Planning an event in 2026 requires a careful balance of quality, quantity, and budget. Whether you are hosting a corporate luncheon, a family graduation party, or a casual backyard get-together, the food is often the centerpiece of the occasion. For many savvy hosts, the Costco deli has become the go-to destination for high-quality catering that doesn’t break the bank. One of the most frequently asked questions for party planners is: how much are the Costco sandwich platters this year?
While inflation has impacted grocery prices across the nation, Costco remains a leader in value-driven catering. Understanding the current pricing, variety, and ordering process is essential for ensuring your event runs smoothly and your guests stay well-fed.
Current Pricing for Costco Sandwich Platters in 2026
As of early 2026, the primary sandwich offering at most Costco warehouses is the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter. This platter has seen slight price adjustments over the last few years to account for rising ingredient costs, yet it remains one of the most affordable per-person catering options available on the market.
The Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter is typically priced at $49.99. This tray is designed to serve between 18 and 20 people, which brings the cost down to approximately $2.50 to $2.75 per person. When compared to local sandwich shops or specialized catering services that often charge $10 to $15 per person, the value proposition offered by Costco is undeniable.
In some regions, you may also find variations such as the Sprouted Grain Sandwich Platter, which often retails for around $47.99. While prices can vary by a few dollars depending on your specific warehouse location—particularly in high-cost-of-living areas or international locations like Canada and Australia—the $45 to $55 range is the standard benchmark for 2026.
Variety and Ingredients of the Artisan Sandwich Tray
Costco’s sandwich platters are curated to appeal to a wide range of palates, ensuring that most guests will find something they enjoy. The standard 2026 Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter typically features three distinct varieties of sandwiches:
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Roasted Chicken and Swiss
This sandwich features thinly sliced, tender roasted chicken breast paired with mild Swiss cheese. It is usually dressed with a light herb mayo or garlic aioli, providing a fresh and clean flavor profile that is popular for afternoon meetings.
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Roast Beef and Cheddar
For those who prefer a heartier option, the roast beef and cheddar sandwiches are a staple. The roast beef is lean and savory, complemented by the sharpness of aged cheddar. These sandwiches are often the first to disappear at parties, offering a satisfying protein-heavy bite.
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Salami and Ham with Provolone
The Italian-style offering usually includes a combination of dry salami and honey-roasted ham. Paired with provolone cheese, this sandwich provides a salty and savory contrast to the poultry and beef options. It is a robust choice that holds up well if the platter needs to sit out for an hour or two during a reception.
All sandwiches are served on Costco’s signature artisan bread—a crusty yet soft roll that maintains its structure without becoming soggy. Additionally, every platter includes a center container of Grillo’s pickle chips, providing a crunchy, vinegary palate cleanser that balances the richness of the meats and cheeses.
Understanding Serving Sizes and Portions
One of the biggest mistakes hosts make is underestimating how much food to order. Costco’s sandwich platters are generous, but “serving 18 to 20 people” can be subjective depending on the nature of your event.
If the sandwiches are the only main course being served, a single platter is generally sufficient for 10 to 12 hungry adults. However, if the sandwiches are part of a larger spread featuring salads, chips, and fruit trays, the 18 to 20 person estimate is much more accurate.
For a lunch-focused event where the sandwich is the star of the show, the rule of thumb is to provide 1.5 to 2 sandwich portions per person. Since the Artisan Platter contains roughly 20 sandwich halves or mini-rolls, a group of 15 people would likely require two platters to ensure everyone is satisfied and there are a few leftovers for latecomers.
The Official Ordering Process for 2026
Despite the digital advancements in 2026, Costco has maintained a somewhat “old-school” approach to deli catering orders. This is done primarily to ensure the freshness of the product and to manage the high volume of orders handled by the deli staff.
To secure a sandwich platter, you cannot simply add it to an online grocery cart for same-day pickup. Instead, follow these steps:
- Visit the Warehouse: You must physically go to the Costco location where you intend to pick up the food.
- Locate the Deli Kiosk: Usually located near the rotisserie chickens or the meat department, you will find a “Special Order” kiosk.
- Fill Out the Form: Provide your name, membership number, phone number, and the specific date and time you wish to pick up your order.
- Submit 24 Hours in Advance: Costco requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notice for all platter orders. For major holidays like the Super Bowl, Graduation weekend, or Christmas Eve, it is highly recommended to place your order 48 to 72 hours in advance.
- Pickup: On the day of your event, head directly to the deli. Your platter will be waiting in a refrigerated holding area or behind the counter. You then take the platter to the front registers to pay along with any other items.
While some members have reported success calling their local deli to place an order over the phone, this is not official policy and varies greatly by location. The paper form system remains the only guaranteed way to ensure your order is processed.
Alternative Platter Options for a Complete Spread
While the sandwiches are the main attraction, a well-rounded event usually requires supplementary sides. Costco offers several other platters in 2026 that pair perfectly with the artisan sandwiches:
- Shrimp Cocktail Platter: Priced at approximately $39.99 to $49.99, this tray includes roughly 4 pounds of chilled, peeled, and deveined shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges.
- Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter: Retailing for $39.99, this platter serves 18 to 24 people and includes grapes, salami, and various cubes of cheese. It is an excellent appetizer to have out while guests are arriving.
- Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dip: For about $12.99, you get a massive assortment of broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and grape tomatoes. This is essential for providing a lighter, fiber-rich balance to the bread-heavy sandwiches.
Tips for Maintaining Freshness
To ensure your sandwiches taste as good as they did when they left the deli, storage is key. The artisan bread used by Costco is high quality, but it can become dry if exposed to air for too long, or soggy if kept in a warm environment.
Always keep the platter refrigerated until about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. If you are transporting the food a long distance, ensure it sits flat in your vehicle to prevent the sandwiches from sliding or the pickle juice from leaking. If your event is outdoors, keep the platter in the shade and consider placing the tray on a bed of ice to maintain a safe temperature.
FAQs
How much notice does Costco need for a sandwich platter?
Costco requires at least 24 hours of advance notice for all deli platters. During peak seasons or holidays, it is safer to place your order two to three days early to ensure the deli has the capacity to fulfill it.
Can I order Costco sandwich platters online?
In 2026, Costco still does not offer an official online ordering system for deli party platters. You must visit the warehouse in person and use the paper order forms located at the deli kiosk. However, you can sometimes find pre-made “grab-and-go” sandwiches in the refrigerated section if you didn’t order in advance.
Do Costco sandwich platters come with condiments?
The sandwiches on the Artisan Bread Platter are pre-assembled with spreads like mayo and mustard or herb aioli. They also come with a container of pickles in the center. If you have guests with specific preferences, you may want to purchase a separate pack of mayo or mustard packets from the condiment aisle for extra customization.
Are there vegetarian sandwich platter options at Costco?
The standard Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter is meat-heavy, featuring chicken, roast beef, and ham. There is currently no dedicated vegetarian-only sandwich platter. Vegetarian hosts often supplement with the Costco Vegetable Tray or create a “DIY” sandwich station using Costco’s bulk croissants, cheeses, and fresh produce.
How long can a Costco sandwich platter sit out?
For food safety, sandwich platters should not sit out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature of your venue is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, that time drops to one hour. Always keep the platter refrigerated until just before your guests are ready to eat.