This 46-Cent Protein-Packed Costco Find Is a Lunch Lifesaver

As much hype as the “girl dinner” has received in recent months, the meal that is most likely to fit into this definition is lunch. Even though I work from home, that doesn’t mean I want to pause in the middle of my workday to make a giant mess in my kitchen cooking something elaborate—and I don't want to eat one of those sad frozen meals, either.

That’s why one Costco offering has become my midday staple. Kirkland Signature Organic Hard-Boiled Eggs aren’t as sexy as some of the other offerings in those massive aisles, but they are an absolute lunchtime workhorse.

Why I Love Costco's Hard-Boiled Eggs

Each box includes 32 hard-boiled eggs, portioned into convenient packs of two, and retails for around $15. Perhaps most importantly, these eggs are always cooked to perfection; I never see any of those unpleasant gray rings that can sometimes appear around hard-boiled eggs that are over-cooked, and the whites are always just set without being tough or rubbery.

One of those two-packs is always the start of my go-to girl lunch. I begin by slicing the eggs in half and sprinkling it with flaky salt and freshly ground pepper before hitting it with a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce. (Crystal, if you must know, but any will do.) I like to mix up the seasonings, too; sometimes I go with a sprinkle of Cajun or Old Bay seasoning, and other times I’ll add a dash of smoky paprika or tangy lemon-pepper.

From there, the possibilities are seemingly endless. Perhaps I’ll add some cubes of cheddar, a few cornichons or olives, and whatever fresh fruit is lingering in the refrigerator to round out the plate. Throw a handful of nuts on the side, and perhaps a few crudites with a side of ranch dip, and you’ve got a lunch that will power you through the afternoon—and takes less than 10 minutes to assemble.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, don’t worry; these eggs are seriously versatile. Mash ‘em up into an egg salad with mayo, celery, and a little sweet pickle relish, or add them to a chopped salad with a ton of veggies and a few slices of deli meat. They’re also a great way to add some protein to a bowl of instant ramen on those days when you’re too busy (or too lazy, let’s be real) to prepare a more elaborate meal.

Don’t sleep on these eggs for snacking, either. One of my favorite ways to eat them is to make a tiny batch of deviled eggs just for myself, mashing two yolks with a little mayo, mustard, and spices. It's a satisfying treat that allows me to skip dealing with those eggshells.