Is the Costco Combo Pizza Making a Comeback? Recipes and Reminiscing!
For years, Costco’s combo pizza was a beloved staple, a post-shopping treat that many considered the perfect reward for navigating the warehouse aisles. Its disappearance from the food court menu left a void, a cheesy, pepperoni-and-veggie-laden absence that resonated deeply with Costco members. Now, whispers and rumors are circulating – could the combo pizza be making a triumphant return? While Costco has yet to officially confirm its comeback, the buzz is enough to reignite our love for this iconic pizza and inspire us to recreate its magic at home.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and allure of the Costco combo pizza, dissect what made it so special, and, most importantly, provide you with detailed recipes and instructions to craft a similar masterpiece in your own kitchen. Whether the real deal returns or not, you can still enjoy the flavors you crave.
The Legend of the Costco Combo Pizza
The Costco combo pizza wasn’t just a pizza; it was an experience. After battling the crowds and loading up your oversized cart, the promise of a hot, generously topped slice was a beacon of hope. The combination of pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, all atop a slightly sweet, chewy crust and a tangy tomato sauce, created a symphony of flavors that was both satisfying and familiar. It was cheap, it was huge, and it was consistently delicious.
What made it so popular? Several factors contributed to its legendary status:
* **Value:** Costco is known for offering great value, and the combo pizza was no exception. For a relatively low price, you got a massive slice that could easily feed two people.
* **Taste:** The combination of toppings was perfectly balanced. The savory meats, the slightly bitter vegetables, and the sweet sauce created a complex and addictive flavor profile.
* **Convenience:** It was readily available at the food court, making it the perfect grab-and-go meal.
* **Consistency:** Every slice was virtually identical, ensuring a consistent and predictable experience.
* **Nostalgia:** For many, the combo pizza was associated with happy memories of family shopping trips and weekend errands.
When Costco removed the combo pizza from its menu, replacing it with other options, a collective groan was heard across the Costco-loving community. Petitions were started, online forums were filled with lamentations, and the search for a suitable replacement began.
The Rumor Mill: Is a Comeback Imminent?
Recent sightings and online discussions have fueled speculation about a possible return of the combo pizza. Reports of test locations offering a “deluxe” pizza with a similar topping combination have ignited hope among loyal fans. While Costco has remained tight-lipped, the persistence of these rumors suggests that the company is at least considering bringing back the beloved pizza. Keep an eye on Costco food court updates and social media channels for any official announcements.
Recreating the Costco Combo Pizza at Home: Recipes and Techniques
Whether or not the Costco combo pizza makes its official return, you can still enjoy a similar flavor profile by making your own version at home. Here are a few recipes and techniques to help you recreate that iconic pizza experience:
Recipe 1: The Classic Combo Pizza Clone
This recipe aims to replicate the original Costco combo pizza as closely as possible. It focuses on using high-quality ingredients and following similar techniques to achieve the authentic taste and texture.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough:**
* 3 1/2 cups (440g) bread flour
* 1 teaspoon (3g) instant dry yeast
* 1 1/2 teaspoons (9g) salt
* 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **For the Sauce:**
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* **For the Toppings:**
* 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
* 1/2 pound pepperoni, sliced
* 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
* In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, instant dry yeast, and salt. Mix well.
* Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
* Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
* In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
* Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.
* Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Assemble the Pizza:**
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
* Punch down the risen dough and divide it in half (or keep it whole for one extra large pizza). Shape each half into a round pizza base on a lightly floured surface or pizza peel.
* Spread a generous amount of the tomato sauce over the pizza dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
* Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
* Top with the cooked sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
* If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
4. **Bake the Pizza:**
* Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place it on a baking sheet if you don’t have a pizza stone).
* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe 2: The Quick & Easy Combo Pizza
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a combo pizza but don’t have a lot of time. It utilizes store-bought pizza dough and pre-cooked ingredients to speed up the process.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
* 1 (15 ounce) jar pizza sauce
* 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled
* 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
* 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1/4 red onion, chopped
* 4 ounces sliced mushrooms
* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven.
* Stretch or roll out the store-bought pizza dough to your desired size and shape.
2. **Assemble the Pizza:**
* Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
* Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
* Top with the cooked sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms.
* Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the toppings.
* Optional: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
3. **Bake the Pizza:**
* Carefully transfer the pizza to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Recipe 3: The Gourmet Combo Pizza
This recipe takes the classic combo pizza to the next level with gourmet ingredients and sophisticated flavors. It’s perfect for a special occasion or when you want to impress your guests.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Dough:**
* Use the dough recipe from Recipe 1, or use a high-quality store-bought dough.
* **For the Sauce:**
* 1 (28 ounce) can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Pinch of red pepper flakes
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Toppings:**
* 1/2 pound sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
* 1/4 pound pepperoni, thinly sliced
* 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
* 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
* 4 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 4 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
* 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:**
* Follow the instructions for preparing the dough in Recipe 1, or use your preferred store-bought dough.
2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
* In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
* Stir in the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
* Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
* Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Prepare the Sausage:**
* In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
* Drain off any excess grease.
4. **Assemble the Pizza:**
* Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C) – or as high as your oven will safely go. If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
* Stretch or roll out the dough to your desired size and shape.
* Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border for the crust.
* Sprinkle the fontina cheese over the sauce.
* Top with the cooked sausage, pepperoni, green bell pepper, red onion, and cremini mushrooms.
* Arrange the fresh mozzarella slices over the toppings.
* If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. **Bake the Pizza:**
* Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or place it on a baking sheet).
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Combo Pizza
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the pizza will taste. Opt for good quality sausage, pepperoni, cheese, and tomatoes.
* **Don’t Overload the Pizza:** Too many toppings can make the crust soggy and prevent the pizza from cooking evenly. Use a moderate amount of each topping.
* **Preheat Your Oven Properly:** A hot oven is essential for achieving a crispy crust. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the pizza. A pizza stone helps achieve an extra crispy crust.
* **Use a Pizza Peel:** A pizza peel makes it easy to transfer the pizza to and from the oven. If you don’t have a pizza peel, you can use a rimless baking sheet.
* **Let the Pizza Cool Slightly Before Slicing:** This will allow the cheese to set and prevent it from sliding off when you slice the pizza.
* **Experiment with Different Toppings:** Feel free to customize the toppings to your liking. Try adding different types of vegetables, meats, or cheeses.
* **The Sauce Matters:** Using a high-quality tomato sauce or making your own from scratch will greatly improve the overall flavor of the pizza. San Marzano tomatoes are often recommended for a richer, sweeter sauce.
* **Cheese Selection:** While mozzarella is the classic choice, consider using a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Provolone, fontina, or even a touch of Parmesan can add depth.
* **Consider the Crust:** The crust is the foundation of the pizza. Whether you prefer a thin and crispy crust or a thicker, chewier crust, choose a recipe that suits your taste. Experiment with different types of flour, such as bread flour or 00 flour, to achieve different textures.
Beyond the Basic Recipe: Variations and Additions
Once you’ve mastered the basic combo pizza recipe, you can start experimenting with variations and additions to create your own unique masterpiece. Here are a few ideas:
* **Spicy Combo Pizza:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the pizza with jalapeño peppers or spicy sausage.
* **Veggie-Loaded Combo Pizza:** Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, olives, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
* **Meat Lover’s Combo Pizza:** Add extra meats such as bacon, ham, or ground beef.
* **Hawaiian Combo Pizza:** Add pineapple and Canadian bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
* **BBQ Chicken Combo Pizza:** Use BBQ sauce instead of tomato sauce and top with grilled chicken, red onion, and cilantro.
* **Pesto Combo Pizza:** Use pesto instead of tomato sauce and top with sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and goat cheese.
The Verdict: Combo Pizza, Here We Come (Eventually)!
Whether the Costco combo pizza makes its official return or not, the spirit of this iconic pizza lives on in our memories and in the delicious homemade versions we can create in our own kitchens. By following these recipes and tips, you can enjoy the flavors of the combo pizza whenever you crave it. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be enjoying a slice of the real deal once again. Until then, happy pizza making!
So keep your eyes peeled for any official announcements from Costco, and in the meantime, fire up your ovens and get ready to recreate a little bit of pizza history. Your homemade combo pizza awaits!