Costco Copycat Recipes: 17 Food Court and Bakery Favorites, Starting With That Giant Pumpkin Pie

Costco copycat recipes are the easiest way to bring the warehouse food court and bakery home, without the long checkout line or the fight for a parking spot. Every November, families carry out that giant pumpkin pie like a trophy, and a lot of us also grab a chicken bake, a muffin the size of a fist or a hot dog on the way out. These are our own homemade versions, inspired by those favorites, written with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Some are perfect for Thanksgiving, some are weeknight dinners, and a few are just fun treats for the kids. None of them are official recipes, but they hit the same cozy notes. Which one do you always grab on the way out? Keep scrolling and see if your favorite made the list..

Costco Copycat Recipes: The Giant Pumpkin Pie

The pumpkin pie is the one everybody waits for. The warehouse version is a 12-inch pie that weighs close to 3.6 pounds, and families line up for it the week before Thanksgiving. At home, the secret is a deep-dish pie plate and a little more filling than a normal recipe, so the custard stands tall and creamy. Use real cream, not only evaporated milk, for a richer bite. Bake it a day ahead and let it chill overnight, so every slice comes out clean. Will you still buy one, or bake your own this year? Keep going for more..

You will need: 1 deep-dish 10 to 12 inch pie crust, 1 can (29 oz) pumpkin puree, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 4 eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F and set the crust on a baking sheet. 2. Whisk the pumpkin, both sugars, spices and salt. 3. Whisk in the eggs, then the cream and evaporated milk. 4. Pour into the crust. 5. Bake 15 minutes, then lower to 350F and bake 55 to 65 minutes, until the center barely jiggles. 6. Cool, then chill overnight before slicing.

Costco Copycat Recipes: The Chicken Bake

The chicken bake is the food court hero that people miss most when it disappears from the menu board. It is basically a long, rolled pizza dough pocket stuffed with chicken, bacon, cheese and creamy Caesar dressing, then baked until golden. Store-bought pizza dough makes it a 30-minute dinner. Use leftover rotisserie chicken and it gets even faster. Brush the top with a little dressing and parmesan, which gives it that salty, crispy crust. One bake feeds a hungry teenager, so make four.

You will need: 1 lb pizza dough, 2 cups cooked chopped chicken, 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled), 1/2 cup Caesar dressing plus 2 tbsp for the top, 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup sliced green onion, 1/3 cup grated parmesan.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F. 2. Mix the chicken, bacon, 1/2 cup dressing, mozzarella and green onion. 3. Cut the dough into 4 pieces and roll each into a 6 by 9 inch rectangle. 4. Spoon the filling down the middle and roll it up, pinching the seams. 5. Set seam side down on a lined sheet, brush with dressing and sprinkle with parmesan. 6. Bake 18 to 22 minutes until deep golden.

Rotisserie-Style Roast Chicken at Home

That famously cheap rotisserie chicken has stayed at $4.99 for years, and it saves dinner for millions of families every week. You can make one just as juicy at home with a hot oven and a simple dry rub. The trick is salting the bird the night before, which seasons the meat all the way through and dries the skin so it turns crisp. Roast it on a rack so the heat moves all around it. Save the bones for soup. Of all the Costco copycat recipes here, this one saves the most money. Do you eat it at the table, or standing at the counter with your hands?

You will need: 1 chicken (4 to 5 lb), 1 tbsp kosher salt, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 2 tbsp melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Pat the chicken dry and rub it all over with the salt and spices. 2. Chill it uncovered overnight. 3. Heat the oven to 425F. 4. Tie the legs, brush with butter and set on a rack in a roasting pan. 5. Roast 70 to 85 minutes, until the thigh reads 165F. 6. Rest 15 minutes before carving.

Costco Copycat Recipes: Rotisserie Chicken Salad

The deli tub of chicken salad disappears fast in a lot of houses, and it is one of the best Costco copycat recipes for using up a big roast chicken. Shred the meat while it is still a little warm, so it soaks up the dressing. Keep the celery finely diced so every bite has crunch without big chunks. A spoon of sour cream next to the mayo keeps it light and tangy. Pile it on croissants for a lunch that feels like a treat, or serve it with crackers at a holiday open house.

You will need: 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken, 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp sour cream, 2 celery stalks (finely diced), 2 tbsp minced red onion, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, croissants and lettuce for serving.

