Costco Memorial Day Feast: Easy & Delicious Recipes for a Crowd (Is Costco Open?)

Memorial Day is just around the corner, signaling the unofficial start of summer! It’s a time for honoring those who served, spending quality time with loved ones, and, of course, enjoying delicious food. If you’re planning a Memorial Day gathering, Costco is your one-stop shop for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. But before you head out, the big question: **Is Costco open on Memorial Day?**

**The Answer: No, Costco is typically CLOSED on Memorial Day.** It’s always a good idea to double-check with your local Costco as hours can vary slightly, but generally, you’ll need to plan your shopping trip for the day before or after. This article provides you with plenty of time to gather supplies.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: mouthwatering recipes perfect for a Costco-fueled Memorial Day celebration!

## Planning Your Costco Shopping Trip for Memorial Day

Since Costco will be closed, strategic planning is key to a successful Memorial Day feast. Here’s a checklist to get you started:

* **Make a List:** Inventory your pantry and fridge to determine what you already have. Then, create a detailed shopping list focusing on items available at Costco in bulk and those necessary for the recipes below.
* **Shop Early:** The day before Memorial Day (or even earlier in the week) will be busy. Beat the crowds by going during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings.
* **Consider Shelf Life:** Choose ingredients with a longer shelf life, especially for items like condiments, snacks, and beverages, to avoid last-minute rushes.
* **Utilize Costco’s Website/App:** Check for product availability and prices online before heading to the store. The app can also help you create and organize your shopping list.
* **Think Portion Control (Sort Of):** Remember, you’re buying in bulk! Have containers ready to divide and store leftovers to prevent food waste.

## Costco Memorial Day Recipes: Feasting Made Easy

These recipes are designed to be simple, crowd-pleasing, and leverage the bulk offerings at Costco. We’ve included estimated Costco-specific ingredient costs where applicable, but prices may vary by location.

### 1. Grilled Tri-Tip with Chimichurri Sauce

Tri-tip is a Costco staple, known for its affordability and delicious flavor when grilled properly. The chimichurri sauce adds a vibrant and zesty element that perfectly complements the beef.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Tri-Tip Roast (approximately $30-$40 per roast)
* Fresh Parsley (approx. $4)
* Fresh Cilantro (approx. $4)
* Red Onion (approx. $5 for a bag)
* Garlic (approx. $8 for a large bag)
* Red Wine Vinegar (approx. $6)
* Olive Oil (approx. $15 for a large bottle)
* Red Pepper Flakes (already have, or small container around $5)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Salt
* Black Pepper
* Dried Oregano
* Lime (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Tri-Tip:** Remove the tri-tip from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Make the Chimichurri Sauce:** While the tri-tip is resting, prepare the chimichurri. In a food processor, combine the parsley, cilantro, red onion, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped but not completely pureed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness (optional).
3. **Grill the Tri-Tip:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the tri-tip on the grill and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, creating a nice crust. Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. **Rest and Slice:** Remove the tri-tip from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
5. **Serve:** Slice the tri-tip thinly and serve immediately with a generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce.

**Tips for Grilling Tri-Tip:**

* **Don’t Overcook:** Tri-tip is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will make it tough and dry.
* **Grill Temperature:** Maintaining a consistent grill temperature is crucial for even cooking.
* **Resting is Key:** Don’t skip the resting period! It makes a huge difference in tenderness.
* **Slice Against the Grain:** Identifying the grain and slicing against it is essential for maximizing tenderness.

### 2. Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork Sliders with Coleslaw

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork is a lifesaver for easy entertaining. It’s pre-cooked and flavorful, leaving you with more time to enjoy the party. Serve it on slider buns with a tangy coleslaw for a classic Memorial Day dish.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork (approx. $20-$25)
* Slider Buns (approx. $8 for a large bag)
* Coleslaw Mix (approx. $5)
* Mayonnaise (approx. $10 for a large jar)
* Apple Cider Vinegar (approx. $5)
* Yellow Mustard (already have, or approx $4)
* Brown Sugar (already have)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Salt
* Black Pepper
* Celery Seed (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pulled Pork:** Heat the Kirkland Signature Pulled Pork according to the package instructions. This can be done in the oven, microwave, or slow cooker.
2. **Make the Coleslaw:** In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, yellow mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and celery seed (if using). Add the coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasonings to taste. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. **Assemble the Sliders:** Once the pulled pork is heated through, pile it onto the slider buns. Top with a generous spoonful of coleslaw.
4. **Serve:** Serve the pulled pork sliders immediately. These are great on their own or with a side of potato salad or chips.

**Tips for Perfect Pulled Pork Sliders:**

* **Warm the Buns:** Toast the slider buns lightly for added flavor and texture.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the pulled pork for a kick.
* **Customize the Coleslaw:** Add other veggies to the coleslaw, such as shredded carrots, red onion, or bell peppers.
* **Serve with Different Sauces:** Provide a variety of sauces like BBQ, mustard-based, or vinegar-based sauces, for guests to customize their sliders.

### 3. Shrimp Cocktail Platter

A shrimp cocktail platter is an elegant and refreshing appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Costco offers large bags of cooked shrimp that are perfect for this dish.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Cooked Shrimp (approx. $25-$35 for a large bag)
* Cocktail Sauce (approx. $8 for a large bottle)
* Lemons (approx. $6 for a bag)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Optional: Hot Sauce, Horseradish

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Shrimp:** If the shrimp is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water. Drain well.
2. **Arrange the Platter:** Arrange the shrimp around the edge of a large platter or serving dish. Place a bowl of cocktail sauce in the center.
3. **Garnish:** Garnish the platter with lemon wedges. You can also add a sprig of parsley or dill for visual appeal.
4. **Serve:** Serve the shrimp cocktail platter chilled. Offer extra cocktail sauce, hot sauce, or horseradish for guests to customize their dipping experience.

