Planning a gathering, whether it is a graduation party, a corporate lunch, or a casual weekend get-together, often brings up the stressful question of how to feed everyone without spending a fortune. For many savvy hosts, the answer lies within the refrigerated aisles of a local warehouse club. If you are currently searching for how much is Costco sandwich platter options and what they include, you have come to the right place. As of 2026, Costco remains one of the most cost-effective solutions for high-quality catering, though their menu has seen some notable updates and price adjustments over the last few years.
Understanding the Current Costco Catering Menu and Prices
Costco’s deli department operates a “small but mighty” catering service. While the days of the $29.99 platter are largely behind us due to rising ingredient costs, the value remains significantly higher than what you would find at a traditional deli or a specialized catering company. Generally, you can expect to pay between $40 and $55 for a platter that serves a substantial group.
The primary sandwich-focused option currently available is the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter. As of early 2026, this platter typically costs $49.99. This specific tray has largely replaced some of the older, discontinued options like the classic croissant sandwich platters at many locations. The Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter is designed to feed approximately 18 to 20 people, making the cost per person roughly $2.50. This is an incredible bargain when you consider that a single artisanal sandwich at a standalone cafe often exceeds $12.
What is Included in the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter
When you order the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter, you aren’t just getting bread and meat. Costco has curated this tray to provide variety and flavor profiles that appeal to a wide range of palates. The platter typically consists of a double layer of hearty sandwiches.
The variety usually includes:
- Roasted Chicken: Often paired with slow-roasted tomatoes and a garlic herb aioli.
- Roast Beef and Cheddar: A classic combination that provides a hearty, protein-packed option.
- Salami and Swiss: A savory choice for those who enjoy Italian-style deli meats.
A standout feature of this platter is the inclusion of Grillo’s Pickle Chips, which are tucked into the tray to provide a crisp, acidic crunch that cuts through the richness of the meats and cheeses. The sandwiches are served on high-quality artisan rolls, which hold up better over several hours than standard white bread or croissants, which can sometimes become soggy if left out on a buffet line.
The New Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter
In an exciting update for 2026, Costco has introduced the Croissant Chicken Salad Sandwich Platter to many locations. This platter is priced at $44.99 and is specifically designed for fans of their famous rotisserie chicken salad.
This platter typically serves 12 to 24 people, depending on whether guests are eating a full sandwich or just a half as part of a larger spread. These sandwiches are made with buttery, flaky croissants from the Costco bakery and are topped with cheddar cheese and fresh green leaf lettuce. Because the chicken salad is made in-house using their iconic rotisserie chickens, it carries that familiar flavor that members have come to love.
Why the Pinwheel Sandwiches Disappeared
If you are looking for the “Hye Roller” or the Chicken and Swiss Pinwheels, you might be disappointed to learn that these were officially removed from the order-ahead catering menu in late 2023. While you can often find smaller “grab-and-go” containers of these pinwheels in the deli’s open refrigerated cases, they are no longer available for large-scale pre-order in the same way the sandwich platters are.
The shift toward the Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter was a move toward higher-quality ingredients and a more “upscale” catering feel. While the pinwheels were beloved for their ease of eating, the artisan sandwiches are more filling and present a more professional appearance for business meetings or formal parties.
Comparing Costs with Other Costco Party Platters
If you are trying to budget for a larger event, it helps to know how the sandwich trays compare to other catering staples available at the warehouse.
- Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter: Priced at $39.99, this feeds 18 to 24 people. It includes Italian salami, soppressata, grapes, aged cheddar, and Gouda. Note that you will need to purchase crackers separately.
- Shrimp Platter: Now priced at $55.99, this platter includes over 5 pounds of chilled, cooked shrimp with cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. It is one of the more expensive options but serves 24 to 28 people as an appetizer.
- Buffalo Wings Platter: Usually found in the ready-to-eat section, an 8-pound tray of wings costs approximately $47.00. These are chilled and seasoned with garlic, accompanied by ranch dressing.
How to Order Your Costco Sandwich Platter
The most important thing to know about Costco catering is that it is surprisingly “low-tech.” Even in 2026, you cannot order these party platters through the Costco website or mobile app. The process requires a bit of old-school planning.
