Everything You Need to Know About Costco Pizza: Sizes, Prices, Toppings, Ordering, and More
Precision dough prep and robot sauce dispensers guarantee every slice’s crunch and melt.
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Everything You Need to Know About Costco Pizza
Costco’s pizza is more than just a convenient food court snack—it’s a cult favorite among price-savvy shoppers and pizza fans alike. Whether you’re grabbing a hot, oversized slice after shopping or planning a pizza party with a massive pie, Costco’s pizza offers unbeatable value, satisfying flavor, and legendary status among food court eats. This comprehensive guide will answer all your burning questions about Costco pizza: what kinds you can get, how much it costs, how to order, why fans obsess over the lost combo pizza, and more.
Table of Contents
- How Big Is a Costco Pizza?
- Kinds of Costco Pizza: Current and Legendary Flavors
- How Much Is a Costco Pizza?
- Ordering Costco Pizza: Tips and Tricks
- Costco Food Court Pizza Hacks
- The Saga of the Combo Pizza
- Costco Frozen Pizza: Not Just the Food Court
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Big Is a Costco Pizza?
Size matters at Costco: their pizza comes in one massive size only. Each whole pizza measures a whopping 18 inches in diameter, making it one of the biggest, and most affordable, pies you can buy from any major retailer.
- Number of slices: A whole Costco pizza is cut into 12 large slices. The food court staff use a special double-pass cutter: first into 6 big slices, then cut each in half again for 12 generous pieces.
- Great for groups: The large size makes these pizzas a hit for gatherings, events, office parties, or hungry families needing an easy meal.
In short, one Costco pizza can easily serve 4-6 hungry people.
Kinds of Costco Pizza: Current and Legendary Flavors
Costco keeps the pizza menu simple, but it hasn’t always been that way. Here’s what you’ll find in the food court today, and a look back at the much-loved favorite from the past.
- Cheese Pizza: Classic, kid-approved, vegetarian option loaded with mozzarella and a robust tomato sauce.
- Pepperoni Pizza: All the stretch of the cheese pizza, plus a generous layer of thick-cut, spicy pepperoni slices.
- Half-and-Half: If you’re ordering a whole pizza, most food courts will do a half cheese, half pepperoni by request—best of both worlds.
Flashback: The Combo Pizza
- What was the combo? The legendary combo pizza included sausage, pepperoni, green bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, black olives, and extra cheese. It was the supreme pizza option at Costco for many years.
- Why was it discontinued? The combo pizza was removed in 2020, officially due to menu simplification and supply chain challenges at the start of the pandemic. The removal disappointed countless fans—so much so that petitions and social media campaigns sprang up demanding its return.
- Will it ever come back? Despite rumors and fan outcry, as of now, the combo pizza remains an unreplaced legend. Watch for any menu changes or additions in your region, as Costco occasionally tests new products inspired by fan favorites.
How Much Is a Costco Pizza?
One of the biggest reasons Costco pizza is so beloved: the price can’t be beat—especially for the size and quality.
| Item | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Whole 18″ Pizza | $9.95 | 12 large slices |
| Single Slice | $1.99 | Slice is slightly larger than 1/12 of a pie |
- A slice costs less than most fast food burgers, and a whole pie costs about the same as two pizzas from many chain restaurants—yet feeds more patients per pizza.
- Slices are served extra-large in the food court—so you get more for your buck!
Note: Prices may vary slightly by location or region.
Ordering Costco Pizza: Tips and Tricks
Buying Costco pizza couldn’t be easier, but a few insider strategies can help you get your pizza fast, fresh, and just the way you want it:
- Order at the food court: Slices and whole pies are available during food court hours. Whole pies may require a short wait (typically 10-15 minutes) if they’re not hot and ready.
- Call ahead: Many Costco food courts let you order whole pizzas by phone. Call your local warehouse a half hour before to avoid waiting in line.
- Know the cutoff: Food courts usually stop taking pizza orders 30 minutes before closing.
- Special requests: Half-and-half (cheese/pepperoni) is doable, but extra toppings (like loaded veggies or meats) are not available, since the supply chain and kitchen setup focus on simplicity and quick service.
Costco Food Court Pizza Hacks
Regulars know a few tricks to make their pizza purchase even better:
- Ask for a “well-done” pie if you like your crust extra crispy. Many food courts will comply if they’re not too slammed.
- Napkin hack: The slices are hot and gooey—with lots of cheese that can escape. Ask for extra napkins, or use your own plate if you’re dining in the car.
- Pair with food court sides: The combo of a pizza slice with a $1.50 hot dog and soda is a classic post-shopping meal.
- Bulk order for parties: Order ahead if you need 3+ pizzas for a party or event (and get ready for envious guests).
While secret menu items (like adding extra cheese or custom toppings) aren’t official, fans online are always sharing creative ways to enjoy their slices, from folding pizza around a hot dog to adding condiments like mustard or onions from the hot dog bar.
The Saga of the Combo Pizza
The combo pizza isn’t just a pie—it’s a Costco legend. Fans everywhere lament its removal and keep the conversation alive with petitions, social media posts, and fond memories.
- What made the combo so special? The abundance of toppings made the combo unique among warehouse pizzas: a real hit for veggie and meat lovers alike.
