Costco is a treasure trove for party hosts and anyone who appreciates convenient, high-quality food. Among their many offerings, the ready-to-bake petit fours stand out as a versatile and elegant option for appetizers. These miniature pastries, often filled with creamy, flavorful ingredients, are incredibly easy to prepare and can be transformed into a variety of delectable appetizers with just a little creativity. This article will explore several delicious and impressive appetizer recipes you can create using Costco’s ready-to-bake petit fours, complete with detailed instructions and tips for success.
**Why Choose Costco’s Ready-to-Bake Petit Fours?**
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss why these petit fours are such a great choice for appetizers:
* **Convenience:** The most obvious advantage is their convenience. They are pre-made and ready to bake, saving you valuable time and effort, especially when you’re preparing for a party or event.
* **Quality:** Costco is known for its commitment to quality, and their petit fours are no exception. They are made with high-quality ingredients and have a delicious, consistent flavor.
* **Versatility:** Petit fours are incredibly versatile. They can be served as is, or you can get creative and add toppings, fillings, or sauces to create unique and impressive appetizers.
* **Presentation:** Their small size and elegant appearance make them perfect for serving as appetizers. They look beautiful on a platter and are easy for guests to handle.
* **Cost-Effective:** Considering the quality and convenience, Costco’s petit fours are a surprisingly cost-effective option, especially if you need to prepare a large quantity of appetizers.
**General Baking Instructions (Always Refer to Package Instructions):**
While the specific instructions may vary slightly depending on the brand and flavor of the petit fours you purchase from Costco, here are some general guidelines for baking them:
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the package. This is usually around 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare a Baking Sheet:** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the petit fours from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. **Arrange the Petit Fours:** Arrange the frozen petit fours on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. This allows for even baking.
4. **Bake According to Instructions:** Bake for the time specified on the package. This is usually around 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and heated through.
5. **Cool Slightly:** Once baked, let the petit fours cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Recipe Ideas: Elevating Your Petit Fours into Appetizer Masterpieces**
Now, let’s explore some creative and delicious appetizer recipes you can make using Costco’s ready-to-bake petit fours:
**1. Brie and Raspberry Petit Fours**
This combination of creamy brie cheese and sweet-tart raspberry jam is a classic for a reason. It’s elegant, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or vanilla flavor work best)
* Brie cheese, cut into small squares or wedges
* Raspberry jam or preserves
* Fresh raspberries (optional, for garnish)
* Honey (optional, for drizzling)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool slightly.
2. While the petit fours are still slightly warm, top each one with a piece of brie cheese.
3. Add a small dollop of raspberry jam on top of the brie.
4. Optional: Garnish with a fresh raspberry and drizzle with a small amount of honey.
5. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
* **Tips:**
* Use a good quality brie cheese for the best flavor.
* If you don’t have raspberry jam, you can use other types of fruit preserves, such as apricot or fig.
* For a richer flavor, use a honey-infused brie cheese.
**2. Smoked Salmon and Dill Petit Fours**
This appetizer is a sophisticated and flavorful option that’s perfect for a cocktail party or special occasion. The salty smoked salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy filling and the fresh dill.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work well)
* Smoked salmon, thinly sliced
* Cream cheese, softened
* Fresh dill, finely chopped
* Lemon juice
* Black pepper
* Capers (optional, for garnish)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon juice, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Spread a small amount of the cream cheese mixture on top of each petit four.
4. Top with a small piece of smoked salmon.
5. Optional: Garnish with a caper and a sprig of fresh dill.
6. Serve chilled.
* **Tips:**
* Use a high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
* If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but use less as it has a more concentrated flavor.
* For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
* You can prepare these appetizers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
**3. Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Petit Fours**
This vegetarian appetizer is packed with flavor and is perfect for a Mediterranean-themed party. The pesto and sun-dried tomatoes create a delicious and vibrant combination.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work well)
* Pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* Sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* Mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional)
* Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool slightly.
2. Spread a small amount of pesto on top of each petit four.
3. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Optional: Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.
* **Tips:**
* If using homemade pesto, make sure it’s not too oily, as it can make the petit fours soggy.
* Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
* For a vegan option, omit the mozzarella cheese.
**4. Goat Cheese and Fig Jam Petit Fours**
This appetizer offers a delightful combination of tangy goat cheese and sweet fig jam, creating a sophisticated and flavorful bite.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or vanilla flavors work best)
* Goat cheese, softened
* Fig jam or preserves
* Toasted walnuts, chopped (optional, for garnish)
* Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool slightly.
2. Spread a small amount of softened goat cheese on top of each petit four.
3. Add a small dollop of fig jam on top of the goat cheese.
4. Optional: Garnish with chopped toasted walnuts and drizzle with a small amount of balsamic glaze.
5. Serve immediately or at room temperature.
* **Tips:**
* Use a mild goat cheese for the best balance of flavors.
* If you don’t have fig jam, you can use other types of fruit preserves, such as apricot or blackberry.
* To toast the walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and fragrant.
