Costco Bakery: Better Than Homemade?

I like writing about the bakery, whether to discuss new items (Summer Bakery Desserts at Costco), recommended and not recommended items (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 1 of 2): Advice from a Professional); (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee)) and information that members may want to know (Costco Bakery Facts); (More Information About the Costco Bakery)). I am also always interested in items that get very mixed reviews. Therefore, I decided to combine a few articles about bakery items. Although these articles focused on how good these items are, personal experience and/or other sources have the opposite opinion. This list is from what members say are the bakery items that are best and/or better than homemade. I will discuss both the praises and contrasting information.

1. Kirkland Signature Roasted Garlic Parmesan Bread

This bread gets very high reviews for both taste and texture. Apparently, it is best eaten warmed in the oven, enabling people to enjoy a crispy crust and a chewy inside. It can be used as a base for sandwiches or a bread side to a meal. 

I have read other positive reviews of this bread so it seems like a pretty universally appreciated item. 

2. Schwartz Brothers Bakery Croissant Loaf 

A recommendation of a hybrid pastry-bread is this croissant loaf. It is sold in packages of two 15-ounce loaves and comes sliced. Members have enjoyed it in sandwiches and French toast. 

I don’t recall seeing this bread but I probably just skipped over it as I looked at the store made items. It is not kosher (it is halal) and I don’t like croissants too much. However, the idea of croissant-based French toast is intriguing.

3. Kirkland Signature Country French Bread

A more basic bread that gets very positive reviews is this French bread. Sold in a two-pack, members say it is very versatile. 

I don’t know the difference between the dough used for “French bread” and baguettes but loaves are wider with a larger interior. Apparently, this bread is in the process of being discontinued, at least in some locations. 

4. Menissez French Baguettes

Another French bread recommended by members are these baguettes. They come partially baked and are the bread aisle rather than the bakery jtself. They are sold in packages of five and reportedly taste fresh baked after some time in the oven. 

I have not eaten a baguette in a long time. When I was in France a long time ago, I think I ate a sandwich of fresh baguette, goat cheese, and tomato every day. I have never seen this bread at my Costco and it seems that it is not an item that is available everywhere or even on a regular basis.

5. Dave’s Killer Bread Good Seed

A suggestion for a packaged bread is this brand that can also be found in most grocery stores. It is sold in packs of two loaves and contains whole grains and seeds. Members like the health benefits and the lower price than at the supermarket.

I have had this bread as well as others by this brand (Costco Wish List 2). I agree that it is good because I like dense while grain bread. I also appreciate the health benefits. However, I would not rate it as a “must have” item. I think it is good for what it is but not an item worth raving about. 

6. Kirkland Signature Croissants 

Both the traditional croissants and the new almond croissants (New-to-Me Items in January); (New Items for January 2025)) are recommended. 

I was surprised to see the traditional croissants on the list as they have been an item with mixed reviews (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee). My impression was that they are fine for a basic pastry but nothing extremely special. 

7. Kirkland Signature Cookies

A suggestion for a “better-than-homemade” dessert are the cookies. The bakery offers a selection of flavors, including chocolate chunk, oatmeal raisin and white chocolate macadamia. 

Last time I was at Costco, I noticed that the chocolate chunk cookies looked bigger and softer than I had remembered them (New-to-Me Items in January). However, I cannot imagine that they are as good as, let alone better than, homemade cookies. I admit though that I am spoiled because I grew up with my mom’s delicious cookies and with cookies from excellent local bakeries. I would list these cookies as very good for the convenience but not comparable to homemade.

8. Squared Artisan Buns

Described as “square English Muffins”, this bread, sold in packages of 12 buns, is highly recommended. Apparently, they toast well, resulting in a crispy, chewy crust. In addition, the shape enable them to serve as the base for sandwiches. 

This is another bread variety that I don’t recall seeing. They look a lot thicker than English muffins and, without seeing the inside, I don’t know if they have the traditional “nooks and crannies.” I love toasted English muffins with peanut butter (Product Review:Kirkland organic creamy peanut butter) but these buns look too thick for that. I can see how the size and shape would be conducive to a sturdy sandwich. 

9. Kirkland Signature Carrot Cake

Another item that members often prefer over homemade versions is the carrot cake. This cake is seasonal and rated highly for its real cream cheese frosting and apricot filling.

I have read other positive reviews of this cake. I have only had carrot cake once (in college). I actually liked it very much and would happily eat it again. However, I don’t buy carrot cake for three reasons. First, my family does not like it so I would be left with a lot of cake. Second, although I like it, I would not choose it over other varieties of cake. Third, I have seen enough recipes for carrot cake that I know the ingredients can differ widely. The piece I had was just cake and frosting. I doubt I would have enjoyed it if it had contained apricot, raisins, or pineapple.

10. Kirkland Signature Cheesecake

Both the traditional and the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake are desserts that members often prefer when purchased at Costco rather than homemade. People rave about the taste and the texture. 

I have read many positive reviews of the cheesecake. I have never tried it but it definitely looks delicious. I have never had homemade cheesecake and if the Costco cheesecake is even close to as good as some of the store made versions I have had, I cannot imagine homemade being better. 

11. Kirkland Signature Muffins

A breakfast item that many prefer to homemade are the muffins. Members have commented on the taste and the size.

I was surprised to see muffins on the list as I have seen several reviews of the muffins as only mediocre. Although they are viewed as a good deal given the huge size, the quality is not generally viewed as the best (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee). I have only had a Costco muffin once. I love muffins and obviously live Costco, so for me to to repeatedly buy them clearly indicates that I was not impressed.

12. Bagels

An article claims that New Yorkers rate the  Costco bagels highly. Apparently, they freeze well and can be eaten from the toaster or the microwave.

The bagels are a controversial bakery item (To Buy or Not to Buy From the Bakery (Part 2 of 2): Advice From a Bakery Employee). I don’t buy them there but my guess is that “real” New Yorkers would not consider them to be nearly as good as the ones in a new York. Although, I definitely noticed a decrease in the quality of New York bagels over the past several years. Most are nowhere near as good as they were when I was growing up. In addition, the idea of microwaving a bagel is just wrong. 

What do you think? Excellent bakery items? Better than homemade?