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Because, yes—chefs are fans of the frozen foods aisle, too.

Key Points

• Chefs lean on frozen foods to save time without sacrificing quality or flavor.
• Their favorites include both ingredients and heat-and-serve convenience foods.
• Here’s how they use these Costco staples paired with fresh ingredients to make quick, easy meals.

Costco’s frozen options satisfy many families’ need for convenience when putting meals together, and chefs are fans, too. Especially after a long day in the kitchen, the chefs we spoke with don’t always want to cook laborious meals at home. That’s where frozen foods come into play. “Sometimes cooking from scratch is exactly what I want to do, and other times I want dinner on the table without spending an hour in the kitchen. Having products like these on hand gives you the flexibility to do both,” says chef Dennis Littley of Ask Chef Dennis. We interviewed three chefs to learn their favorite Costco freezer staples. Here’s what they said.

1. Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend

First up is Kirkland Signature Stir-Fry Vegetable Blend. It’s a 5.5-pound, 26-serving bag of mixed veggies perfect for a simple sauté and an easy way to add a nutrition to a meal. “It’s a beautiful variety of broccoli, sugar snap peas, green beans, carrots, mushrooms, red bell peppers, water chestnuts and onions,” says Melissa Nolansenior recipe developer at Budget Bytes. “Do I use it to make a quick and easy stir-fry? Yes. Do I also add this veggie blend into various pasta dishes, casseroles and soups? Also, yes,” says Nolan. She always has it on hand to bulk up the veggie portion of her meals.

2. Chicken & Cilantro Mini Wontons

“When I’m too tired to cook, or just want a convenient yet delicious snack, you can bet I’m always reaching for Chicken & Cilantro Mini Wontons,” Nolan says. Filled with chicken, onions, cilantro and garlic, they’re super flavorful. “These expertly wrapped wontons of goodness can be enjoyed all on their own (with my favorite dipping sauce), or I can turn them into a whole meal by adding them to my ramen or wonton soup,” says Nolan.

3. Organic Strawberries

Costco’s private label brand of organic frozen strawberries come recommended by two chefs—Nolan and Melanie Underwoodcertified culinary educator at Nourish and Gather. With only one ingredient, these are an easy way to enjoy fruit without added sugar. “They’re extremely convenient to have on hand to use in baking or smoothies, and not having to clean and prep the fruit is a time-saver,” says Underwood.

Nolan uses them in baked goods, smoothies and as a topping on vanilla ice cream. “If I’m feeling really fancy, I make them into a sauce for my morning waffles,” she says. “I never have to worry about these strawberries going bad, and it’s nice to have something sweet yet healthy in my freezer, always in my reach,” she adds.

4. Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

Also recommended by two chefs, Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is a sustainable seafood choice that’s great for heart health. “The salmon is a great price, convenient and because it’s just salmon without anything added, it’s a healthy choice,” says Underwood. “It has a beautiful color, a rich flavor and that firm, meaty texture you want from good salmon. It’s also a great value for the quality you’re getting,” says Littley. He seasons the fillets with olive oil, salt, pepper and fresh lemon and either roasts, grills or pan-sears them. Once cooked, they’re ready to throw into a grain bowl, salad, taco or any other salmon-centered dish you love. However you end up using it, “Having quality salmon in the freezer means you always have the makings of a quick, healthy dinner,” says Littley.

5. Italian Sausage & Beef Frozen Lasagna

When he wants a convenience meal, Littley recommends Kirkland Italian Sausage and Beef Frozen Lasagna. “This is one of those products I reach for when I want the taste and comfort of homemade lasagna, but I don’t have the time—or, frankly, the desire—to make a pan from scratch,” says Littley. Just pop it in the microwave and you have a hearty entree ready to go. “Pair it with a simple Italian salad and some crusty bread, and you have an easy meal that feels much more homemade than it actually was,” says Littley.

6. Italian-Style Meatballs

For your next pasta night, chefs suggest Kirkland Italian-Style Meatballs. “The meatballs are restaurant-quality. Whenever I serve them, people ask me for the recipe,” says Underwood. “Toss them with your favorite marinara and serve over pasta, make meatball subs, add them to a baked pasta dish or serve them as an appetizer with sauce for dipping,” recommends Littley.

“My son loves them sliced and sandwiched in a quesadilla,” says Underwood. She also likes them served over rice with a tomatillo sauce.

7. Steamed Soup Dumplings

Underwood raves about Bibigo’s Beef Pho Flavor Steamed Soup Dumplings. “These are so delicious and rival any takeout,” she says. “I could not make them from scratch better,” says Underwood, and that’s coming from someone who has spent 25 years teaching at the Institute of Culinary Education! To transform them into a balanced meal, “I add them to any chicken, veggie or beef broth, add in sautéed greens, sliced scallions and sometimes a poached egg,” says Underwood.