Unlocking Costco Pizza: Slices, Serving Sizes, and Delicious Recipes
Costco pizza. The mere mention of it conjures images of colossal pies, cheesy goodness, and unbelievable value. It’s a staple for parties, family gatherings, or even just a satisfying weeknight meal. But one question consistently arises: How many slices are actually in a Costco pizza? And how can you make the most of those slices? This ultimate guide will not only answer that burning question but also provide you with serving size suggestions, creative recipe ideas, and tips for storing and reheating your Costco pizza masterpiece.
## The Big Question: How Many Slices in a Costco Pizza?
The answer is (drumroll please)… **12 slices**. Yes, each massive Costco pizza is pre-cut into 12 generous slices. These aren’t your average, dainty pizza slices; they’re sizable portions that pack a serious flavor punch. Knowing this is crucial for planning your servings and ensuring you have enough (or not too much!) for your hungry crowd.
## Understanding Serving Sizes: How Much Pizza Per Person?
Determining the right amount of pizza to order depends on several factors, including the number of people you’re feeding, their appetites, and whether you’re serving other dishes alongside the pizza.
Here’s a general guideline to help you estimate:
* **Adults with average appetites:** 2-3 slices per person
* **Adults with larger appetites:** 3-4 slices per person
* **Children:** 1-2 slices per person
**Example Scenarios:**
* **Feeding 4 adults with average appetites:** You’ll need approximately 8-12 slices, which is most of a Costco pizza.
* **Feeding 6 adults with average appetites and serving a side salad:** You might be able to get away with 10-14 slices (just over a whole pizza).
* **Feeding 4 adults and 4 children:** You’ll likely need around 12-16 slices (more than one pizza, or supplement with sides).
**Important Considerations:**
* **Sides:** Are you serving appetizers, salads, or desserts? These can reduce the amount of pizza each person consumes.
* **Activity Level:** Are you feeding athletes or people engaged in physical activity? They’ll likely require larger portions.
* **Pizza Variety:** If you’re ordering multiple pizzas with different toppings, people might want to try a slice of each, leading to increased consumption.
## Beyond the Slice: Creative Recipes Using Costco Pizza
While Costco pizza is delicious on its own, there are countless ways to transform it into even more exciting and flavorful dishes. Here are some recipe ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
### 1. Pizza Frittata
Turn leftover Costco pizza into a hearty and satisfying breakfast or brunch dish. This frittata is a great way to use up pizza slices that might otherwise go to waste.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 slices of Costco pizza, cut into small pieces
* 6 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: chopped vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms), shredded cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the chopped pizza and any optional vegetables or cheese.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
### 2. Pizza Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Combine two comfort food classics into one irresistible sandwich. This pizza grilled cheese is a fun and easy way to elevate your lunch or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of Costco pizza
* 2 slices of bread (sourdough or Italian bread work well)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Top with the two slices of pizza, crust-side to the outside.
4. Place the second slice of bread, butter-side up, on top of the pizza.
5. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Slice in half and serve immediately.
### 3. Pizza Nachos
Transform Costco pizza into a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game-day snack. These pizza nachos are quick, easy, and totally customizable.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 slices of Costco pizza, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 bag of tortilla chips
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional toppings: pepperoni, olives, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the tortilla chips on a baking sheet.
3. Top with the pizza pieces and shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Add any optional toppings.
5. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve immediately with sour cream and salsa, if desired.
### 4. Pizza Soup
A surprisingly delicious and comforting soup that captures the flavors of pizza in a warm and inviting bowl. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pizza and create a unique and satisfying meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of Costco pizza, crusts removed and chopped
* 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheese, croutons, fresh basil
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, oregano, and basil.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add the chopped pizza and stir until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, croutons, and fresh basil, if desired.
### 5. Pizza Stuffed Peppers
Take the flavors of pizza and stuff them into bell peppers for a healthy and flavorful meal. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables and create a satisfying and colorful dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
* 4 slices of Costco pizza, chopped
* 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
* 1/2 cup marinara sauce
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional toppings: chopped vegetables (onions, peppers, mushrooms), pepperoni
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pizza, cooked rice or quinoa, marinara sauce, and any optional toppings.
3. Stuff the bell pepper halves with the pizza mixture.
4. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Let cool slightly before serving.
