Sandwich Catering
Sandwich catering refers to ordering pre-made sandwich platters, boxed lunches, or wrap trays from a caterer, deli, or grocery store for a meeting, office lunch, funeral reception, or party rather than making sandwiches in-house. It's typically priced and quantified per person or per platter, with options ranging from basic deli trays to build-your-own sandwich bars.
Varieties
Finger sandwiches (crustless, cut into small triangles or squares) are the standard for teas and bridal showers and are eaten in one or two bites. Deli sandwich platters use full-size bread cut in halves or quarters and suit casual office lunches. Boxed lunches package one full sandwich with sides individually, which works better for outdoor events or when guests arrive at different times rather than all sitting down together.
Buying tips
Order 48 to 72 hours ahead for a standard platter; give a caterer a full week of notice for events over 50 guests or if you need specialty breads or dietary accommodations. Plan on 1.5 half-sandwiches per person for a midday meeting, closer to 2 per person if it's the only meal being served. Always ask whether the platter includes a vegetarian option, since most default deli trays lean heavily on meat and cheese.
Substitutes
Wrap platter — 1:1 by headcount
Same per-person planning as sandwiches; wraps hold up better for buffets that sit out longer since fillings are enclosed rather than exposed on open bread.
Slider platter (mini sandwiches) — 2:1
Plan on two sliders per guest to equal one standard half-sandwich portion; popular for events with multiple food stations where guests are grazing rather than eating a full lunch.
Boxed lunches — 1:1 by headcount
Individually packaged, so there's no shared platter to portion; best for events with staggered arrival times or outdoor settings where a shared tray would sit out too long.
Build-your-own sandwich bar — not directly comparable
Requires more setup space and a longer service window than a pre-made platter, but reduces waste since guests only take what they'll eat.
Salad and grain bowl station — not directly comparable
A reasonable swap when a meaningful share of the guest list needs low-carb or gluten-free options, though it usually costs more per person than a sandwich platter.
Storage
Keep sandwich platters refrigerated or on ice at 40°F or below until 15 to 30 minutes before serving. Once set out, sandwiches should not sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours (1 hour if the room is above 90°F). Leftovers should be re-wrapped and refrigerated within 2 hours and eaten within 3 to 4 days; mayonnaise-based fillings and lettuce hold up worst, so pull those out first if repacking leftovers.
How to use
Standard for office meetings, corporate lunches, funeral and memorial receptions, graduation open houses, and baby or wedding showers. For a seated lunch event, order full sandwiches; for a reception where guests are also mingling or standing, order halves or quarters so people can eat one-handed.
What it pairs with
Round out a sandwich platter with a pasta or potato salad, kettle chips, whole fresh fruit or a fruit platter, and pickle spears. For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and canned sparkling water hold up well on a buffet without needing constant restocking.
Nutrition
Standard deli sandwich platters run high in sodium from cured meats, cheese, and condiments, often 700-1000mg per sandwich half. Lower-sodium options include roasted turkey breast, hummus-based wraps, and vegetable sandwiches with a light vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise.
FAQ
How many sandwiches should I order per person?
Plan on about 1.5 half-sandwiches per person if other food is also being served, or 2 half-sandwiches per person if the sandwiches are the entire meal. Add a 10 to 15 percent buffer for events with teenagers or manual laborers.
How far in advance should sandwich catering be ordered?
48 to 72 hours is standard for a basic platter from a grocery store or deli. For events over 50 people, custom bread requests, or weekend orders, book at least a week ahead since caterers often sell out of prep slots.
How do I keep a sandwich platter fresh at an outdoor event?
Keep the platter in a cooler with ice packs until just before serving, use a shaded serving table, and avoid unwrapping it more than 30 minutes before guests arrive since direct sun and heat dry out bread quickly.
What's the best way to handle guests with dietary restrictions?
Order at least one clearly labeled vegetarian or vegan tray per 8 to 10 guests rather than mixing a few meatless sandwiches into a shared platter, and ask the caterer to use separate cutting boards if anyone has a severe allergy.
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