Elevate Your Next Gathering: Discover the Best Party Platters at Costco
Planning a party, family get-together, or a casual backyard barbecue can be exciting, but the food prep often feels like a monumental task. What if you could offer an impressive spread that delights every guest, saves you hours in the kitchen, and is incredibly budget-friendly? Enter Costco's renowned party platters!
Costco has long been a go-to for bulk groceries, but their prepared platters and specialty deli items are true unsung heroes for effortless entertaining. Designed to feed a crowd without the fuss, these ready-to-serve options mean less stress for you and more time enjoying your own event. Let's explore some of the top-tier selections that can transform your next gathering into a memorable feast.
Why Choose Costco Party Platters for Your Event?
The appeal of Costco's party food goes beyond just convenience. These platters offer:
Exceptional Value: Generous portions at prices that are hard to beat, especially when catering for large groups.
Quality Ingredients: Many platters feature Kirkland Signature products, known for their high standards.
Time-Saving: Skip the chopping, cooking, and arranging. Just open and serve!
Crowd-Pleasing Variety: From savory to sweet, there's a platter or prepared item to satisfy diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Top-Rated Costco Party Platters and Prepared Foods for Any Occasion
While the exact selection can vary by warehouse, these fan-favorite Costco party platters and easy-to-grab prepared foods are consistently praised for their quality and convenience.
Savory Sandwich & Wrap Selections
Perfect for lunches, casual get-togethers, or as a substantial appetizer.
Artisanal Sandwich Platter (or Sprouted Grain Sandwich Platter): A popular choice featuring an assortment of hearty sandwiches, often with fillings like roasted chicken, ham, and roast beef, on various breads. These are substantial and perfect for satisfying hungry guests.
Chicken & Swiss Roller Tray (Pinwheels): A long-standing favorite, these pinwheel-style wraps are typically made with roasted chicken, Swiss cheese, and often a cranberry cream cheese spread, all rolled in a soft flatbread. They're easy to eat and always a hit.
Croissant Sandwich Platter: For a more decadent touch, this platter features tender croissants filled with premium deli meats and cheeses, sometimes with accompanying spreads like mustard-mayonnaise or pesto-mayonnaise.
Seafood Favorites
Elevate your appetizer spread with these fresh and flavorful options.
Shrimp Platter: A classic for a reason! This substantial platter includes pre-cooked, peeled shrimp with tails on, served with zesty cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a party staple.
Sushi Platter: Available at select locations, Costco's sushi platters offer an assortment of fresh rolls, often including options like California rolls, spicy tuna, and vegetable rolls. A fantastic choice for a more modern or health-conscious spread.
Cheese, Meat, and Veggie Displays
Create an impressive grazing station with these ready-made or easy-to-assemble options.
Fruit, Meat & Cheese Platter: A versatile option that combines savory cured meats (like salami and soppressata), cubes of cheddar and Gouda cheese, and fresh grapes. Perfect for sophisticated snacking.
Vegetable Tray with Ranch Dip: A simple yet essential party staple. This large tray of crisp, pre-cut vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli, bell peppers) comes with a creamy ranch dip, offering a refreshing and healthy option.
Vacaville Dried Fruit and Nut Board: An elegant option for a charcuterie-style display, offering a mix of dried fruits and nuts that pairs beautifully with cheeses you might already have.
Fratelli Beretta Charcuterie Sampler: While not a pre-assembled platter, this package offers an array of Italian cured meats, making it incredibly easy to create your own gourmet charcuterie board.
Baked Brie: Some Costcos offer ready-to-bake brie, often topped with fig jam or nuts. Just pop it in the oven for a warm, gooey, and impressive appetizer.
Sweet Endings & Desserts
Don't forget the sweets! Costco's bakery is legendary for its large-format desserts.
Cookie Assortment (or Holiday Cookie Tray): A generous mix of popular cookies, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. During holidays, look for specially curated festive cookie trays.
Tuxedo Cake: A decadent chocolate mousse cake that is rich, visually stunning, and large enough to serve a sizable crowd. It's a showstopper dessert that requires no effort from you.
Mini Pastry Assortment: Often found in the bakery, these bite-sized treats are perfect for offering a variety of flavors without committing to a single large cake.
How to Order Your Costco Party Platters
For the official, made-to-order party platters (like the Sandwich, Shrimp, and Fruit, Meat & Cheese platters), Costco has a specific, low-tech ordering process that ensures freshness:
Visit Your Local Warehouse: Online ordering for these specific platters is not typically available. Head to your nearest Costco store.
Locate the Deli/Bakery Section: You'll usually find an order kiosk or a form stand near the deli or bakery counter.
Fill Out the Order Form: Complete the paper form (or use the kiosk if available). You'll need to specify the platter type, quantity, your membership number, phone number, and desired pickup date and time.
Place Your Order: Drop the completed form into the designated box or hand it to a deli associate.
Allow Advance Notice: Most platters require at least 24 hours' notice for preparation. Plan ahead, especially for weekend events or holidays.
Pickup and Pay: Return to the store at your scheduled pickup time. Your order will be ready at the deli counter, and you'll pay at the regular checkout.
Pro Tip: While the official platters need advance notice, many other fantastic party foods (like the large prepared salads, rotisserie chicken, frozen appetizers, and many desserts) can be picked up without pre-ordering!
Making Your Costco Platters Shine
Even though they're ready-to-serve, a few simple touches can make your Costco platters look even more spectacular:
Transfer to Serving Dishes: For a more elevated presentation, transfer items from the plastic trays to your own beautiful serving platters or bowls.
Add Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh herbs (like parsley or dill on shrimp), a few lemon wedges, or some vibrant berries on a fruit platter can make a big difference.
Offer Dips and Spreads: Provide a variety of accompanying dips or spreads beyond what's included to add more flavor options.
Mix and Match: Don't be afraid to combine elements from different Costco items. For example, use the charcuterie sampler to create a custom cheese board with cheeses and crackers also bought at Costco.
Costco's party platters are a game-changer for hosts looking to serve delicious, high-quality food without the stress. With a little planning, you can impress your guests and enjoy your own celebration to the fullest!