Costco’s New Grab-and-Go Snack Platters: Delicious & Easy Recipes for Every Occasion
Costco’s ever-evolving selection of grab-and-go items continues to impress, and their latest snack platters are no exception. These convenient platters offer a fantastic base for creating quick and easy meals, appetizers, or party spreads. While they are delicious on their own, with a little creativity, you can transform them into something truly special. This article dives into the wonderful world of Costco’s new grab-and-go snack platters and explores various recipe ideas, modifications, and serving suggestions to elevate your snacking game. We’ll cover several different platters, including cheese and charcuterie options, shrimp cocktail platters, and fruit and veggie selections, providing detailed steps and instructions for each recipe.
Understanding Costco’s Grab-and-Go Snack Platter Selection
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s take a look at some of the popular grab-and-go snack platters you’re likely to find at your local Costco:
* **Cheese and Charcuterie Platter:** Typically includes a variety of cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, etc.), cured meats (salami, prosciutto, pepperoni), crackers, and sometimes olives or grapes. This platter is a blank canvas for creating an elegant appetizer or a light meal.
* **Shrimp Cocktail Platter:** Features cooked shrimp served with cocktail sauce. This is a classic and refreshing option that can be easily enhanced with additional dips and garnishes.
* **Fruit Platter:** A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like melon, berries, pineapple, and grapes. Perfect for a healthy snack or a refreshing dessert.
* **Vegetable Platter:** Includes a selection of raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and broccoli florets, usually served with a dip like ranch or hummus. A great way to get your daily dose of veggies.
* **Mediterranean Platter:** This might include hummus, pita bread, olives, feta cheese, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), and various vegetables. Offers a flavorful and healthy snacking experience.
* **Salmon Pinwheel Platter:** Smoked salmon and cream cheese rolled up in tortillas, sliced into pinwheels. A tasty and elegant appetizer.
Availability may vary by location and season, so check your local Costco for the latest offerings.
Recipe Ideas and Transformations
Now, let’s explore some creative ways to transform these Costco snack platters into delicious and memorable dishes.
1. Elevated Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Transform the standard Costco cheese and charcuterie platter into a gourmet experience.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Cheese and Charcuterie Platter
* Fig jam or other fruit preserves
* Honey
* Assorted nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
* Fresh rosemary sprigs
* Dried fruit (apricots, cranberries)
* Baguette slices, toasted
* Additional cheeses (Brie, goat cheese) – optional
**Instructions:**
1. **Arrange the Platter:** Remove the items from the Costco platter and arrange them on a larger serving board or platter. This allows you to create a more visually appealing and customized spread.
2. **Add Sweet Elements:** Place small bowls of fig jam and honey on the board. These sweet elements complement the savory cheeses and meats.
3. **Incorporate Nuts and Dried Fruit:** Scatter assorted nuts and dried fruit around the board to add texture and flavor.
4. **Garnish with Rosemary:** Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the cheeses and meats for a fragrant and elegant touch.
5. **Serve with Toasted Baguette:** Arrange toasted baguette slices around the board for easy serving.
6. **Enhance with Additional Cheeses (Optional):** If desired, add other cheeses like Brie or goat cheese to expand the cheese selection.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve with a variety of wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon (for heartier meats and cheeses) or Pinot Grigio (for lighter cheeses).
* Offer a selection of olives and pickles for added flavor.
* Provide small cheese knives for easy slicing.
2. Shrimp Cocktail with a Twist
Take the classic Costco shrimp cocktail platter to the next level with homemade dipping sauces and creative garnishes.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Shrimp Cocktail Platter
* **Dipping Sauce Options:**
* Spicy Mango Salsa: Combine diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
* Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
* Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha sauce to taste.
* Lime wedges
* Cilantro sprigs
* Hot sauce (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dipping Sauces:** Make your chosen dipping sauces fresh and chill them until ready to serve.
2. **Arrange the Shrimp:** Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter, leaving space for the dipping sauces and garnishes.
