Planning a large gathering can be a logistical challenge, especially when it comes to feeding a hungry crowd without overspending. Whether you are hosting a corporate luncheon, a graduation party, or a family reunion, the Costco deli department has long been a go-to resource for high-quality, budget-friendly catering. As we navigate the culinary landscape of 2026, many shoppers are asking one primary question: how much is a sandwich platter at Costco? The answer depends on your choice of fillings, the specific regional warehouse, and whether you are looking for a pre-ordered catering tray or a grab-and-go option from the refrigerated section.
Current Pricing for Costco Sandwich Platters in 2026
Costco has updated its catering menu for 2026, introducing new variety while maintaining the value members expect. While prices can fluctuate slightly based on your specific warehouse location, the current standard for the most popular options has solidified.
The Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter
For those looking for a traditional lunch spread, the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter is a staple of the deli department. This platter generally costs $49.99 and is designed to feed between 18 and 20 people. It features a selection of roasted chicken, salami, and roast beef sandwiches. These aren’t just basic deli sandwiches; they are topped with sophisticated ingredients like slow-roasted tomatoes, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, and a flavorful garlic herb aioli.
The Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter
Another fan favorite making waves this year is the newly updated Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter. Priced at approximately $44.99, this tray serves 12 to 24 guests depending on appetite size. It utilizes Costco’s famous buttery croissants filled with their signature rotisserie chicken salad, green leaf lettuce, and cheddar cheese.
Understanding the Variety of Costco Party Trays
While the bread-based sandwiches are the stars of the show, Costco offers several other “platter” options that fall under the catering umbrella. Understanding the price-to-serving ratio of these items can help you build a complete menu.
The Sprouted Grain Sandwich Platter
For a slightly healthier or more textured option, many warehouses offer a Sprouted Grain Sandwich Platter. This option typically retails for $47.99 and serves roughly 18 to 24 people. It provides a variety of ham, roast beef, and chicken, offering a dense, nutritious alternative to the softer artisan bread or croissants.
The Classic Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter
If you prefer a “build-your-own” sandwich experience or simply want a side to accompany your main sandwiches, the Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter is a versatile choice. In 2026, this platter is priced at $39.99. It serves 18 to 24 people and includes slices of Italian salami and soppressata, aged cheddar and Gouda cheese cubes, and a refreshing mix of red and green grapes.
The Famous Costco Shrimp Platter
No Costco event is truly complete without the legendary Shrimp Platter. This year, the price has adjusted to $55.99, but the value remains high as the weight has increased. You now receive roughly 5.25 pounds of cooked, tail-on shrimp, complete with lemon wedges and three containers of cocktail sauce. This feeds approximately 24 to 28 people as an appetizer.
Comparing Cost Per Person for Costco Catering
One of the reasons members flock to the Costco deli is the incredible value when broken down by individual servings. When you calculate the cost per person, the savings become clear compared to private catering or fast-casual sandwich chains.
The Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter, at $49.99 for 20 people, comes out to just $2.50 per person. Even the more expensive Shrimp Platter, when shared among 28 guests, costs roughly $2.00 per person. If you were to order similar amounts of food through a local deli or a specialized catering service, you could easily expect to pay double or triple these amounts.
How to Order Your Costco Sandwich Platter
Unlike many modern retailers, Costco still relies on a somewhat traditional ordering system for their deli platters. You cannot currently order these catering items through the standard Costco website or mobile app for warehouse pickup.
To secure a platter for your event, you must visit your local warehouse in person. Near the deli or bakery department, you will find a “Special Order” kiosk or a display with paper order forms. You simply fill out your name, membership number, contact information, and the specific date and time you wish to pick up your order.
It is vital to place your order at least 24 hours in advance. For large holiday weekends or graduation seasons, providing 48 hours of notice is highly recommended to ensure the deli staff can accommodate your request. Once you arrive at your scheduled time, you head to the deli area, locate the “Order Pickup” section, and take your platter to the front registers to pay like any other item.
Tips for Serving and Customizing Your Platter
When you pick up your sandwich platter, it will be chilled. For the best flavor profile and texture, it is recommended to keep the sandwiches refrigerated until about 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This allows the bread to soften slightly from its chilled state without letting the meats or cheeses reach an unsafe temperature.
To elevate your Costco catering, consider adding a few items from the warehouse aisles. Since the Meat and Cheese platters do not come with crackers, picking up a box of Kirkland Signature crackers is a must. Additionally, adding a large container of Costco’s Caesar salad or a tub of their famous potato salad can turn a simple sandwich tray into a full, rounded meal.
If you are worried about the sandwiches getting soggy, you can ask the deli if they provide the condiments on the side. In many cases, the artisan and croissant platters come with mayo or pesto-mayo in separate cups within the tray, allowing guests to customize their sandwiches and keeping the bread fresh for longer periods.
Food Safety and Storage Recommendations
When handling large platters of meat and dairy, food safety is paramount. The USDA recommends that perishable foods should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature of your venue is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, that window shrinks to just one hour.
If you have leftovers, transfer them to airtight containers immediately and place them in the refrigerator. Most deli sandwiches will remain fresh for 24 to 48 hours after the platter is assembled. Avoid freezing the sandwiches, as the lettuce and tomatoes will lose their texture and the bread may become soggy upon thawing.
Why Some Favorites Like Pinwheels Were Discontinued
Long-time Costco members might notice the absence of the “Chicken and Swiss Rollers” or “Hye Rollers” on many U.S. catering forms. While these pinwheel-style sandwiches were a staple for years, Costco discontinued them as a standard catering option in late 2023 and early 2024 in most regions to make room for the Artisan Bread and Sprouted Grain options.
However, many warehouses still stock smaller “grab-and-go” versions of these rollers in the refrigerated deli cases. If you specifically need pinwheels for your party, you can often find 12-count or 10-count containers available for immediate purchase without a 24-hour pre-order.
FAQs
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How many people does a Costco sandwich platter really feed?
The Artisan Bread and Sprouted Grain platters are rated for 18 to 24 people. However, this assumes each guest is eating one sandwich half as part of a meal with other sides. If the sandwiches are the only food being served, you should plan for the lower end of that range, roughly 12 to 15 people per platter.
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Can I customize the types of meat on a Costco platter?
Generally, Costco does not allow for individual customization of the catering platters. They are prepared in a standard assortment to maintain efficiency and low prices. The Artisan platter almost always includes a mix of roast beef, ham, and chicken. If you have specific dietary restrictions, you may need to supplement with individual items from the deli.
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Do I need a membership to buy a Costco sandwich platter?
Yes, a valid Costco membership is required to enter the warehouse and to purchase items from the deli. You will need to provide your membership number on the order form when placing the request and show your card at the register during checkout.
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Is the Costco sandwich platter available for delivery?
Costco does not offer direct delivery for its deli catering items. Some third-party services like Instacart may offer delivery of “grab-and-go” deli items, but for the large, pre-ordered catering platters, a member must physically go to the warehouse to place the order and pick it up.
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Are there vegetarian options available for Costco platters?
While the primary sandwich platters are meat-focused, the Fruit, Meat, and Cheese platter provides a significant amount of vegetarian-friendly cheese and fruit. Additionally, the deli often stocks ready-made quinoa salads, Caesar salads (without chicken), and pasta salads in the refrigerated cases that can serve as excellent vegetarian alternatives for your event.