23 Affordable Costco BBQ Foods to Save You Money

If you have been to a grocery store lately, you already know that prices are not what they used to be. Inflation has hit everything, and hosting a BBQ this summer can become more expensive than you want it to be.

But here is the thing: Costco is still one of the best places to buy BBQ foods and supplies, especially when you are buying in bulk for a cookout.

Today, I’m going over the best affordable BBQ foods you can get at Costco right now and what they cost.

Kirkland Bratwurst

Let’s start with sausages and hot dogs, because when you break down the cost per serving, this is where it’s cheaper to buy at Costco.

First up is the Kirkland Bratwurst. 14 links, 3.5 pounds, for just $11.59. When you think about how much a single pack of bratwurst at a regular grocery store runs you these days, buying in bulk here is a significant saving.

Kirkland Mild Italian Sausage

Right alongside it is the Kirkland Mild Italian Sausage. Same deal: 14 links, 3.5 pounds, for $10.99. Gluten free, no preservatives, and under $11 for 14 sausages.

That is a price you are simply not going to find at a regular supermarket right now.

Smoked Mozzarella Sausage

Now, if you want something that feels a little more special without spending a lot more, check out the smoked mozzarella sausage. 3 pounds for $14.79.

This one sounds fancy but the price point is still very reasonable, especially for what you are getting. The smoked mozzarella melts into the sausage as it grills.

Kirkland Chicken Sausage

Also worth buying is the Kirkland Chicken Sausage, packed with Parmesan and bold cracked pepper. $12.99 for 3 pounds. It is fully cooked, so it takes just minutes on the grill.

Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks

Now let’s talk hot dogs, because this is one of the clearest examples of Costco beating your grocery store on price.

The Hebrew National Kosher Beef Franks are $14.99 for 3 pounds. That is 4 12-ounce packs and 28 franks total. Kosher beef franks at that price per pound is a great deal.

Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs

But if you want the cheapest hot dogs at Costco, get the Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs. $19.99 for 4.5 pounds, that is 3 24-ounce packs of bun-sized all-beef hot dogs.

I have compared this price to multiple grocery store chains and Costco is consistently the cheapest place you will find hot dogs. When inflation has driven up the price of everything including the most basic BBQ staple, Costco is where you go to stock up and actually save.

Kirkland Ground Beef Patties

Now let’s move into burgers, because frozen burgers at a regular grocery store right now can get expensive fast. Ground beef prices have gone up significantly, which makes Costco’s bulk patty options a great deal.

The Kirkland Ground Beef Patties are $32.49 for a 6-pound bag. That is $5.42 per pound. You get 18 individual 1/3-pound frozen patties. When you do the math, you are paying just over $1.80 per patty.

Try finding that price at your local grocery store right now. These are 75% lean and 25% fat, which is the ideal ratio for a juicy, flavorful burger. And because they cook straight from frozen, there is zero waste.

Kirkland Grass Fed Beef Patties

If you prefer grass fed beef, the Kirkland Grass Fed Beef Patties are also $32.49. You get 15 1/3-pound patties, 5 pounds total. Raised without antibiotics or hormones, and when you compare that to what grass fed beef runs at specialty grocery stores, the savings are significant.

These also cook straight from frozen, which is a huge convenience when you are hosting.

Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties

And for anyone at the cookout who does not eat meat, the Beyond Burger Plant-Based Patties are $15.99 for 10 patties. No soy, no gluten, 20 grams of protein per serving.

Plant-based options have gotten really expensive at regular stores, so having a bulk option at this price point is helpful if you are trying to make sure everyone at your BBQ has something to eat.

Cello Grill Pack Cheese Slices

Every burger needs cheese, and instead of buying multiple packages of different cheeses at the grocery store, Costco makes it simple.

The Cello Grill Pack Cheese Slices are $9.99 for 2 pounds, and you get 4 varieties in one pack: pepper jack, chipotle pepper jack, Colby jack, and sharp cheddar.

Think about what you would spend buying 4 separate packages of sliced cheese at a regular store. Pre-sliced, ready to go, and they melt perfectly on a hot burger.