### 6. Pizza Quesadillas
A quick and easy meal or snack that combines the flavors of pizza and quesadillas. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pizza and create a satisfying and customizable dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of Costco pizza
* 2 large flour tortillas
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
**Instructions:**
1. Lay one tortilla flat on a cutting board.
2. Top with the pizza slices, cheese-side up.
3. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
4. Top with the second tortilla.
5. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Cook the quesadilla for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
### 7. Pizza Egg Rolls
A fun and unexpected way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a crispy and portable package. These pizza egg rolls are a great appetizer or snack for parties and gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of Costco pizza, chopped
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 package egg roll wrappers
* 1 egg, beaten
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped pizza and shredded mozzarella cheese.
2. Place an egg roll wrapper on a flat surface.
3. Spoon a small amount of the pizza mixture onto the center of the wrapper.
4. Fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll up tightly from the bottom to the top.
5. Brush the top edge of the wrapper with beaten egg to seal.
6. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and pizza mixture.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fry the egg rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
10. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
### 8. Pizza Pasta Bake
Combine the best of pizza and pasta into one comforting and satisfying bake. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pizza and create a hearty and crowd-pleasing meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4-6 slices of Costco pizza, cut into small pieces
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or ziti work well), cooked according to package directions
* 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
* 1 cup ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stir in the chopped pizza.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.
### 9. Pizza Crescent Rolls
A fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a flaky and buttery crescent roll. These pizza crescent rolls are a great appetizer, snack, or lunchbox treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of Costco pizza, chopped
* 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated crescent roll dough
* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Optional: pizza sauce for dipping
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
3. Spoon a small amount of the chopped pizza onto each triangle.
4. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Roll up the triangles starting at the wide end.
6. Place the crescent rolls on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Serve warm with pizza sauce for dipping, if desired.
### 10. Pizza Salad
A refreshing and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a light and vibrant salad. This recipe is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 slices of Costco pizza, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 4 cups mixed greens
* 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
* 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/4 cup Italian dressing
* Optional: croutons, Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and red onion.
2. Add the pizza pieces.
3. Drizzle with Italian dressing and toss to combine.
4. Top with croutons and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
5. Serve immediately.
## Storing Leftover Costco Pizza: Keeping it Fresh
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality and flavor of your leftover Costco pizza. Here are some tips:
* **Cool completely:** Allow the pizza to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the crust soggy.
* **Wrap tightly:** Wrap individual slices or the entire pizza in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Make sure the wrapping is airtight to prevent the pizza from drying out.
* **Refrigerate promptly:** Refrigerate the wrapped pizza within two hours of cooking. This prevents the growth of bacteria.
* **Use airtight containers:** For optimal storage, consider placing the wrapped pizza in an airtight container. This provides an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.
## Reheating Costco Pizza: Restoring the Crispy Goodness
Reheating Costco pizza can be tricky, as it’s easy to end up with a soggy or rubbery crust. Here are several methods to help you achieve the best possible results:
* **Oven:** This is generally considered the best method for reheating pizza, as it helps to restore the crust’s crispness.
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crispy.
* **Skillet:** This method is great for reheating individual slices and can create a crispy crust.
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the pizza slice in the skillet.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy.
4. For extra crispness, you can add a few drops of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid for the last minute of cooking.
* **Microwave:** While not the ideal method for achieving a crispy crust, the microwave is the quickest option for reheating pizza.
1. Place the pizza slice on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
3. To prevent the crust from becoming too soggy, you can place a paper towel under the pizza slice.
* **Air Fryer:** The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating pizza, as it can create a crispy crust without using a lot of oil.
1. Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the pizza slice in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crispy.
## Conclusion: Costco Pizza – A Versatile and Delicious Staple
Costco pizza is more than just a convenient and affordable meal; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Knowing that there are 12 slices in each pizza is the first step. Then understanding how to calculate serving sizes will make sure everyone is happy. Finally you can use some of the recipes here to transform those slices into entirely new dishes. From frittatas to quesadillas, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you’re faced with a Costco pizza, don’t just eat it – elevate it! With a little imagination and these helpful tips, you can unlock the full potential of this iconic warehouse staple and create memorable meals for yourself, your family, and your friends.