As a self-proclaimed Costco superfan and pizza aficionado, I‘ve spent an embarrassing amount of time studying the art and science of securing the perfect Costco pizza. After years of trial and error (and maybe a few too many slices), I‘ve cracked the Costco pizza code.
Today, I‘m sharing my ultimate guide to ordering Costco pizza like a pro, from a retail industry expert and unapologetically picky shopper. We‘ll dive deep into the logistics of how to order, when to order, and even some insider hacks to level up your Costco pizza game. Hungry? Let‘s get into it.
Why Is Costco Pizza So Popular?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ordering, let‘s talk about why Costco pizza has achieved cult status. What makes this $9.95 pizza so special?
It‘s Massive (and Massively Cheap)
The first thing you need to know about Costco pizza is that it‘s huge. Like, comically huge. A single Costco pizza measures 18 inches in diameter, which is substantially larger than the typical 14-inch large pizza at most chains.
To put that in perspective, an 18-inch pizza has nearly 65% more surface area than a 14-inch pizza. In pizza terms, that‘s a lot more cheesy real estate for your buck.
Speaking of buck, the price is the other major selling point. At just $9.95 for a cheese or pepperoni pizza, Costco‘s pizza is one of the best values in the fast food universe. Considering the sheer size and ingredient quality (more on that later), it‘s a mind-blowingly good deal.
Here‘s how Costco‘s whole pizza pricing stacks up against other major pizza chains‘ large sizes:
| Chain | Large Pizza Price | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | $9.95 | 18 inch |
| Domino‘s | $13.99 | 14 inch |
| Pizza Hut | $14.99 | 14 inch |
| Papa John‘s | $15.99 | 14 inch |
As you can see, Costco‘s pizza is not only significantly larger, but also 30-40% cheaper than the competition. That‘s a whole lot of pizza prowess.
Fresh, Quality Ingredients
Of course, price means nothing if the pizza tastes like cardboard. Fortunately, Costco doesn‘t skimp on ingredient quality.
According to Costco employees I‘ve spoken to, the pizza dough is made fresh in-store daily. The cheese is 100% real aged parmesan and mozzarella, with no fillers or additives. The sauce is made from scratch using vine-ripened California tomatoes. Even the pepperoni is top-notch – Costco uses premium Rosa Grande pepperoni with a real kick of flavor.
What‘s more, Costco is incredibly generous with their toppings. Each pizza uses 24 ounces (1.5 pounds) of cheese blend and 60 slices of pepperoni. Having watched the pizza assembly process myself, I can attest that Costco does not skimp. Every pizza is piled high with toppings edge-to-edge.
The result is a pizza that tastes remarkably fresh and flavorful, especially given the price point. The crust has a satisfying chew and crisp exterior, the sauce is bright and savory, and the toppings are applied with a heavy hand. While it may not win any artisanal pizza awards, it‘s an undeniably tasty pie.
Consistency and Convenience
Another reason for Costco pizza‘s popularity is its sheer consistency. No matter which Costco location you visit, you know exactly what you‘re getting with their pizza. The taste, size, and pricing are reliable from store to store.
This consistency is thanks to Costco‘s highly standardized food court operations. All the dough is made from the same recipe using the same industrial mixer. Pizzas are stretched using a dough sheeter for uniform thickness. Toppings are portioned using scales for accuracy. Pizzas are baked in a high-heat rotating oven for even browning on all sides.
This rigorous process ensures every Costco pizza meets the same high standard. For large group gatherings or parties, that consistency is invaluable. You know a Costco pizza will feed a crowd without any surprises.
Plus, the convenience of getting pizza at the same place you buy paper towels in bulk cannot be overstated. The Costco food court has a captive audience of hungry shoppers. Being able to grab a pizza on the way out is a major selling point, especially for families or those short on time.
Costco Pizza‘s Massive Popularity, By the Numbers
Just how popular is Costco pizza? Let‘s look at some staggering statistics:
- Costco sells an estimated 100 million pizzas globally per year (Source)
- If Costco was a pizza chain, it would be the 15th largest in the US (Source)
- Pizzas account for $1 billion of Costco‘s annual food court sales (Source)
- Costco is the 14th largest pizza chain in the world by sales (Source)
- "Costco pizza" has an average of 201,000 Google searches per month (Source)
Clearly, Costco pizza is big business. For context, if Costco spun off its pizza operation, it would be a Fortune 500 company on its own. Not too shabby for a warehouse store side hustle!