Kirkland Grain and Celery Salad

Now let’s talk sides, because sides are where BBQ hosting costs can quickly add up. Premade sides at the grocery store have gotten expensive, but Costco’s prepared foods section offers a lot of value.

The Kirkland Grain and Celery Salad is $4.99 a pound and a tub runs about $12. Open it, transfer it to a serving bowl, put it on the table, done. No cooking, no prep, no additional ingredients to buy.

Kirkland BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with Bacon

The Kirkland BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with Bacon is $4.49 per pound or about $18.27 per tray. Smoky BBQ chicken, creamy mac, and bacon all in one ready-to-heat tray.

Summer Fresh Tuscan Bean Salad

The Summer Fresh Tuscan Bean Salad is $9.89 for a 2.5-pound tub. A great side dish for guests who do not eat meat. Just transfer to a serving bowl and serve.

Deeamore Deviled Egg Potato Salad

For a classic BBQ side, the Deeamore Deviled Egg Potato Salad is $7.99 for a 3-pound tub.

Comfort Cuisine Cape Cod Chicken Salad

And the Comfort Cuisine Cape Cod Chicken Salad is $12.99 for a 2.5-pound tub. Put this out with crackers or bread and it stretches your spread even further.

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce

Now let’s go through condiments, because this is an area where people consistently overspend at regular grocery stores without realizing it.

Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce is $6.89 for 2 40-ounce bottles at Costco. If you have bought BBQ sauce at the grocery store recently, you know a single bottle can run you $4 or $5 on its own. Getting 2 large bottles for under $7 is a real saving.

Heinz Grill Pack

The Heinz Grill Pack is $9.49 for 4 bottles: 2 ketchup, 1 sweet relish, and 1 yellow mustard. Everything you need for burgers and hot dogs in one purchase. Buying these individually at a regular store would cost you significantly more.

Dave’s Sweet N Spicy Pickle Chips

Dave’s Sweet N Spicy Pickle Chips are $7.49 for a 64-ounce bottle. That is a massive jar of pickles for under $8. These are great on burgers, great on hot dogs, and a 64-ounce jar will last you through multiple cookouts.

Wildbrine Raw Organic Sauerkraut

If you are doing a hot dog bar, get the Wildbrine Raw Organic Sauerkraut. $9.49 for a 50-ounce tub.

Goodfoods Organic Guacamole

For chips and guacamole, Costco is again one of the best places to buy. The Goodfoods Organic Guacamole is $13.99 for a 3-pack. Each tub is 13 ounces.

If you have tried to buy guacamole at a regular grocery store lately, you know the prices have gotten out of hand.

Kirkland Organic Tortilla Chips

Pair it with the Kirkland Organic Tortilla Chips, which are $6.99 for a massive 40-ounce bag.

Martin’s Potato Bread

Let’s talk bread, because bread prices have gone up too and Costco is hands down the cheapest place to buy it.

Martin’s Potato Bread is $6.89, and you can get both the hot dog buns and the hamburger buns at that price. 16 rolls or 16 buns per pack.

Martin’s is one of the most popular bun brands out there and you are not going to find a better price on them anywhere else.

Deebee’s Organic Freezie Pops

Now let’s finish with desserts, because wrapping up a BBQ with something cold and refreshing does not have to be expensive.

The Deebee’s Organic Freezie Pops are $9.89 for 40 pops. 40. For under $10. These are shelf stable and you just freeze them at home before the party. When you break that down it is basically $0.25 per pop.

Jonny Pops

The Jonny Pops are $12.49 for 18 pops. A little more premium, a little more indulgent, and still a great value compared to what individual novelty pops cost at a regular store.

Dixie Dinner Plates

Paper plates are another bulk item I always buy at Costco. The Dixie Dinner Plates at Costco are $19.99 for 186 plates. These are big sturdy plates, over 10 inches, and you are getting almost 200 of them for $20. Buying in bulk here is just the smarter move.

Get Your FREE Meal Planner and Grocery List

Tired of wondering, “What’s for dinner?” Get your FREE one-page Weekly Meal Planner & Grocery List printable today!

Sign up once and get instant access to all the exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, simply save the file and print it out. Use it every week to plan your meals and create your grocery list with ease.