Snag These 12 Costco Items For An Unforgettable BBQ

Memorial Day is right around the corner, and many foodies worth their salt are prepping for arguably the biggest cookout occasion of the year. Light the sparklers! Shape those burgers into patties! Cue the Google searches for "how to add chocolate to BBQ sauce" and "the 3-2-1 method for the best ribs!" Before you can get fancy with your technique and really flex those grillmaster skills, however, you need the basics: meats, condiments, and tools that will fuel your party for an unforgettable special occasion. 

Trust Costco to have everything you need for a BBQ with all the bells and whistles! The warehouse retailer isn't just your destination for cheap hot dog combos; it's also an underrated one-stop shop for the edible parts of your holiday bash (like the burgers, the glizzies, the ribs), as well as everything you need to prepare and cook said foods. The brands are nationally recognized, the prices are competitive, and the selection is popping. Basically, Costco should be your stock-up destination in advance of the big day. All pricing information is accurate as of this writing, but keep in mind that sales and warehouse availability are both subject to vary by location.

From burgers to brisket to lasagna (seriously, smoking it will make you forget your oven exists), your smoker is a BBQ MVP. Of course, you need pellets to fuel the lusciously-scented smoke, and we think that these bourbon BBQ pellets from Bear Mountain are a worthy candidate for your Memorial Day shindig. They come in a 40-pound bag, so you'll be well-stocked for even the largest party. 

Purchase Bear Mountain BBQ Bourbon BBQ Pellets for $24.99. 

Whether it's a succulent USDA Prime-grade ribeye or an underrated, cheap bavette steak, your beef needs seasoning. Some backyard grillmasters boast of mixing up their own blend of herbs and spices, but Montreal steak seasoning is an all-purpose classic for a reason: it tastes really darn good. Your burgers and filets alike will be greatly enhanced with a sprinkle — and the sheer size of this bottle ensures that there are plenty of sprinkles to be had. 

Purchase McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning for $9.49. 

Did you know that the best grilled chicken is brined and then dried? You'll need something to flip your juicy, succulent legs, thighs, and breasts over the grates, and this quintet of stainless steel tongs is up for the task. We love the idea of having enough distinct sets of implements that cross-contamination will practically never be an issue, and the silicone-lined handles ensure that they feel as nice in the hand as they look. 

Purchase the Prepworks 5-piece Heads-Up Cooking Tong Set for $29.99.

There's a reason Wagyu beef is so expensive, and you'll taste it when you sup on the dozen Kobe-style Wagyu beef patties in this box. Still not convinced? Try one of the eight bone-in ribeye steaks. Yes, this box o' frozen delights is expensive, but, for the discerning Memorial Day host with the most, it's an investment in an afternoon of grilling that friends and family are unlikely to forget anytime soon. 

Purchase the D'Artagnan Gourmet Steak & Burger Grill Pack for $429.99. 

Dipping fries into ketchup has a long history, but you also need the tomato-rich condiment for burgers, hot dogs, and perhaps steak, if your guests like to live dangerously. One thing is for sure: with this three-pack of big bottles, you'll be well-stocked with ketchup not just for Memorial Day, but July 4th, Labor Day, and all your other summer BBQs. Add some mustard and relish (also sold at Costco, naturally), and you're good to go. 

Purchase the Heinz Tomato Ketchup, 44 oz, 3-Count for $13.99. 

Who actually wants to be in the kitchen washing a mound of dirty dishes after a successful holiday BBQ? Not us. Plastic utensils are a great shortcut when dining outdoors, and, with this pack, you'll never be short a fork or spoon for shoveling in the viral deviled egg potato salad or some baked beans. The reviews for this package are stellar, too, meaning that it's a great deal on top of a major convenience. 

Purchase Kirkland Signature Cutlery, Clear, 360-count for $18.99. 

Some people drink Coke with peanuts, but no matter how you sip, there will be plenty to go around with this immense rolling cooler, which is nearly as good-looking as it is useful. It can store over 100 soda cans, has a built-in bottle opener, and comes with a handle and rolling casters so you can tote it from place to place. From wine coolers to Dr Pepper, to water bottles, your guests won't go thirsty when you load up this bad boy. 

Purchase the Permasteel 80-quart Galvanized Steel Rolling Cooler with Wheels for $149.99. 

Whether plain, BBQ, or salt and vinegar, potato chips are a gotta-have part of any worthy cookout. You can revive stale chips in the air fryer, sure — or you can avoid the issue altogether with individual snack-sized bags for your guests. These bags from the popular Miss Vickie's brand come in four flavors and are kettle-cooked for maximum crunch. Arrange these packages in a nice basket, and you won't ever have to search for a chip clip again. 

Purchase the Miss Vickie's Kettle Cooked Potato Chips Variety Pack for $21.99. 

Meatier than mere hot dogs, brats are a fab addition to your holiday BBQ. This party-sized box o' brats is labeled with the Kirkland Signature name, so you know the quality is there. Plus, with 14 links per box, you'll have enough sausages to keep hungry diners happy all afternoon long. Here's a little-known tip: boil brats (in beer!) before grilling for unbelievable flavor, and thank us later. 

Purchase Kirkland Signature Original Bratwurst, 14-count for $13.15. 

Wagyu burgers are all well and fine (better than fine, actually), but sometimes, you need a workhorse patty that's going to feed a crowd for less than your monthly car payment. This package provides 15 burgers at a generous ⅓-pound each. The grass-fed beef, raised without antibiotics or hormones, is a product you can feel positive about, plus the ratings are positive. Check out the best temperature for grilling burgers, and you're good to go. 

Purchase Kirkland Signature Grass-Fed Beef Patties for $36.88.

Do you crave the savory waft of flavor that smoking provides, but without the harsh impact of direct heat? Smoking on a cedar plank isn't just for salmon — although we really love that option! — and might be just what you need to enhance certain main dishes for your BBQ. Pick up this well-priced set of 24 total grilling planks, and you'll be well on your way to experimenting with plank smoking. Just don't forget to avoid this cedar plank grilling mistake! 

Purchase TrueFire Cedar Grilling Planks, 2-count, 12-pack for $46.99. 

There are some mistakes everyone makes when cooking short ribs, but we bet you'll do just about anything to avoid them when you get a glimpse of these juicy, meaty bison ribs. Beloved for its richer flavor, lower calories, and higher protein content than beef, bison is a splurge-worthy alternative for your BBQ that will have your guests raving. This four-pound package serves four or five people total if ribs are your main attraction. They're a bit spendy, but this is rack worthy of a special occasion.

Purchase Northfork Bison Short-Ribs for $104.99.