Creative Sandwich Platters That Will Impress Your Guests

Potluck dinners have come and gone, and build-your-own charcuterie boards had their moment — but there’s a new party meal stealing the spotlight: A sandwich platter. No, it’s not the sad, cold, prepared platter of deli sandwiches in your grocery store; we’re here to change your mind that a catered sandwich platter can be kind of upscale.

You could build a DIY sandwich spread , but if you’re short on time, there are a ton of ideas for catering an excellent meal for everything from casual gatherings to events. Sandwiches are one of the best foods for catering – they keep well during transport, tend to be more affordable than other catered foods, and they’re easy to serve, with no utensils needed. Plus, they offer the option of being endlessly customizable for all dietary restrictions and preferences.

Like we said earlier, a sandwich platter shouldn’t just include ham, cheese, and mustard slapped on white bread. Instead, think of a gourmet sandwich board as a cousin to the beloved cheese and charcuterie platter—but heartier and with more room for creativity.

The idea: Order regular-sized, gourmet sandwiches from your favorite local delicatessen or submarine shop, and cut each sandwich into halves or thirds for easy grabbing. This allows guests to try an enjoyable mix-and-match of all the offerings.

Order something for everyone: Roast beef with horseradish aioli and arugula, fresh caprese with heirloom tomato, basil, and mozzarella, grilled vegetables with hummus and microgreens, and something classic, like smoked turkey and cheese. If you want to up the spread even more, surround the sandwiches with complementary sides like pickles, olives, mustards, and small bowls of dipping sauces.

There’s something irresistible about miniature food, and sliders are no exception. This catered food is easy to serve and encourages guests to try a variety of options. Nobody can eat just one, so order a spread with options like a classic cheeseburger, BBQ pulled pork, spicy fried chicken, and falafel or classic veggie burger sliders for vegetarians.

To elevate the presentation, line up the sliders on a tiered stand or arrange them in neat rows. Don’t forget to lay out a small section of condiments to complement the sliders. French fries are always a choice side, but these get cold fast; instead, consider potato chips, slaw, or a fresh green salad.

Themed sandwich platters are a playful way to tie your food into the event, especially baby showers, birthday parties, or holiday gatherings. For example, a tea party-themed birthday party is perfect for dainty finger sandwiches like cucumber dill, smoked salmon with cream cheese, and egg salad with watercress.

The sandwich spread, of course, doesn't have to follow the theme of the party – you could simply select a certain cuisine you enjoy. Love Mediterranean, and serving both vegetarian and meat-loving guests? Order a Mediterranean mezze board with pita pockets filled with falafel, grilled chicken shawarma wraps, and mini gyro sandwiches.

For an interactive experience, set up a DIY sandwich bar where guests can create their own perfect sandwich. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean more work for you – some of your favorite restaurants or delis will actually deliver a spread of breads, proteins, cheeses, veggies all laid out on a tray, ready to serve with condiments. This way, guests can pick and choose exactly what they want, rather than choose from pre-made sandwiches that may not fit their preferences or restrictions. Some establishments will charge a per-person price, while others will offer a flat rate for the entire catering experience.

Whether you go the gourmet route or lean into fun themes, a catered sandwich platter is a fresh, simple, and customizable way to feed a crowd. Remember that if you’re ordering catering, most restaurants and delis require at least 24 hours notice. Don’t be afraid to ask restaurants what they charge for catering to ensure the cost fits your budget. For example, Fat Sal’s catered small sandwich platter serves 12 people for $170; this comes out to a little over $14 per person.

Ditch the standard deli tray, and forget asking guests to bring a potluck dish; elevate your next event with a catered sandwich platter that will have your guests going back for seconds.