How to make it: 1. Stir the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a big bowl. 2. Add the chicken, celery, onion and herbs. 3. Fold until everything is coated. 4. Chill at least 1 hour so the flavors blend. 5. Taste and add salt if needed. 6. Serve on split croissants with lettuce.

Giant Bakery-Style Blueberry Muffins

Warehouse muffins are famous for being huge, with tall, domed, sugary tops. To get that look at home, fill the muffin cups right to the top and start the bake at a high heat for the first five minutes, which makes them puff up fast. Toss the berries in a spoon of flour so they do not sink. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top gives the crunchy bakery finish. These Costco copycat recipes for muffins freeze well. Wrap them one by one and freeze them for busy school mornings.

You will need: 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup oil, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 cups blueberries tossed with 1 tbsp flour, coarse sugar for the tops.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F and line 8 jumbo muffin cups (or 12 regular). 2. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. 3. Whisk the eggs, milk, oil and vanilla, then stir into the dry mix just until combined. 4. Fold in the berries. 5. Fill the cups to the top and sprinkle with sugar. 6. Bake 5 minutes, lower to 375F and bake 18 to 22 minutes more.

Double Chocolate Muffins

The double chocolate muffin is the one kids point at through the bakery case. It is rich, soft and almost like cake, and the kids’ favorite of all the Costco copycat recipes, with chocolate chips melting in every bite. Cocoa powder and a little coffee deepen the chocolate flavor, but nobody will taste the coffee. Sour cream keeps the crumb moist for days. These are great for a holiday brunch table or a bake sale. Quick poll: A) blueberry, B) double chocolate, or C) one of each, cut in half and shared?

You will need: 2 cups flour, 2/3 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup cooled coffee, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425F and line a muffin pan. 2. Whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. 3. Whisk the eggs, sour cream, milk, oil and coffee. 4. Stir wet into dry, then fold in 1 cup of chips. 5. Fill the cups to the top and press the rest of the chips on top. 6. Bake 5 minutes, then 15 to 18 minutes at 375F.

Costco Copycat Recipes: Big Combo-Style Pizza

Food court pizza is big, thin in the middle, cheesy and cut into huge slices. At home, a sheet of store-bought dough stretched into a large round gets you close. A combo-style pie piled with peppers, mushrooms and olives is a fun way to clean out the fridge, and you can add pepperoni or sausage too. Heat the oven as hot as it will go and bake on the lowest rack for a crisp bottom. One big pie feeds a family movie night.

You will need: 1 1/2 lb pizza dough, 3/4 cup pizza sauce, 3 cups shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 1/2 cup diced bell peppers, 1/4 cup sliced black olives, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, optional pepperoni or cooked sausage, 1 tsp dried oregano.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 500F with a large pan inside. 2. Stretch the dough into a 16 inch round on parchment. 3. Spread the sauce, then the cheese. 4. Scatter the vegetables and any meat, then the oregano. 5. Slide the pizza and parchment onto the hot pan. 6. Bake 10 to 14 minutes until the crust is browned and the cheese bubbles.

The Famous Food Court Hot Dog

The food court hot dog and soda combo has cost $1.50 since 1985, a price the company has promised to keep. The good news is a great hot dog at home is also cheap. Buy all-beef franks, simmer them gently, then sear them in a skillet for a snappy skin. Warm the buns in the same pan so they get soft and toasty. Set out toppings and let everyone build their own: mustard, ketchup, relish, onions, or a zigzag of mayo like this one. It is the cheapest of our Costco copycat recipes and an easy game day dinner.

You will need: 8 all-beef hot dogs, 8 soft hot dog buns, 1 tbsp butter, mustard, ketchup, relish, 1/2 diced white onion, sauerkraut (optional), mayo (optional).

How to make it: 1. Simmer the hot dogs in water for 5 minutes. 2. Drain and pat dry. 3. Melt the butter in a skillet and sear the hot dogs, turning, until browned and blistered. 4. Open the buns and warm them cut side down in the pan for 1 minute. 5. Tuck in the hot dogs. 6. Serve with a toppings bar so everyone can build their own.

Food Court Chicken Caesar Salad

When people want something lighter after a big shopping trip, the chicken Caesar salad is the go-to. The homemade version tastes even fresher. Make a quick dressing with mayo, lemon and parmesan, so you do not need raw egg. Cut bread into long strips and toast them for crunchy croutons, like the ones in this photo. Slice the chicken warm and lay it on top right before serving. Like many Costco copycat recipes, this one doubles as a smart side for a holiday buffet.

