This 60-Cent Costco Find Wins the Barbecue Every Time

If you came of age in the early 2000s, Legally Blonde taught you that you’re smart enough to go to Harvard (what, like it’s hard?), that you never shower after a perm, and that Jennifer Coolidge made everyone want a hot dog real bad.

So, it’s no surprise that hot dogs are a summer essential. For me, living in the Great White North means the season is sacred. Every weekend, I’m packing up the car and heading to the lake with my bag stuffed with all the essentials: marshmallows, chips, sunscreen, and most importantly, hot dogs.

But not just any hot dogs. I stock up on Costco’s Kirkland Signature All-Beef Dinner Franks, the same ones it famously sells at a loss in the food court. They’re juicy, perfectly snappy, and cost about 60 cents each when you buy the three-pack.

Why I Love Costco’s Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs

Hot dogs don’t always get the love they deserve. They’ve been dismissed as junk food, relegated to the kids’ menu, or treated like a guilty pleasure. But let’s be honest: Hot dogs are the food of summer.

Costco members love Kirkland’s Signature Beef Hot Dogs for good reason. The store is known to sell them for just $1.50 in the food court, but the take-home version is just as good and still very affordable.

They’re juicy, smoky, and have a satisfying snap when you bite in. There’s a surprising depth of flavor, almost like they’re lightly spiced, savory enough to shine even without toppings.

I felt especially vindicated when I saw Binging with Babish score them a perfect 10, calling them “wonderfully juicy and sincerely smoky.” That pretty much sums it up.

They’re also enormous (each one is a quarter-pound) so they feel like a full meal, not just a snack. And at just 60 cents a piece? That’s unbeatable value.

How To Make and Serve Costco’s Kirkland Beef Hot Dogs

Whether you boil, grill, microwave, or roast them over a campfire, there’s really no wrong way to cook a hot dog; just make sure they’re heated all the way through.

Look for signs like steam rising, juices bubbling, or a firm texture when gently squeezed. (If you’re boiling or microwaving them, try poking a few small holes first to help release steam and prevent splitting.)

How you top your dog is where people have strong opinions. Personally, I love mine slathered in ketchup, relish, and a mountain of sautéed onions. But if you’re looking to mix things up, here are a few ideas:

• Sauerkraut and pickles: The briny, salty, and crunchy from the kraut and pickles cut through the richness of the sausage.
• Jalapeños and shredded cheddar: A melty, spicy combo that brings just the right amount of heat.
• Coleslaw or kimchi: Adds cool crunch or fermented funk, depending on your mood.
• Avocado, lime, and hot sauce: Just like your favorite taco, but in hot dog form.
• Grilled pineapple and teriyaki sauce: A sweet-and-savory nod to Hawaiian BBQ.

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