- Step 1: Visit the Deli Kiosk
You must go to your local Costco warehouse in person. Near the Deli or Bakery section, you will find a kiosk with paper order forms. These forms are usually clipped to a board or placed in a slot.
- Step 2: Fill Out the Form
You will need to provide your name, membership number, and a contact phone number. On the form, you will check off the specific platters you want and indicate the quantity.
- Step 3: Choose Your Pickup Time
Costco requires at least 24 hours’ notice for all catering orders. Some people prefer to give 48 hours during busy holiday weekends or graduation season. You will specify the date and time you intend to pick up the order.
- Step 4: Drop the Form
Once the form is complete, you drop it into the designated “Order Box” at the kiosk. The deli staff checks these boxes regularly throughout the day.
- Step 5: Pickup and Payment
On the day of your event, head back to the deli. Your platter will be waiting in the refrigerated pickup area with your name on it. You take the platter to the front registers and pay for it just like any other item in your cart.
Tips for Serving and Food Safety
When you pick up your sandwich platter, it will be chilled. To ensure the best experience for your guests, it is important to maintain proper temperatures until the moment of service.
If you are transporting the platter a long distance, consider bringing an insulated cooler bag. Once you arrive at your venue, keep the platter in the refrigerator. Sandwiches containing meat, cheese, and mayonnaise-based aioli should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
If your event is outdoors in the heat, you might want to place the platter on a bed of ice to keep the contents fresh. The Artisan bread is sturdy, but like any bread, it will dry out if left uncovered for too long, so keep the plastic lid on until guests are ready to eat.
Serving Size Realities: Does One Platter Really Feed 20?
Costco’s serving estimates are generally accurate if the sandwiches are part of a larger meal. If you are serving nothing but sandwiches, one platter might only satisfy 10 to 12 hungry adults. However, if you are also serving a Costco vegetable tray, a bowl of potato salad, and some of their famous cookies, one Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter can easily stretch to 20 people.
A common strategy for large events is to mix and match. For a party of 50, you might order two Artisan Bread Sandwich Platters, one Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter, and two of their large pre-made salads. This provides variety for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike while keeping your total catering cost well under $200.
Is the Costco Sandwich Platter Worth It?
When you analyze the price of individual ingredients—buying the artisan rolls, the various deli meats, the specialty cheeses, the roasted tomatoes, and the garlic aioli—you will quickly realize that you would likely spend more than $50 just to buy the components. Furthermore, you would have to spend hours assembling and slicing.
The value of the Costco sandwich platter isn’t just in the dollar amount; it’s in the convenience and the quality of the “Kirkland Signature” brand. The meats are high-grade, the bread is fresh, and the presentation is clean and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I customize the types of sandwiches on the platter?
Generally, Costco does not allow for individual customization of the sandwich platters. They are pre-set with a specific variety (such as roast beef, chicken, and salami) to ensure efficiency in the deli. If you have a guest with a specific allergy, it is best to check the ingredient label upon pickup or supplement the tray with a separate, smaller item from the deli case.
Do I need a membership to buy a sandwich platter?
Yes, you must be a Costco member to purchase items from the deli department. This includes both the order-ahead catering platters and the ready-made items in the refrigerated cases. The order form itself requires a valid membership number to be processed.
Are there vegetarian sandwich platter options?
While the primary Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter is meat-heavy, some international Costco locations (like those in the UK) offer dedicated vegetarian platters. In the United States and Canada, the standard sandwich platter does not have a vegetarian version. Vegetarian hosts often purchase the Fruit, Meat, and Cheese platter (and simply remove the meat) or opt for the large Vegetable Tray with ranch dip.
Can I order the sandwich platter over the phone?
Most Costco locations require you to fill out the physical form in-store to avoid errors in pickup times or order quantities. However, some managers may allow phone orders if you live a significant distance from the warehouse. It is always best to call your local warehouse and ask for the deli department to confirm their specific policy.
How long do the sandwiches stay fresh?
For the best taste and texture, it is recommended to pick up your platter on the day of your event. The artisan bread is fresh and the vegetables are crisp. While the sandwiches will technically be safe to eat for 2 to 3 days if kept refrigerated at 40°F or below, the bread may begin to soften or become slightly damp due to the moisture in the meats and condiments after the first 24 hours.