You will need: 1 large head romaine (chopped), 2 cooked chicken breasts (sliced), 3 cups day-old bread cut into strips, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup shaved parmesan. Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/3 cup grated parmesan, 1 small garlic clove (grated), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, black pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F. 2. Toss the bread strips with oil and bake 12 to 15 minutes until crisp. 3. Whisk all the dressing ingredients. 4. Toss the romaine with most of the dressing. 5. Top with the chicken, croutons and shaved parmesan. 6. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing and serve.

Costco Copycat Recipes: Berry Sundae

The berry sundae is the cool, sweet way to end a food court lunch. At home, a quick strawberry sauce made in ten minutes makes it special. Spoon it over frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream and add fresh berries on top. Kids love a little chocolate drizzle and sprinkles, like this one, so set them out and let them decorate. Make the sauce ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Which team are you: frozen yogurt or ice cream?

You will need: 1 lb strawberries (fresh or frozen), 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water, 4 cups vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream, fresh berries, chocolate syrup and sprinkles (optional).

How to make it: 1. Chop the strawberries and put them in a small pot with the sugar and lemon juice. 2. Simmer 8 minutes, mashing a little. 3. Stir in the cornstarch mix and cook 1 minute until glossy. 4. Cool the sauce. 5. Scoop the frozen yogurt into cups. 6. Spoon over the sauce and top with berries, a drizzle and sprinkles.

Bakery-Size Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bakery cookies come in big plastic tubs, and somehow the tub is always empty by the second day. These are thick, soft in the middle and crisp at the edges. Melted butter and an extra egg yolk make them chewy. Use chopped chocolate bars as well as chips for those big melty puddles. Chill the dough for at least an hour, so the cookies do not spread too thin. Bake a tray of these Costco copycat recipes for the cookie exchange and freeze the rest as dough balls.

You will need: 1 cup butter (melted and cooled), 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 egg plus 1 egg yolk, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 3/4 cups flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, 4 oz chopped chocolate bar.

How to make it: 1. Whisk the butter and both sugars. 2. Whisk in the egg, yolk and vanilla. 3. Stir in the flour, baking soda and salt. 4. Fold in all the chocolate. 5. Chill the dough at least 1 hour. 6. Scoop 1/4 cup balls onto a lined sheet and bake at 350F for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are golden.

Tuxedo-Style Chocolate Mousse Cake

The tuxedo cake is the showpiece of the bakery case, with layers of chocolate cake and smooth mousse that look fancy on any holiday table. Our homemade version uses a boxed chocolate cake mix for the base, so you can spend your time on the mousse. Whipped cream folded into melted chocolate makes a silky layer that sets in the fridge overnight. A drizzle of chocolate on the plate makes each slice look like a restaurant dessert. Among Costco copycat recipes for the holidays, it is perfect for Christmas Eve.

You will need: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus the eggs, oil and water it asks for), 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, 2 1/2 cups heavy cream (divided), 2 tbsp powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 4 oz white chocolate, chocolate syrup for the plate.

How to make it: 1. Bake the cake in a 9 inch springform pan and cool. 2. Melt the semi-sweet chocolate with 1/2 cup cream and cool. 3. Whip 1 cup cream with the sugar and vanilla and fold into the chocolate. 4. Spread over the cake. 5. Melt the white chocolate with 1/4 cup cream, cool, and fold into 3/4 cup whipped cream, then spread on top. 6. Chill overnight before slicing.

Costco Copycat Recipes: Cheesecake With Berry Topping

Warehouse cheesecake is creamy, dense and topped with glossy fruit, and it is one of the most loved Costco copycat recipes to bake for a crowd. A water bath sounds hard, but it just means setting the pan in a bigger pan of hot water, and it keeps the top smooth. Let the cheesecake cool slowly in the turned-off oven. Spoon on a quick strawberry topping right before serving. Make it two days ahead of a holiday dinner and enjoy the free time.

You will need: Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, 6 tbsp melted butter. Filling: 4 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup sour cream, 2 tsp vanilla, 4 eggs. Topping: 2 cups sliced strawberries, 1/4 cup strawberry jam.

