Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza is a fan-favorite frozen meal. Known for its thin, crispy crust and generous pepperoni, it’s perfect for family dinners or quick weeknight meals. This guide will help you cook it to perfection.
Sold in a 4-pack, each 19.05-ounce pizza costs about $3–$4 per pie, making it a budget-friendly choice. The pizzas are topped with real mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. They’re designed to cook from frozen for convenience.
With clear Costco pepperoni pizza cooking instructions, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-quality pizza at home. This article covers oven, air fryer, and grill methods, plus tips to enhance flavor. Let’s get started!
Why Choose Costco’s Pepperoni Pizza?
Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza offers premium quality at a low price. Each pizza features a thin crust, real mozzarella, and plenty of thick pepperoni slices. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
A 4-pack costs around $12–$16, or $3–$4 per pizza. Each pie serves 3–4 people, making it ideal for families or small gatherings. The pizzas are individually wrapped for easy freezer storage.
The pizza cooks from frozen, saving prep time. It’s perfect for busy nights or impromptu parties. Costco’s version rivals takeout with its bold flavors and crispy texture.
Costco Pepperoni Pizza Cooking Instructions
Cooking Costco’s pepperoni pizza is simple and versatile. You can use an oven, air fryer, or grill for a crispy crust and melted cheese. Below are the Costco pepperoni pizza cooking instructions for each method.
Oven Cooking Instructions
Standard Oven (19.05 oz):
Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove pizza from all packaging and place directly on the center rack or a baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted, reaching 165°F internally.
Convection Oven:
Set convection oven to 400°F. Place pizza on a baking sheet or directly on the rack. Bake for 10–13 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is crisp, ensuring 165°F internally.
Air Fryer Instructions
Single Pizza or Slices:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F for 3 minutes. Remove pizza from packaging and place in the basket, ensuring no overlap. Cook for 7–10 minutes until the crust is crispy and cheese is melted, reaching 165°F.
For Extra Crispiness:
Lightly spray the crust with olive oil before air frying. Cook at 375°F for 8–11 minutes, checking at 7 minutes. Shake the basket halfway for even cooking.
Grill Instructions
From Frozen:
Preheat grill to medium (350–400°F). Place pizza on a foil-lined grill grate or pizza stone. Cook for 12–15 minutes with the lid closed, checking for a golden crust and 165°F internal temperature.
Cooking Times by Method
| Method | Cooking Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 12–15 min | 425°F |
| Air Fryer | 7–10 min | 375°F |
| Grill | 12–15 min | 350–400°F |
Tips for Perfect Costco Pepperoni Pizza
Keep pizzas frozen until cooking to maintain crust texture. Do not thaw, as it can make the crust soggy. Preheat your oven or air fryer fully for the best results.
Place a baking sheet under the pizza when baking on the oven rack to catch drips. For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone preheated at 425°F. Check the internal temperature to ensure it’s 165°F.
If your oven runs hot, check the pizza at 10 minutes to avoid burning. Add extra toppings like mushrooms or bell peppers before baking, but keep them light. Store pizzas in their plastic wrap to save freezer space.
Enhancing Your Costco Pepperoni Pizza
Pair the pizza with a Caesar salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano after baking for a fresh touch. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness to the crust.
For extra flavor, add shredded Parmesan or red pepper flakes before serving. If grease from pepperoni is an issue, remove some slices before baking. This keeps the pizza less oily.
For parties, cut into smaller squares and serve with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara. Use leftovers for pizza sandwiches or breakfast toppings. Costco’s pizza is versatile and fun to customize.
Nutritional Highlights
One-third of a Kirkland Pepperoni Pizza (2–3 small slices) has about 470 calories. It contains 26 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 1080 mg of sodium. The crust is thin, with 47 grams of carbs per serving.
Ingredients include wheat flour, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni (pork and beef), and tomato sauce with olive oil. It’s not gluten-free due to the wheat crust. Check for allergens like milk and soy.
The high sodium and fat content make it an indulgent meal. Pair with low-sodium sides like veggies to balance it. The protein makes it filling for active days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t microwave the pizza, as it results in a soggy crust. Always cook from frozen to maintain texture. Avoid placing the pizza too close to the oven’s heating elements to prevent burning.
Don’t skip preheating, as it affects crust crispiness. If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking. Follow the Costco pepperoni pizza cooking instructions to prevent overcooking.
If you remove the pizza from its box, note the instructions on the plastic wrap. Don’t bake on a flimsy pan, as it may warp. Let the pizza rest for 2–3 minutes before cutting.
Costco Pepperoni Pizza for Every Occasion
This pizza is perfect for busy weeknights, serving 3–4 per pie. The 4-pack is great for families or small parties, feeding up to 16. Kids love the pepperoni, making it a go-to for pizza nights.
Use leftovers in quesadillas or as a base for pizza casseroles. Freeze extra slices in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Reheat at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Keep a 4-pack in your freezer for last-minute meals. Its bold flavors and thin crust make it a standout. Costco’s pizza delivers value and taste every time.
Summary
Costco’s Kirkland Signature Pepperoni Pizza is a tasty, affordable meal option. With clear Costco pepperoni pizza cooking instructions, you can bake it in the oven, air fryer, or grill for a crispy, cheesy result. Cooking from frozen ensures the best texture.
Enhance it with fresh herbs, extra cheese, or light toppings for a personal touch. Avoid microwaving or thawing to maintain quality. This pizza is perfect for quick dinners, parties, or creative leftovers.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook Costco pepperoni pizza?
Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes in a standard oven until the crust is golden and cheese is melted. Air fry at 375°F for 7–10 minutes or grill at 350–400°F for 12–15 minutes. Ensure an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I cook Costco pepperoni pizza from thawed?
No, cook from frozen to avoid a soggy crust. Thawing can affect texture and flavor. Follow the Costco pepperoni pizza cooking instructions for the best results.
How do I make Costco pepperoni pizza crispier?
Bake on a preheated pizza stone at 425°F or directly on the oven rack. In an air fryer, spray the crust with olive oil and cook at 375°F. Check early to avoid burning.
Can I add toppings to Costco pepperoni pizza?
Yes, add light toppings like mushrooms, peppers, or extra cheese before baking. Heavy toppings may increase cooking time. Ensure the pizza reaches 165°F internally.
Is Costco pepperoni pizza gluten-free?
No, it contains wheat flour in the crust. It also includes milk and soy allergens. Costco offers a cauliflower crust pizza for gluten-free diets.