**Tips for a Stunning Shrimp Cocktail Platter:**

* **Choose the Right Shrimp:** Look for large or jumbo cooked shrimp for the best presentation.
* **Chill Thoroughly:** Ensure the shrimp and cocktail sauce are well-chilled before serving.
* **Presentation Matters:** Arrange the shrimp neatly and creatively on the platter.
* **Make Your Own Cocktail Sauce:** For an extra touch, make your own cocktail sauce by combining ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce.

### 4. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze

These Caprese skewers are a simple yet sophisticated appetizer that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Costco offers bulk containers of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and balsamic glaze, making this a breeze to prepare.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Cherry Tomatoes (approx. $7 for a large container)
* Fresh Mozzarella Balls (small, marinated bocconcini, approx. $12)
* Balsamic Glaze (approx. $10)
* Fresh Basil (approx. $4)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Wooden Skewers
* Olive Oil (optional)
* Salt
* Black Pepper

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. Drain the mozzarella balls.
2. **Assemble the Skewers:** Thread a cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a basil leaf onto each skewer. Repeat until all skewers are assembled.
3. **Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze:** Arrange the skewers on a serving platter and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil if desired.
4. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Serve:** Serve the Caprese skewers immediately or chill for later. They are best enjoyed at room temperature.

**Tips for Perfect Caprese Skewers:**

* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The quality of the ingredients is key to the success of this dish.
* **Marinate the Mozzarella:** If you can find marinated mozzarella balls, they will add even more flavor.
* **Get Creative with the Presentation:** Arrange the skewers in a visually appealing way on the platter.
* **Add a Drizzle of Pesto:** For an extra layer of flavor, add a drizzle of pesto to the skewers.

### 5. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad

This refreshing salad is the perfect complement to any Memorial Day barbecue. It’s light, flavorful, and visually stunning. Costco offers large watermelons and feta cheese in bulk, making this a cost-effective and delicious option.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Watermelon (approx. $10-$15 for a large watermelon)
* Feta Cheese (approx. $15 for a large container)
* Fresh Mint (approx. $4)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Lime Juice
* Olive Oil (optional)
* Salt
* Black Pepper

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Watermelon:** Cut the watermelon into bite-sized cubes. Remove any seeds.
2. **Crumble the Feta:** Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
3. **Chop the Mint:** Chop the fresh mint leaves.
4. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, feta cheese, and mint. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. **Serve:** Serve the watermelon, feta, and mint salad chilled. This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours.

**Tips for a Delicious Watermelon Salad:**

* **Use a Seedless Watermelon:** This will make the salad much easier to eat.
* **Chill the Watermelon:** Chilling the watermelon before cutting it will help it retain its shape.
* **Add a Balsamic Glaze:** A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to the salad.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Try adding other herbs like basil or cilantro to the salad.

### 6. Berry Trifle with Pound Cake

End your Memorial Day feast with a decadent and colorful berry trifle. Costco’s pound cake and bulk berries make this dessert easy to assemble and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

**Costco Ingredients:**

* Pound Cake (approx. $8-$10)
* Mixed Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries – approx. $15 for a large container)
* Heavy Whipping Cream (approx. $7)

**Other Ingredients:**

* Sugar
* Vanilla Extract

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Berries:** Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Wash the blueberries and raspberries.
2. **Make the Whipped Cream:** In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
3. **Assemble the Trifle:** Cut the pound cake into cubes. In a large trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, layer the pound cake, berries, and whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the bowl is full.
4. **Chill:** Cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. **Serve:** Serve the berry trifle chilled. Garnish with extra berries and a dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

**Tips for a Perfect Berry Trifle:**

* **Use a Variety of Berries:** This will add different flavors and textures to the trifle.
* **Make Your Own Pound Cake:** For an extra special touch, bake your own pound cake from scratch.
* **Add a Layer of Custard:** For a richer trifle, add a layer of custard between the pound cake and berries.
* **Use Ladyfingers:** Instead of pound cake, use ladyfingers for a more traditional trifle.

## Beyond the Recipes: Other Costco Must-Haves for Memorial Day

In addition to the ingredients for these recipes, Costco offers a wide range of other products that are perfect for a Memorial Day celebration:

* **Beverages:** Soda, juice, water, beer, wine, and spirits are all available in bulk at Costco.
* **Snacks:** Chips, pretzels, nuts, and crackers are great for snacking throughout the day.
* **Paper Products:** Plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery are essential for any large gathering.
* **Coolers:** Keep your drinks and food cold with Costco’s selection of coolers.
* **Charcoal/Propane:** Don’t forget the fuel for your grill!
* **Sunscreen:** Protect yourself and your guests from the sun.
* **Folding Tables and Chairs:** Ensure everyone has a place to sit and eat.

## Conclusion: A Memorable Memorial Day with Costco

While Costco itself is closed on Memorial Day, planning a trip beforehand allows you to take full advantage of their bulk offerings and affordable prices to create a fantastic feast for your loved ones. With these delicious recipes and helpful tips, you can host a memorable Memorial Day celebration that everyone will enjoy. Remember to shop ahead of time, get creative in the kitchen, and most importantly, take the time to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family as you honor those who have served our country.