Costco Pizza Ordering Options
Alright, now that we‘ve established Costco pizza‘s epic popularity, let‘s talk about how to actually get your hands on a slice (or ten). You‘ve got two main options:
1. In-Person at the Food Court
The most straightforward way to order Costco pizza is to simply visit your local Costco food court. Most Costco locations have a dedicated food court area, usually near the front of the store by the exit.
Walk up to the counter, place your order with the cashier, pay and wait for your pie. Pizzas are made fresh to order, so expect to wait 10 to 15 minutes during slower times, or up to 25 minutes during peak hours.
Keep in mind that food court lines can get long, especially on weekends or during the lunch rush. If possible, try to visit during off-peak hours like mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays.
2. Call Ahead for Pickup
If you want to minimize your wait time, you can call ahead to place your pizza order for pickup. This allows you to bypass the main line and grab your pizza from the pickup window.
To place a call-ahead order, simply call your local Costco food court and tell them what you‘d like. The phone number should be listed on Costco‘s website under the warehouse details.
Now, here‘s the tricky part – how far in advance should you call? Too early and your pizza may be cold by the time you get there. Too late and you‘ll still end up waiting. As a frequent Costco pizza orderer, here‘s what I recommend:
- Call at least 45 minutes to an hour ahead during peak times (weekends, holidays, lunch/dinner rush)
- Call 30 to 45 minutes ahead during normal weekday hours
- Call 20 to 30 minutes ahead during slow times (weekday mornings/afternoons)
Of course, these are just general guidelines. Your local Costco‘s food court may have slightly different wait times based on their staffing and demand. When in doubt, it‘s better to place your order a bit earlier than later. You can always kill time browsing Costco‘s bulk snacks while you wait!
Costco Pizza Ordering Tips and Hacks
Want to make the most of your Costco pizza experience? Try these tips and tricks from a seasoned pro:
Get a Custom Pizza
Did you know you can order custom pizzas beyond just cheese and pepperoni? While Costco‘s menu board only shows the basics, you can actually request any combination of toppings you‘d like.
Want a sausage and green pepper pie? Just ask! Craving extra cheese or sauce? They‘ll do that too. Custom orders may take a few extra minutes, but it‘s worth it to get exactly what you want.
Order a Deli Pizza Instead
Another insider hack is to skip the food court entirely and head to Costco‘s deli section instead. Many Costco locations sell 16-inch "take and bake" pizzas in their refrigerated deli case.
These pizzas are slightly smaller than the food court version, but also a few dollars cheaper at around $7 each. You do have to bake them yourself at home for 10-15 minutes, but you‘ll avoid the food court line and have more control over the cooking process. Deli pizzas come in cheese, pepperoni, or combo varieties.
Reheat Like a Pro
Costco pizza is undeniably best eaten fresh from the oven. But let‘s be real – with a pizza that big, you‘ll probably have leftovers.
For optimal reheating, skip the microwave (unless you want a soggy mess) and use the oven. Preheat to 425°F, place pizza slices on a baking sheet, and heat for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Reheated correctly, Costco pizza tastes nearly as good as new.
Get Pizza Delivered Via Instacart
While Costco sadly doesn‘t offer its own delivery, you can use a service like Instacart to get Costco pizza delivered to your doorstep. Instacart shoppers will go to Costco, place your pizza order, and bring it to you.
Fair warning: this option comes at a premium. You‘ll pay Instacart‘s delivery and service fees in addition to the cost of the pizza itself. But if convenience is king, it‘s nice to have the option available. Just remember to tip your delivery driver well!
Costco Pizza Nutrition Facts
Before we wrap up, I‘d be remiss not to mention the nutritional impact of chowing down on a Costco pizza. Here are the nutrition facts for one slice (1/6th pizza):
- Calories: 760
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 1,500mg
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 36g
Yeah…it‘s not exactly health food. Eating a whole Costco pizza is the equivalent of consuming over 4500 calories, 216 grams of fat, and 9000mg of sodium. That‘s two and a half times the recommended daily calorie intake!
Of course, everything in moderation. Indulging in a couple Costco pizza slices now and then isn‘t the end of the world. But it‘s definitely not an everyday kind of meal, unless you‘re Michael Phelps in training.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – the ultimate guide to Costco pizza from a true superfan. With a little advance planning and strategic know-how, you can enjoy one of the best pizza values around without wasting half your day in line.
Whether you‘re feeding a hungry family, supplying an office party, or just catering to your own Costco pizza craving, I hope these tips and insights help you order with confidence. Trust me – your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have an important date with a pepperoni slice and a Kirkland Signature margarita. Until next time, my fellow Costco pizza fans!
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