Costco Christmas Feast: Recipes, Prep Tips & Navigating Holiday Hours

Christmas is a time for joy, family, and, of course, a delicious feast. Planning a Christmas dinner can be daunting, especially when you’re hosting a large crowd. Costco can be a lifesaver, offering bulk ingredients and prepared foods at competitive prices. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating a memorable Costco Christmas dinner, including recipe ideas, preparation tips, and crucial information about Costco’s holiday hours.

## Navigating Costco’s Christmas Hours

Before diving into the culinary delights, it’s essential to know Costco’s operating hours during the Christmas season. Knowing these hours will help you plan your shopping trips efficiently and avoid last-minute rushes.

* **Christmas Eve:** Costco typically closes earlier than usual on Christmas Eve. Check your local Costco’s website or call ahead to confirm the exact closing time. Generally, expect them to close around 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
* **Christmas Day:** Costco is **closed** on Christmas Day. This is consistent across all locations, allowing employees to spend the holiday with their families.
* **Day After Christmas (December 26th):** Costco usually resumes normal operating hours the day after Christmas. However, it’s always a good idea to verify the hours with your local warehouse, as some locations may have slightly adjusted schedules.

**Pro Tip:** The weeks leading up to Christmas are the busiest shopping days at Costco. To avoid long lines and crowded aisles, try to shop early in the morning or during weekdays. Consider using Costco’s online ordering service for non-perishable items to save time.

## Costco Christmas Dinner: Recipe Ideas & Preparation Tips

Now, let’s explore some delicious and easy-to-prepare recipes using ingredients and prepared items readily available at Costco. We’ll cover appetizers, the main course, side dishes, and desserts, ensuring a well-rounded and impressive Christmas feast.

### Appetizers

Kick off your Christmas dinner with flavorful appetizers that will tantalize your guests’ taste buds.

1. **Spinach Artichoke Dip with Crostini:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Artichoke Hearts, Kirkland Signature Frozen Spinach, Parmesan Cheese, Cream Cheese, Baguette.
* **Other Ingredients:** Mayonnaise, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Thaw and squeeze the frozen spinach to remove excess water.
2. Chop the artichoke hearts.
3. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, artichoke hearts, softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
7. While the dip is baking, slice the baguette into thin rounds and brush with olive oil. Bake in the oven until lightly toasted and golden brown to make crostini.
8. Serve the spinach artichoke dip hot with the crostini.

2. **Shrimp Cocktail:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Cooked Shrimp, Cocktail Sauce.
* **Other Ingredients:** Lemon wedges.
* **Instructions:**
1. Thaw the Kirkland Signature Cooked Shrimp according to the package instructions.
2. Arrange the shrimp around the rim of a serving bowl.
3. Place the cocktail sauce in the center of the bowl.
4. Garnish with lemon wedges.
5. Serve chilled.

3. **Caprese Skewers:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Fresh Mozzarella Balls (e.g., BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella Snacking Cheese), Grape Tomatoes.
* **Other Ingredients:** Fresh Basil Leaves, Balsamic Glaze.
* **Instructions:**
1. Thread a mozzarella ball, a grape tomato, and a basil leaf onto a skewer.
2. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
3. Arrange the skewers on a platter.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
5. Serve immediately.

### Main Course

Choosing the main course is crucial for a successful Christmas dinner. Costco offers several options, from roasted turkey to prime rib.

1. **Roasted Turkey Breast:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Boneless Turkey Breast.
* **Other Ingredients:** Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Herbs (e.g., Thyme, Rosemary, Sage).
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Remove the turkey breast from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
4. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
5. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.
6. Add about 1 cup of chicken broth to the bottom of the pan (this helps keep the turkey moist).
7. Roast for approximately 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve with your favorite gravy and side dishes.

2. **Prime Rib Roast:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Prime Rib Roast.
* **Other Ingredients:** Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme.
* **Instructions:**
1. Let the prime rib roast sit at room temperature for about 2 hours before cooking.
2. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
3. In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme.
4. Rub the mixture all over the prime rib roast.
5. Place the roast in a roasting pan with the bone side down.
6. Roast for 15 minutes per pound.
7. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting for another 10-12 minutes per pound for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F).
8. Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
9. Serve with au jus or your favorite sauce.

3. **Honey Baked Ham:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Spiral Ham.
* **Other Ingredients:** Honey, Dijon Mustard, Brown Sugar (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan.
3. In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar (if using). This will create a glaze.
4. Brush the glaze all over the ham.
5. Cover the ham with foil.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
7. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
8. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
9. Serve warm.

### Side Dishes

A Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a variety of delicious side dishes. Costco offers plenty of options to complement your main course.