How to make it: 1. Press the crust into a 9 inch springform pan and bake at 325F for 10 minutes. 2. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then the sour cream and vanilla. 3. Beat in the eggs one at a time on low. 4. Pour over the crust and set the pan in a water bath. 5. Bake 60 to 70 minutes, then cool 1 hour in the closed oven. 6. Chill overnight and top with the berries tossed in warm jam.

Buttery Croissants for a Holiday Brunch Board

Those big boxes of croissants show up at almost every family brunch in December. Real laminated croissants take two days, so here is a shortcut many home bakers love: a quick butter dough that is folded a few times to make flaky layers. They will not be perfect bakery copies, but they come out golden, buttery and warm. Pile them on a board with jam, ham and cheese, and serve them next to the other Costco copycat recipes on this list. Would you try baking them, or is this the one item you always buy?

You will need: 3 1/2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup warm milk, 1 egg, 1 cup cold butter cut into thin slices, 1 egg beaten for brushing.

How to make it: 1. Mix the flour, sugar, yeast and salt, then toss in the butter slices. 2. Add the milk and egg and stir into a shaggy dough with visible butter. 3. Chill 2 hours. 4. Roll into a rectangle, fold in thirds, turn and repeat 4 times, chilling as needed. 5. Roll out, cut long triangles and roll them up from the wide end. 6. Rise 1 hour, brush with egg and bake at 400F for 15 to 18 minutes.

Family-Size Mac and Cheese

The ready-made mac and cheese trays are a lifesaver for big family dinners, and the homemade version is just as easy to bake ahead. A simple cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and a little cream cheese stays creamy even after reheating. Cook the pasta a minute less than the box says, because it keeps cooking in the oven. Add a handful of sweet corn, like this one, or crispy bacon if you like. It is the most crowd-pleasing of our Costco copycat recipes on the Thanksgiving table.

You will need: 1 lb elbow macaroni, 4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour, 3 cups milk, 2 oz cream cheese, 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp dry mustard, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 cup sweet corn (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 375F and grease a 9×13 pan. 2. Cook the pasta 1 minute short of the box time and drain. 3. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, then slowly whisk in the milk until thick. 4. Stir in the cream cheese, 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella and seasonings. 5. Fold in the pasta and corn and pour into the pan. 6. Top with the rest of the cheddar and bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly.

Costco Copycat Recipes: Chicken Pot Pie

The big deli chicken pot pie is the kind of dinner that warms the entire house on a cold night, and it is one of the easiest Costco copycat recipes to make with leftover chicken. Use a store-bought crust and a frozen vegetable mix to save time. The creamy filling is made in one pot. Cut a few slits in the top so steam can escape and the crust stays crisp. For more comfort food inspired by your favorite places to eat, see our copycat restaurant recipes.

You will need: 2 refrigerated pie crusts, 4 tbsp butter, 1 small onion (diced), 1/3 cup flour, 1 3/4 cups chicken broth, 2/3 cup milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 3 cups cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups frozen peas and carrots, 1 egg beaten.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400F and press one crust into a deep pie plate. 2. Cook the onion in the butter until soft. 3. Stir in the flour, then the broth and milk, and cook until thick. 4. Add the seasonings, chicken and vegetables. 5. Pour into the crust, top with the second crust, seal and cut slits. 6. Brush with egg and bake 35 to 40 minutes, until golden.

Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Warm churros rolled in cinnamon sugar are a food court treat kids beg for, and they are easy to make on the stovetop. The dough is cooked in a pot first, then piped through a star tip, which gives churros their ridges and crunchy edges. Fry them a few at a time so the oil stays hot, and roll them in sugar while they are still warm. A quick chocolate sauce makes them a party and a sweet end to these Costco copycat recipes. Last poll: A) plain, B) chocolate dip, or C) caramel dip?

You will need: 1 cup water, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup flour, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, oil for frying, 1/2 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon. Sauce: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/3 cup warm cream.

How to make it: 1. Boil the water, sugar, salt and butter in a pot. 2. Stir in the flour until a smooth ball forms, then cool 5 minutes. 3. Beat in the egg and vanilla. 4. Spoon into a piping bag with a large star tip. 5. Heat 2 inches of oil to 350F, pipe 5 inch lengths, and cook 2 to 3 minutes per side. 6. Drain, roll in cinnamon sugar and serve with the chocolate stirred into the warm cream.