Costco Shoppers Share Their Genius Food Court Hacks
Parade aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Costco’s food court is practically a rite of passage. You walk through aisles lined with jumbo muffins, rotisserie chickens and enough cheese to fill a small fridge, and then, after loading your cart to the brim, you reward yourself with the ultimate treat: a cheap but delicious meal that never disappoints. Whether it’s the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo or a massive slice of pizza, the food court has earned cult status among shoppers who swear it’s the best value in town. But according to Costco fans, the menu you see isn’t the limit. There’s a whole secret world of food court hacks that take these classics to genius levels, and shoppers are sharing their secrets for the best Costco food court hacks.
Pizza Hacks Worth the Membership
A Reddit thread recently revealed the creative lengths Costco fans will go to level up their food court favorites , especially that cheesy, gooey pizza. One shopper explained they plan to top a slice with Costco rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce for a smoky twist that rivals restaurant-quality barbecue pizza. Others swear by sprinkling on crumbled bacon or pineapple, insisting, “someone PLEASE BELIEVE ME, it’s delicious!!”
Another popular upgrade is TOOM, Costco’s cult-favorite garlic dip. Fans claim it transforms the crust into “really good garlic bread,” making every bite taste fresh from an Italian restaurant. If garlic’s not your thing, you can also elevate your slice with Montreal steak seasoning, pesto or even a dollop of Bitchin’ Sauce from the refrigerated section. A few users suggest going gourmet with smoked salmon or prosciutto, proving that Costco’s pizza can be as fancy as you want it to be.
Related: Costco Fans Are Losing it Over This ‘Genius’ Food Court Hack That ‘Tastes Like Fall’
Even reheating gets an upgrade. Instead of microwaving leftover slices, one fan shared that tossing them on a cast iron pan with ghee or tallow makes the crust crispy on both sides without drying out the cheese. For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes and fried jalapeños are top picks, while others swear by a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a tangy touch.
Creative Combos Beyond Pizza
The innovation doesn’t stop at pizza. Fans are also finding clever ways to remix other food court staples . Some swear by adding sauerkraut to the hot dog for a tangy, German-style twist, while others mix the food court’s onions, ketchup, mustard and relish into what they call “ Costco kimchi ,” a hack that originated from Korean Costcos and is meant to be eaten on top of hot dogs or alongside pizza.
You can take things even further with items from the warehouse shelves. Shoppers have experimented with artichoke hearts, olives or prosciutto for a Mediterranean touch, or gone all out with Kirkland charcuterie meats and Parmesan cheese to turn an $1.99 slice into a gourmet meal.
It’s this combination of affordability and creativity that keeps Costco’s food court so beloved. The menu may be simple, but the possibilities are endless, and fans are more than happy to share their delicious discoveries. Whether you’re a classic pepperoni loyalist or a DIY pizza innovator, one thing’s certain: no Costco trip is complete without a stop at the food court.
Related: This Sweet New Costco Sundae Is the Talk of the Food Court
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Food & Drink section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