3. **Add Dipping Sauces:** Place the dipping sauces in small bowls around the shrimp.
4. **Garnish:** Garnish the platter with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a pop of color and freshness.
5. **Add Hot Sauce (Optional):** Offer hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra heat.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the shrimp cocktail with chilled white wine or sparkling water.
* Provide small forks or skewers for easy serving.
* Consider serving with crudités (raw vegetables) for a lighter option.
3. Fruit Pizza from Costco Fruit Platter
Turn the Costco fruit platter into a fun and healthy dessert.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Fruit Platter
* 1 package of sugar cookies (pre-made or homemade)
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Cookie Base:** Arrange the sugar cookies on a serving platter. These will serve as the base of your fruit pizzas.
2. **Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:** In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. **Frost the Cookies:** Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over each sugar cookie.
4. **Arrange the Fruit:** Arrange the fruit from the Costco platter on top of the cream cheese frosting. Get creative with your designs! You can create patterns or simply arrange the fruit randomly.
5. **Chill (Optional):** If desired, chill the fruit pizzas for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to firm up.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the fruit pizzas as a dessert at a party or gathering.
* Offer a variety of toppings, such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts, for added flavor and texture.
* Make mini fruit pizzas using smaller cookies for individual servings.
4. Veggie Skewers with Hummus
Elevate the Costco vegetable platter with a simple and flavorful presentation.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Vegetable Platter
* Hummus (from the platter or your favorite brand)
* Wooden skewers
* Lemon wedges
* Everything bagel seasoning (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:** Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
2. **Assemble the Skewers:** Thread the vegetables onto the wooden skewers, alternating colors and textures for a visually appealing presentation.
3. **Arrange the Skewers:** Arrange the vegetable skewers on a serving platter.
4. **Serve with Hummus:** Place the hummus in a bowl next to the skewers for dipping.
5. **Garnish:** Garnish the platter with lemon wedges and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning (optional) for added flavor.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the vegetable skewers as a healthy snack or appetizer.
* Offer a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or tzatziki sauce.
* Grill the skewers for a warm and smoky flavor.
5. Mediterranean Pita Pockets
Transform the Costco Mediterranean platter into a satisfying and portable meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Mediterranean Platter
* Pita bread
* Optional additions: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cucumbers.
* Tzatziki sauce (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pita Bread:** Lightly warm the pita bread in a toaster or oven.
2. **Fill the Pitas:** Open the pita bread and fill it with hummus, olives, feta cheese, dolmas, and your choice of vegetables from the Mediterranean platter.
3. **Add Optional Ingredients:** Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or cucumbers for extra freshness and crunch.
4. **Drizzle with Tzatziki (Optional):** Drizzle with tzatziki sauce for added flavor and moisture.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the Mediterranean pita pockets immediately for the best taste and texture.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the pita pockets as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
* Wrap the pita pockets in parchment paper for a portable meal.
* Offer a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.
6. Salmon Pinwheel Bites with Dill Cream
Enhance the Costco salmon pinwheel platter with a simple and flavorful dill cream sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Salmon Pinwheel Platter
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dill Cream:** In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. **Arrange the Pinwheels:** Arrange the salmon pinwheels on a serving platter.
3. **Serve with Dill Cream:** Serve the dill cream alongside the pinwheels for dipping.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve the salmon pinwheel bites as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
* Garnish the platter with fresh dill sprigs and lemon wedges for added visual appeal.
* Serve with crackers or crostini for a heartier appetizer.
7. Spicy Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps using Charcuterie Platter
Get creative and utilize items from the charcuterie platter to make a healthy and satisfying lunch.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Cheese and Charcuterie Platter (specifically pepperoni or salami)
* 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 green onion, thinly sliced
* 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
* Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Tuna Salad:** In a medium bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, green onion, and celery. Mix well.
2. **Add Pepperoni/Salami:** Finely chop the pepperoni or salami from the charcuterie platter and add to the tuna salad. This adds a salty, savory kick.
3. **Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:** Spoon the tuna salad mixture into lettuce leaves.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a light and healthy lunch or snack.
* Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
* Serve with a side of edamame or seaweed snacks.
8. Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits Using Fruit Platter
Create a healthy and delicious breakfast or dessert using the Costco fruit platter.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Fruit Platter
* Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)
* Granola
* Honey (optional)
* Chia seeds (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Layer the Parfaits:** In individual glasses or jars, layer Greek yogurt, fruit from the Costco platter, and granola. Repeat layers.
2. **Drizzle with Honey (Optional):** Drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
3. **Sprinkle with Chia Seeds (Optional):** Sprinkle with chia seeds for added nutrients.
4. **Serve Immediately or Chill:** Serve immediately or chill for later.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert.
* Use different flavors of Greek yogurt for variety.
* Add a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent dessert.
9. Charcuterie Board Sandwiches
Use the cheese and charcuterie board components to create delicious and portable sandwiches.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Cheese and Charcuterie Platter
* Your favorite bread or rolls
* Mustard (Dijon, honey mustard)
* Mayonnaise
* Lettuce
* Tomato slices
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Bread:** Slice your bread or rolls in half.
2. **Spread with Condiments:** Spread mustard and mayonnaise on the bread.
3. **Layer with Cheese and Meat:** Layer the cheese and meats from the charcuterie platter onto the bread.
4. **Add Lettuce and Tomato:** Add lettuce and tomato slices.
5. **Close the Sandwich:** Close the sandwich and cut in half (optional).
6. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
* Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper for a portable meal.
* Grill the sandwiches for a warm and melty treat.
10. Mediterranean Salad Bowls
Create a vibrant and healthy salad using the Costco Mediterranean platter as a base.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 Costco Mediterranean Platter
* Mixed greens
* Cucumber, chopped (if not already in the platter)
* Tomato, chopped (if not already in the platter)
* Red onion, thinly sliced (if not already in the platter)
* Olive oil
* Lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Salad Base:** In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
2. **Add Mediterranean Components:** Add the hummus, olives, feta cheese, and dolmas from the Costco Mediterranean platter to the salad bowl.
3. **Dress the Salad:** Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Toss Gently:** Toss gently to combine.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a light and healthy lunch or dinner.
* Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
* Serve with pita bread for dipping.
Tips for Customizing Your Costco Snack Platters
* **Consider Dietary Restrictions:** When planning your recipes, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies among your guests. Offer gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options as needed.
* **Focus on Freshness:** Use the freshest ingredients possible to enhance the flavor and quality of your dishes. Inspect the snack platters carefully before purchasing to ensure that the produce is in good condition.
* **Think About Presentation:** Presentation is key to making your dishes look appealing. Use colorful garnishes, attractive serving platters, and creative arrangements to impress your guests.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** The best recipes often come from experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new flavor combinations and techniques to create dishes that are uniquely your own.
* **Check for Sales and Promotions:** Keep an eye out for sales and promotions on Costco’s grab-and-go snack platters to save money. You can also check online for coupons or discounts.
* **Repurpose Leftovers:** If you have any leftovers from your snack platters, don’t let them go to waste. Use them to create new dishes, such as omelets, salads, or quesadillas.
Why Choose Costco’s Grab-and-Go Snack Platters?
Costco’s grab-and-go snack platters offer several advantages:
* **Convenience:** They save you time and effort by providing a ready-made assortment of ingredients.
* **Value:** They offer a good value for the price, especially when compared to buying the individual components separately.
* **Variety:** They provide a diverse selection of flavors and textures.
* **Customizability:** They can be easily customized to suit your preferences and needs.
* **Portability:** They are easy to transport and serve, making them ideal for parties, picnics, and potlucks.
Conclusion
Costco’s new grab-and-go snack platters are a fantastic resource for creating quick, easy, and delicious meals, appetizers, and party spreads. By using a little creativity and following the recipe ideas in this article, you can transform these convenient platters into something truly special. So, the next time you’re at Costco, be sure to check out their selection of snack platters and start experimenting! Happy snacking!