**5. Mini Quiche Petit Fours**
Transform your petit fours into miniature quiches with savory fillings like spinach and feta or ham and cheese. This option requires a bit more preparation but offers a warm, comforting appetizer.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work best)
* Eggs
* Milk or cream
* Shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or your favorite)
* Cooked ham, diced (optional)
* Spinach, chopped (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool slightly. Hollow out a small portion in the center of each petit four, creating a well for the filling.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
3. Add your choice of fillings, such as shredded cheese, diced ham, or chopped spinach.
4. Carefully spoon the egg mixture into the hollowed-out centers of the petit fours.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set and the petit fours are golden brown.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.
* **Tips:**
* Don’t overfill the petit fours with the egg mixture, as it may overflow during baking.
* You can use a variety of fillings to customize these mini quiches to your liking.
* For a richer flavor, use cream instead of milk.
**6. Dessert Petit Fours – Chocolate Ganache and Berries**
While this article focuses on savory appetizers, let’s not forget the petit four’s potential for desserts! Elevate your dessert platter with a simple yet elegant chocolate ganache and berry topping.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (chocolate or vanilla flavors work best)
* Semi-sweet chocolate chips
* Heavy cream
* Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. Prepare the chocolate ganache: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth and glossy.
3. Dip the top of each petit four into the chocolate ganache, or drizzle the ganache over the top.
4. Top with fresh berries.
5. Let the ganache set slightly before serving.
* **Tips:**
* For a darker ganache, use dark chocolate chips.
* Add a pinch of sea salt to the ganache to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* You can also use white chocolate ganache for a different flavor profile.
**7. Bruschetta Petit Fours**
Transform the classic bruschetta into bite-sized appetizers using petit fours. This option is fresh, flavorful, and visually appealing.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work best)
* Tomatoes, diced
* Fresh basil, chopped
* Garlic, minced
* Olive oil
* Balsamic vinegar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Spoon the tomato mixture onto the top of each petit four.
4. Serve immediately to prevent the petit fours from becoming soggy.
* **Tips:**
* Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
* If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use less as it has a more concentrated flavor.
* You can add a small amount of mozzarella cheese to the tomato mixture for a richer flavor.
**8. Prosciutto and Melon Petit Fours**
This appetizer is a refreshing and elegant combination of salty prosciutto and sweet melon. It’s perfect for a summer party or brunch.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work best)
* Prosciutto, thinly sliced
* Cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cut into small cubes
* Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. Wrap a small piece of prosciutto around a cube of melon.
3. Place the prosciutto-wrapped melon on top of each petit four.
4. Optional: Drizzle with a small amount of balsamic glaze.
5. Serve immediately.
* **Tips:**
* Use high-quality prosciutto for the best flavor.
* Make sure the melon is ripe and sweet.
* You can use a toothpick to secure the prosciutto and melon to the petit four.
**9. Spicy Tuna Salad Petit Fours**
For a casual and flavorful appetizer, top petit fours with a spicy tuna salad. This option is quick, easy, and satisfying.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work best)
* Canned tuna, drained
* Mayonnaise
* Sriracha sauce
* Celery, finely chopped
* Red onion, finely chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. In a bowl, combine the tuna, mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, celery, red onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Spoon the tuna salad onto the top of each petit four.
4. Serve immediately.
* **Tips:**
* Adjust the amount of Sriracha sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
* You can add other ingredients to the tuna salad, such as diced avocado or chopped cilantro.
* For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
**10. Caprese Petit Fours**
Another simple and elegant appetizer, the Caprese Petit Four features the classic flavors of tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
* **Ingredients:**
* Costco ready-to-bake petit fours (plain or savory flavors work best)
* Cherry tomatoes, halved
* Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), small size
* Fresh basil leaves
* Balsamic glaze
* **Instructions:**
1. Bake the petit fours according to the package instructions and let them cool completely.
2. Top each petit four with a halved cherry tomato, a mozzarella ball, and a small basil leaf.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.
4. Serve immediately.
* **Tips:**
* Use good-quality balsamic glaze for the best flavor.
* If you can’t find small mozzarella balls, you can cut larger ones into smaller pieces.
**Tips for Success**
* **Don’t Overbake:** Be careful not to overbake the petit fours, as they can become dry and crumbly.
* **Let Them Cool:** Allow the petit fours to cool slightly before adding toppings or fillings, as this will prevent them from becoming soggy.
* **Get Creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your own unique appetizer recipes.
* **Presentation Matters:** Arrange the petit fours on a beautiful platter to create a visually appealing presentation.
* **Prepare Ahead:** Many of these appetizers can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve, making them perfect for busy party hosts.
**Storage Instructions**
* **Baked Petit Fours:** Store baked petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
* **Appetizers with Perishable Toppings:** Appetizers with perishable toppings, such as cheese or smoked salmon, should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours.
**Conclusion**
Costco’s ready-to-bake petit fours are a fantastic shortcut to creating impressive and delicious appetizers. With a little imagination and these simple recipes, you can transform these miniature pastries into a variety of savory and sweet treats that are sure to impress your guests. So, next time you’re planning a party or event, grab a box of petit fours from Costco and get creative! Your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.