Costco’s food court is a beloved pit stop for many shoppers, renowned for its delicious and affordable offerings. Among the favorites is their ultra-cheesy pizza, a meal that already seems perfect in its simplicity and taste. However, inventive Costco shoppers have found a way to elevate this dish even further, using an unexpected topping available right at the food court: onions.
Reviving the Spirit of Costco’s Combo Pizza
Once upon a time, Costco offered a combo pizza that featured a variety of toppings including onions, mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni, and sausage. This option was a favorite for many until it was discontinued. The disappearance of the combo pizza left a void for customers who enjoyed the rich, layered flavors that the various toppings provided.
Recently, with the reintroduction of onions for hot dogs at many Costco locations nationwide, savvy members saw an opportunity. They realized these onions could be used to creatively enhance the plain cheese or pepperoni pizza, mimicking the beloved combo pizza of the past. This simple addition has sparked excitement among Costco’s patrons, bringing a slice of nostalgia back to their plates.
How to Upgrade Your Costco Pizza
Enhancing your Costco pizza with onions involves a bit of interaction with the food court staff. As one helpful Redditor pointed out, onions are now typically kept behind the counter rather than in the self-serve areas. To enjoy this hack, you simply need to ask a friendly staff member to add onions to your pizza slice. For an even tastier twist, request that your onion-topped slice be put back in the oven for a brief reheat, ensuring the onions are perfectly cooked and integrated with the cheesy goodness.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, there are other ways to jazz up your pizza based on available Costco food court items:
- Relish: While unconventional, adding relish to your pizza could surprise you. Pickle pizza, which features the briny, sour taste of pickles, is gaining popularity in some circles for its unique flavor profile.
- Sun-dried Tomato Spread: Typically found in the turkey Swiss sandwich, asking for a dab of this flavorful spread on your pizza could add a delightful twist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Borrowing a sprinkle of parmesan from the chicken Caesar salad could enhance your slice with a nutty, salty kick.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Inspired by viral TikTok posts, some have taken to combining slices of Costco’s famous rotisserie chicken on their pizza, creating a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Addressing the Long-Lost Combo Pizza
The backstory of why the combo pizza was removed from the menu during the pandemic sheds light on broader challenges faced by Costco’s food court. A former manager revealed on Reddit that the combo pizza was time-consuming to make and suffered from declining vegetable quality during the pandemic. These factors, combined with financial pressures, led to its removal.
However, with the return of onions to the food court, shoppers can now recreate a semblance of the combo pizza. While it’s not an exact replica, this simple hack allows customers to enjoy a taste reminiscent of what was once a Costco staple.
Conclusion
For many, the joy of shopping at Costco is enhanced by creative tweaks to standard offerings. The ability to personalize a simple pizza with ingredients like onions or other extras from the food court not only enhances the eating experience but also connects shoppers with fond memories of past menu favorites. This type of customization embodies the community spirit of Costco, where even a quick stop at the food court can lead to a delightful culinary adventure.
As Costco continues to adapt its menu and offerings, the creativity of its members ensures that the spirit of beloved but discontinued items lives on. Whether it’s through adding onions to a slice of pizza or experimenting with other available toppings, the possibilities at Costco’s food court are limited only by one’s culinary imagination.
