Grilling For A Crowd? Head To Costco For This Cookout Essential (It's Less Than $5!)

Most people approach grilling season with a shopping list that prioritizes the obvious: meat, condiments, maybe some fancy cheese or artisanal mustard. They'll spend a few minutes debating different burger blends and comparing hot dog brands, all while completely ignoring the one item that will make or break their entire cookout: the buns.

The requirements of a good burger bun aren't many. The texture must be soft enough to bite through easily, but with enough structure to hold up against the juiciest burger. And, of course, for our wallet's sake, it should be on the affordable side of things. Thankfully, the hamburger buns at Costco are one of those discoveries that seem too good to be true until you experience them firsthand. For under $5, you can get anywhere from six to 16 burger buns with or without sesame seeds on top, depending on the brand. This isn't just about finding a decent budget option — it's about merging quality and price for optimal satisfaction. 

We're all familiar with that moment when someone's carefully constructed burger falls apart mid-bite, before the same fate befalls another burger at the table. That won't be an issue here. Between Aunt Hattie's buns and the famous Francisco buns, you get a reliable base that actually ensures you enjoy your delicious burger.

Finding the best burger buns at low prices becomes more compelling when you're feeding a group. A dozen or more buns means you can handle a substantial gathering for roughly the cost of a latte. This leaves extra room in your budget for upgrading other components: higher-quality meat, toppings, and more sides. The per-serving cost of excellent bread becomes almost negligible, which flips the traditional hosting equation where bread gets shortchanged to save money for showier ingredients.

A bonus is that the burger buns toast up nicely, if that's your preferred style. This also means you can make the burgers ahead of time and not worry about them falling apart. You can also stock up during regular Costco runs and remain prepared for spontaneous gatherings because the buns can remain in the freezer for about two to three months. There's something liberating about always having quality hamburger buns ready, knowing that you're never one decision away from having to settle for whatever disappointing options your local grocery store offers.

Now, your buns are suitable for both casual weeknight dinners and more elaborate entertaining. When you find yourself reaching for them repeatedly throughout the grilling season, you can also rest assured that they did not break the bank. Moving forward, you can lay the groundwork for multiple extraordinary sandwiches and save up to enjoy some of the summer Costco foods we're totally in love with right now.