute for bacon, it provides the upscale touch. Since Costco is selling it in bulk, there’s no shame in getting creative without getting too crazy price-wise per slice.
5. Smoked Salmon
Another favorite among chefs is Costco’s smoked salmon. It’s admired for being absolutely balanced with smoky and buttery flavors, and it’s a round-the-clock protein that adds just a little bit of greatness to yesterday’s dinner’s meal. It’s a brunch favorite on a bagel, but it’s also rolled up in scrambled eggs, salad, or pasta. For parties, it’s practically foolproof on crackers with a squeeze of lemon, it’s gourmet-looking and -tasting without much effort. The pre-sliced containers are convenient and easy to store and serve, making it decadent and convenient.
6. Rotisserie Chicken
It is no secret that few Costco products have gone cult like as far as the $4.99 rotisserie chicken. Chefs rave about it as a trusted shortcut ingredient. Prepared with just the right amount of juice and perfectly flavored, it can be eaten on its own or shredded and used in soup, salad, and tacos. The bonus is what’s left stuck on the bones, which provide a tasty stock. This can be one shopping trip to the market that can serve as the base for numerous meals. For busy career individuals or family members who require dinner on the table in a jiffy, it’s a blessing.
7. Mozzarella Snack Packs
Quality and convenience collide in Costco mozzarella snack packs. Chefs view them as more than a quick grab; they’re kitchen companions. Top with cherry tomatoes and basil for an instant Caprese, or melt on flatbreads for a straightforward appetizer. Portioned packaging keeps them fresh and at-the-ready, and it’s easy to grab a healthy protein-fortified bite.
8. Parmigiano Reggiano
Any kitchen of any chef would be bare without Parmigiano Reggiano, and Costco sells this Italian staple in bulk. The “king of cheeses,” nutty, salty, umami flavor adds depth to many foods. Shaved over salads, sprinkled over pasta, or tossed into risotto, it takes the mundane to heights of transcendence. And purchasing in bulk also allows the big wedge to be stored in the pantry for weeks and shaved over dishes when a strong finishing note is required.
9. Oat Beverage
With more and more individuals depending on dairy alternatives, Costco’s oat beverage has found favor among chefs who serve multicultural clients. Rich and taste-brief, it’s perfect for frothing into latte, use in cakes, or adding substance to sauces. Shelf life stability provides it with an advantage of bulk stock inventory, and viscosity maintains the dishes at the correct consistency without even realizing the taste adjustment. For most, it’s a plant-based norm that functions as well as milk.
10. Kewpie Mayonnaise
Japanese standard Kewpie mayonnaise has a cult following among food enthusiasts globally. Its smooth texture and hint of sweetness set it apart from plain old mayonnaise. Costco offers in bulk packaging to see you through endless experiments. It’s a sneaky addition to sandwiches, a dip foundation, and a sushi roll flavor enhancer, roasted vegetable, or fried chicken. Many home cooks go to Kewpie to make lackluster dishes must-haves.
11. Croissants
The Costco bakery case is full of gems, but the croissants receive the critics’ five-star ratings. Flaky, buttery, and available only in dozens, they’re as tasty as pastries served at trendy cafes. Perfect for breakfast, they also make great sandwiches split, topped with ham and cheese, or as decadent bread pudding. Since they’re so cheap, they’re a guilt-free luxury that offers something pleasant to have on hand for company or lazy Sunday mornings.
12. San Marzano Tomatoes
Not canned tomatoes – there is a difference between San Marzano and canned tomatoes, and Costco imports it in bulk. Produced in Italy, these are sweeter, naturally low-acid tomatoes that make an excellent base for sauces. From braised meat to marinara, they’re a pantry mainstay that adds some real flavor. With them on hand, you can make your own sauce on the spur of the moment without trading off quality. For most chefs, they’re the only canned item they’d most like to have available.
13. Cookbooks
Besides the groceries, Costco is surprising chefs with its evolving selection of cookbooks. They’re not filler – they’re inspiration and personal development. From a celebrity chef’s fresh recipes to a comprehensive study of regional cooking, these books inspire and enhance knowledge. For the amateur chef, they’re cheap ways of bringing restaurant-quality inspiration into the home kitchen. It’s a reminder that Costco is not just bulk staples but also inspires culinary passion.
14. Discovery of the Joy of Cooking
Maybe the most underappreciated aspect that chefs adore about Costco is the discovery aspect. The store is constantly introducing new condiments, oils, and international products that inspire creativity. A trip might result in a new recipe, another might discover an ingredient that is now a household staple. For chefs, the discovery aspect makes shopping fun and cooking engaging. It’s not about pinching pennies it’s about opening doors to new experiences and flavors.
Costco has evolved beyond the warehouse club. To chefs and foodies, it’s an old buddy in the kitchen. Items such as olive oil, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano are the building blocks of most meals, while treats such as prosciutto, smoked salmon, and croissants elevate dining at home to gourmet proportions. Toss in surprise and inspiration on a daily basis from cookbooks, and it’s not surprising that pros come back time and time again.
In every aisle, Costco offers not just food, but possibilities. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner or experimenting with new recipes, these chef-approved staples ensure you’re never short on flavor, quality, or inspiration.