- Why did Costco drop it? Official statements cite the need to simplify food offerings and resolve supply chain issues during the 2020 crisis. Many fans hope it will return—but nearly four years later, it’s still missing in the U.S. food court.
- Could it return? Every time a new pizza concept or topping is mentioned (such as a new “combo calzone” recently seen in select regions), fans wonder if it’s a sign. Keep an eye on your regional food court menu!
Costco Frozen Pizza: Not Just the Food Court
If your favorite pizza isn’t available hot in the food court, Costco’s frozen aisle delivers plenty of delicious options to take home—and fans have strong opinions about the best picks.
- Pizza Roncadin Mushroom & Truffle Pizza: This European import is a standout in Reddit threads and fan forums—garlic sauce, seasoned mushrooms, and black truffle sauce atop a wood-fired crust. Sold in convenient 3-packs.
- Soppressata, Bacon, and Mushroom: Another Pizza Roncadin flavor, featuring tomato sauce and a richer meat profile.
- Fans’ hacks: Many shoppers add extra cheese, kale, chicken, or even drizzle with BBQ sauce to personalize their frozen pizza at home.
Don’t forget, the frozen aisle regularly rotates offerings, so keep an eye out for new flavors and limited-time deals. Prices generally range from $10 to $15 for multi-packs.
Secrets Behind Costco’s Addicting Pizza
What makes Costco pizza so irresistible? It’s partly the unbeatable value, but there’s also science and mechanical precision behind every pie:
- Automated Pizza Prep: Dough is portioned and pressed in a dedicated machine, ensuring uniform thickness and shape every time.
- No Air Bubbles: A dough docker rolls over each pie, poking tiny holes to prevent big air bubbles during baking, which keeps the crust crisp.
- Robot Sauce Dispensers: Yes—Costco’s kitchen has a real-life robot that spreads sauce in a perfect spiral. This means every inch of the crust is evenly seasoned, and every pizza comes out with the same flavor profile.
- Freshness Guarantee: Each 18-inch pizza bakes in just six minutes. Slices that sit for more than an hour are replaced—so your pizza is never stale.
The result: a melty, chewy, crispy, cheesy crowd-pleaser that customers return for again and again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many slices are in a Costco pizza?
Each whole Costco pizza is cut into 12 large slices. Slices purchased individually at the food court are cut slightly larger than one-twelfth of a whole pie.
How much does a whole pizza or a single slice cost at Costco?
A whole 18-inch pizza is $9.95. A single oversized slice is $1.99 in the food court. Both are considered outstanding values for the portion size.
Can you still get the combo pizza at Costco?
As of now, the combo pizza is not available in the U.S. food court. It was discontinued in 2020, and while fans continue to request its return, only cheese and pepperoni are offered currently.
Does Costco sell pizza in the frozen aisle?
Yes! Costco offers several brands of frozen pizza, including fan-favorites like the Pizza Roncadin mushroom and truffle pizza. These are found in packs of two or three and offer different flavor options not found in the food court.
Can I call ahead to order a pizza?
Most Costco food courts accept phone orders for whole pizzas. This is especially helpful for large or multiple orders, so you can skip the line and pick up your pizza hot and ready.
Are there any vegetarian pizza options?
The cheese pizza is vegetarian. The discontinued combo pizza included both vegetables and meats. In the frozen aisle, look for Margherita or other veggie-packed options.
Tips to Maximize Your Costco Pizza Experience
- Order extra pies in advance for large gatherings, birthday parties, or office lunches—Costco pizzas are a cost-effective way to feed a group.
- Bring your own pizza bag or insulated carrier to keep multiple pies hot for transport.
- Try the frozen pizza selections if your food court favorites are unavailable or if you want to enjoy Costco pizza at home.
- Check the food court menu on your next visit. Sometimes new or regional items appear, inspired by fan demand and seasonal promotions.
- Get creative with sauces and toppings at home or at the food court for your own personalized Costco pizza experience!
Stories from the Costco Pizza Fan Community
- Petitions for Combo Pizza: Multiple online petitions and social media campaigns regularly surface. Some have gathered thousands of signatures—proof of just how passionate fans remain!
- Food Court Hacks: From drizzling hot dog mustard on a slice to creating “pizza sandwiches” (two slices face-to-face), Costco fans love to swap secrets online for new ways to enjoy their pizza.
- Reddit Reviews: Photos and mini-reviews of both the hot food court pizza and frozen pizza packs fill Reddit threads, with fans debating not just flavor but how best to heat and upgrade with added toppings at home.
Satisfy Your Costco Pizza Curiosity
Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a nostalgic combo devotee, or a value-seeker new to the wonders of warehouse pies, Costco pizza stands as an icon in America’s food court landscape. Its large slice, consistent quality, and unbeatable price explain its cult status—and every visit offers the chance for another delicious bite. The next time you pass the food court, don’t hesitate: grab a slice (or three), and experience what keeps people coming back, year after year.
References
- https://parade.com/news/costcos-new-food-court-item-hungry-shoppers-lining-up
- https://parade.com/1036192/parade/costco-pizza/
- https://parade.com/food/costco-pizza-2
- https://parade.com/food/costco-fans-cant-get-enough-of-best-frozen-pizza-ever-mushroom-truffle
- https://parade.com/food/costco-food-court-calzone-combo
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