just me, living here

🍞 Our Daily Bread Review: Costco’s – Kirkland Signature- Rustic Italian Loaf ⭐⭐⭐

Costco’s Rustic Italian Bread in my opinion is good, but not great. It has all the looks of a bakery loaf with it’s rustic, floured top, big presence but for me, it doesn’t quite deliver that “fresh from the bakery” magic I was hoping for.

The crust is thicker than I prefer (I like a thin, crunchy snap), and the inside isn’t exactly that soft, pillowy texture that makes Italian bread irresistible. Instead, it leans a little dense. The flavor is fine but really basic, neutral, not bad at all but not something I crave.

The loaf itself is huge, which is both a blessing and a curse. It’s great value for the size, but by day three, it starts to lose its charm and go a bit stale unless you toast it or warm it up.

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Bread Basics

Name / Brand: Rustic Italian Loaf / Kirkland Signature
Type: Italian Loaf
Where I Bought It: Costco
Price: Around $5.99-$6.59 (Instacart) for a 32 oz loaf big enough to share or freeze (if you do that)

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Taste Test

I tested it a few different ways and here’s how it went:

• Untoasted with butter: Meh. This was the one miss for me. The flavor was mild, and the texture just didn’t excite me. It felt a bit too plain and dense not soft enough to stand alone.
• Toasted: Much better! The warmth brings out a subtle saltiness and gives the crust a nice crunch. You can easily spread anything on it to make a very nice toasted treat. A good base for hummus or a Sunnyside up egg.
• The Grilled Cheese Test: This is where the loaf redeems itself. Toasted in butter with melty cheese, the bread transforms. It holds its shape, gets beautifully golden, and adds a comforting, hearty chew that works perfectly for sandwiches. This is definitely its best form.

Texture & Flavor Notes

Visually, this loaf is lovely rustic, dusted with flour, and looks straight from a bakery counter. The crust is a bit thick for my taste, and the inside crumb is more tight and chewy than light and airy. The flavor is mild and salty, fine for everyday use, but not one that stands out on its own.

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How to Enjoy It

This bread really shines when it’s toasted or pressed think paninis, grilled cheese, or garlic bread. It’s sturdy enough for soups and dips too.

If you want to elevate it, try these combos:

• Toasted with garlic butter and a sprinkle of parmesan.
• Pressed with mozzarella, tomato, and basil for an Italian-style panini.
• Or my favorite thick-cut grilled cheese with white american cheddar and a side of tomato soup. Perfection.

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Rating System: ⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars

⭐ Taste
⭐ Freshness/Texture
⭐ Price/Value
⭐ Versatility

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Would I Buy It Again?

Yes, of course, but mostly for sandwiches. It’s a good “everyday” loaf to have around, but not one I’d go out of my way to get again.

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Final Thoughts

Costco’s Rustic Italian Loaf is solid, dependable, and gives you that hearty loaf feel without breaking the bank. It’s not the most exciting bread but toasted up, it earns its spot on the table.

If you’re looking for a simple sandwich or garlic bread base, this one does the job. If you’re after something you’ll crave fresh from the bag, this probably won’t be it.

Still, for a big family loaf that looks homemade and tastes better when toasted it’s a good buy, just not a great one.