9 Costco food court hacks members swear by

Savvy warehouse club shoppers know the best Costco hacks for saving money and so much more. While finding deals on bulk buys and getting the best bargains on brand names is at the top of your to-do list, don't forget about the Food Court.

Even though it's not exactly a Michelin Star-worthy eatery, low prices on everything from pizza to smoothies make this snack stop worth the annual club membership fee. But you don't have to stick with the basic menu options. Costco's customers are known for getting creative and finding new flavor combos that go well beyond a plain hot dog and soda.

What are the best trends in Food Court foodie hacks right now? Before you place your next order, check out the secret (and deliciously daring) Food Court tricks and tips Costco members swear by.

1. The Forbidden Glizzy

Forbidden makes this Costco Food Court hack sound daring and dangerous. And it might be both.

No one really knows how it started or for how long adventurous eaters have enjoyed this secret off-menu item, but one thing is certain: The hot dog-chicken bake mashup is something that's worth a try. This secret selection is pretty easy to make. Simply tear open the top of a chicken bake and stuff it with one of Costco's hot dogs.

So why is it "forbidden?" This Costco Redditor says it all: "Had to eat this in my car because I felt awkward stuffing the hot dog into a bake in the crowded food court."

What's the verdict on the forbidden glizzy? Costco subreddit user Pulsipher posted a comprehensive review, noting, "As you begin to eat it, you realize the line you crossed in your culinary boundaries that few cross and fewer more survive. It's exactly what you expect."

2. Kings Hawaiian Rolls and Vanilla Soft Serve

This hack isn't entirely a Food Court find. You'll need to invest in a pack of Kings Hawaiian Rolls before you start assembling this sandwich.

Got your rolls? Good. Now you can bring them to the Food Court and order a cup of vanilla soft serve. Slice open a roll and spoon in the ice cream to make an indulgently rich yet light-and-fluffy sandwich.

3. Pizza Dog

Yes, the pizza dog is exactly what it sounds like. But this Food Court hack can go two ways. The obvious option is to wrap the entire dog in a slice of pizza (either plain or pepperoni will do) and chow down on the cheesy combo.

But there's another interpretation that's gaining traction online. Remove the cheese from a Food Court slice and place it onto your dog like a greasy little blanket. What should you do with the remaining saucy crust? That's up to you.

4. The Jochizza

The Jochizza is a forbidden glizzy variant that takes the chicken bake-hot dog hack to a whole new level. Basically, it's the turducken of Food Court finds.

Slice open a chicken bake (like it's a bun) and drop the bare dog inside. Now you have a forbidden glizzy. Peel the cheese off a slice of Costco's popular pizza, fold it on top, and get creative with your choice of condiments.

5. Ice Cream Float

Costco has smoothies and other similar blended sweet treats on the standard Food Court menu. But if you're looking for a little slice of nostalgia, we suggest this homemade mashup.

The classic hack features root beer and vanilla soft serve. But you can switch things up and try it with your favorite soda.

Feeling like a cocktail? One Redditor suggests taking this hack home and "Add two shots of Malibu Rum."

6. Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich

As if Costco's oversized chocolate chip Food Court cookies weren't dangerous enough on their own, this hack makes the sweet treats exponentially better.

Order two cookies and one vanilla soft serve. Place the first cookie on your tray and slather on the ice cream. Sandwich the other one on top and enjoy.

And bonus, this daring dessert is big enough to share.

7. Costco "Kimchi"

Don't expect to find true Korean kimchi in U.S. Costco Food Courts. That said, clever shoppers have a hack to make a DIY version.

Known as "Costco condiment kimchi," this radical recipe is spicy, crunchy, and an interesting alternative to plain hot dog toppings.

According to instructions from in-the-know members, you'll need two cups of chopped onions (the little plastic containers from the Food Court), two packets of crushed red pepper, and an extra soda cup. Pour the onions into the cup, then add a few pumps of ketchup, one pump of mustard, and a pinch of relish. Add the red pepper and mix it all together.

8. Mocha Freeze Ice Cream

Fans of the mocha freeze need to try this creative concoction.

Warning: Do not try this hack with a full cup of soft serve. Order half a cup or (our preferred method) eat a few spoonfuls first. Now you're ready to mix a scoop or two of the mocha freeze into the ice cream. What's the result? A mocha-ish milkshake that members absolutely adore.

9. Ziploc Bag Pizza

Need a pizza to go? Sure, Costco gives you a cardboard box. But this hack is a much more interesting option.

Fold a freshly made Costco Food Court pizza in half, then fold it in half again. Open a gallon-sized Ziploc (or Kirkland Signature brand) bag and stuff the pie inside. According to club members, it fits.

Bottom line

So there you have it. From the glizzy to the Jochizza, these Costco Food Court hacks make eating at the warehouse club an adventure.

Of course, Food Court hacks aren't the only way to make the most out of your next Costco trip. Here's an easy-to-follow tip: Swap brand-name buys for Kirkland Signature generics to save money on groceries, everyday essentials, home goods, and more.