1. **Mashed Potatoes:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Potatoes (e.g., Russet or Yukon Gold), Butter, Heavy Cream.
* **Other Ingredients:** Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
2. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
5. Add butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using).
6. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve hot.

2. **Green Bean Casserole:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Canned Green Beans, French Fried Onions.
* **Other Ingredients:** Cream of Mushroom Soup, Milk, Soy Sauce, Black Pepper.
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, and black pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Bake for 20 minutes.
5. Top with French fried onions and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown.
6. Serve hot.

3. **Stuffing:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Bread Cubes (e.g., croutons), Chicken Broth.
* **Other Ingredients:** Butter, Onion, Celery, Sage, Thyme, Salt, Pepper, Eggs (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Melt butter in a large skillet.
2. Add chopped onion and celery and cook until softened.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sautéed onion and celery, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken broth and eggs (if using) and mix well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Serve hot.

4. **Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Brussels Sprouts.
* **Other Ingredients:** Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Balsamic Glaze, Parmesan Cheese (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
3. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve hot.

5. **Cranberry Sauce:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Fresh Cranberries.
* **Other Ingredients:** Water, Sugar, Orange Zest (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Combine cranberries, water, sugar, and orange zest (if using) in a saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened.
4. Let cool slightly before serving.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

### Desserts

No Christmas dinner is complete without a selection of delectable desserts. Costco offers a variety of options, from pies to cheesecakes.

1. **Pumpkin Pie:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie.
* **Other Ingredients:** Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Remove the pumpkin pie from the refrigerator.
2. Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (if using).

2. **Apple Pie:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Apple Pie.
* **Other Ingredients:** Vanilla Ice Cream or Caramel Sauce (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Remove the apple pie from the refrigerator.
2. Warm up slices in the microwave or oven.
3. Serve with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce (if using).

3. **Cheesecake:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Cheesecake.
* **Other Ingredients:** Fresh Berries, Chocolate Sauce, or Caramel Sauce (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator.
2. Slice and serve with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel sauce (if using).

4. **Chocolate Brownies:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Kirkland Signature Brownies.
* **Other Ingredients:** Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, or Chocolate Sauce (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Remove the brownies from the packaging.
2. Cut into squares.
3. Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce (if using).

5. **Gingerbread Cookies:**

* **Costco Ingredients:** Gingerbread Cookies (seasonal item, check availability).
* **Other Ingredients:** Icing, Sprinkles, Candies (optional).
* **Instructions:**
1. Purchase pre-made gingerbread cookies from Costco.
2. Decorate with icing, sprinkles, and candies (if desired).
3. Serve as a festive treat.

## Planning and Preparation Tips

To ensure a stress-free Christmas dinner, consider the following planning and preparation tips:

* **Make a List:** Create a detailed shopping list of all the ingredients and supplies you need from Costco. Categorize the list by department to make your shopping trip more efficient.
* **Shop Early:** Avoid the last-minute rush by shopping at Costco well in advance of Christmas. This will also give you time to prepare some dishes ahead of time.
* **Prep Ahead:** Many side dishes and desserts can be made a day or two in advance. This will free up your time on Christmas Day.
* **Delegate Tasks:** Don’t be afraid to ask family members or friends to help with the cooking or preparation. This will make the process more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
* **Consider a Buffet:** For a large gathering, consider setting up a buffet-style dinner. This will allow guests to serve themselves and reduce the pressure on the host.
* **Set the Table:** Set the table the night before to save time on Christmas Day.
* **Clean as You Go:** Keep your kitchen clean and organized by washing dishes and wiping down surfaces as you go.
* **Relax and Enjoy:** Remember that the most important thing is to spend time with your loved ones and enjoy the holiday. Don’t stress too much about perfection.

## Vegetarian/Vegan Options at Costco

If you have vegetarian or vegan guests, Costco offers several options to accommodate their dietary needs. Here are some ideas:

* **Vegetarian Main Course:** Consider a vegetarian lasagna, a stuffed butternut squash, or a mushroom Wellington.
* **Vegan Main Course:** Consider a lentil loaf, a vegan shepherd’s pie, or a stuffed bell peppers.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Side Dishes:** Many of the side dishes mentioned above can be adapted to be vegetarian or vegan. For example, you can make mashed potatoes with plant-based milk and butter or prepare a green bean casserole with vegetarian cream of mushroom soup.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Desserts:** Costco often carries vegan cookies or pies. You can also make your own vegan dessert using ingredients from Costco, such as tofu-based cheesecake or a fruit crumble.

## Conclusion

With careful planning and strategic shopping at Costco, you can create a memorable and delicious Christmas feast without breaking the bank. Remember to check Costco’s holiday hours, prepare ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most importantly, relax and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Merry Christmas and happy cooking!