Everything You Need from Costco to Stock Your Summer Pantry
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Summer outdoor cooking is coming, and now is the time to stock your pantry with everything you need to make that easy and delicious. Shopping for rubs, sauces, marinades, and condiments now means that your summer shopping can just be about the fresh stuff. Costco always has your back on just what you need for seasonal cooking, and this year is no exception. Here are 9 grilling and outdoor eating essentials to stock up on before the summer begins!
RELATED: This Genius Trick Will Save You So Much Money on Meat at Costco
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Heinz Picnic Pack
Summer outdoor cooking always needs basic condiments, and I love this four-pack from Heinz. Two bottles of ketchup, one of yellow mustard, and one of sweet relish will give you a whole summer's worth of burger and hot dog garnishes in one easy and affordable kit.
Buy it: Heinz Picnic Pack ($9.94), Instacart.com
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Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce
Backyard barbecues are the highlight of summer outdoor cooking, and let's be honest, it is all about that sticky, sweet, spicy sauce. Sweet Baby Ray's is always one of my preferred brands, with terrific balanced flavor and thick texture that literally sticks to your ribs. A two pack of large 40-ounce bottles is exactly what you need in your pantry before you light the coals.
Buy it: Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce 2 pack ($7.08), Instacart.com
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Robert Rothschild Pineapple & Habanero Glaze and Finishing Sauce
Love your outdoor cooking sweet and spicy? I'm addicted to this roasted pineapple and habanero glaze from Robert Rothschild. It can go on any protein from fish to pork to chicken or even tofu, and a drizzle on grilled corn is a revelation. Grab a bottle and get ready to go a bit tropical this summer.
Buy it: Robert Rothschild Pineapple & Habanero Glaze and Finishing Sauce ($6.95), Instacart.com
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Herdez Guacamole Salsa
While we always appreciate a scoopable guacamole dip, there is something to be said for the versatility of this pourable guacamole salsa. Use it as a marinade, drizzle over vegetables, use as a salad dressing, or smear on your sandwich buns. And yes, you can even use it to season your guacamole dip. The medium heat has a nice warmth without intense burn.
Buy it: Herdez Guacamole Salsa 3 pack ($7.45), Instacart.com
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Alpino Hot Pepper Giardiniera
I'm a Chicago girl, and there is no more ubiquitous topper for grilled meats than a spicy pickled giardiniera. If you have never used this blend of pickled vegetables on a sandwich you have not lived. Grab this giant 64-ounce jar and put it on everything.
Buy it: Alpino Hot Pepper Giardiniera ($8.70), Instacart.com
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Pork Barrel Dry Rub BBQ Seasoning
I'm a big proponent of spice rubs for summer outdoor cooking; they can make all the difference between proteins that sing and those that whimper. And I'm currently loving this Pork Barrel dry rub, which works brilliantly on any meat you anoint with it. Give it a good dusting for a minimum of two hours for subtle spice, or really rub it in and let marinate for a day for deeper intensity of flavor.
Buy it: Pork Barrel Dry Rub BBQ Seasoning ($7.08), Instacart.com
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Weber Grill No-Salt Chicken Seasoning
Summer cooking can be complicated for those who are trying to watch their salt intake, especially with store bought spice rubs. Which is why I was thrilled to find this No-Salt Chicken Seasoning from Weber, since they know all there is to know about grilling! There's great flavor and the right spice and herb blend for all your seasonal chicken recipes. The seasoning can be used as-is for limited salt diets or seasoned to your personal taste with just enough salt to make it sing even more.
Buy it: Weber Grill No-Salt Chicken Seasoning ($7.45), Instacart.com
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505 Southwestern Flame Roasted Green Chile
The taste of summer in the Southwest is infused with roasted green chiles. Get ready to whip up chile cheeseburgers and queso dips, garnish Sonoran style hot dogs, and chop them on salads. This 40-ounce jar of chiles will inspire you to all kinds of spicy seasonal recipes.
Buy it: 505 Southwestern Flame Roasted Green Chile ($9.45), Instacart.com
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Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Topper
Summer salads make any outdoor meal complete, but sometimes get short shrift when the focus is on grilled meats and vegetables. Orchard Valley Harvest Salad topper to the rescue! Any bagged greens become special when tossed with this mix of glazed pecans, toasted pepitas, and sweet tart dried cranberries. These are also great on steamed or grilled vegetables, or even sprinkled on grilled fruit!
Buy it: Orchard Valley Harvest Salad Topper ($11.18), Instacart.com
