Planning a party or large gathering can be stressful, especially when it comes to feeding everyone. The Costco catering menu and prices offer a straightforward solution for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. You can order platters, sandwiches, and desserts that are both affordable and generous in portion size.
Costco’s catering service is not as widely advertised as other options, but it is a hidden gem for budget-conscious hosts. Whether you need food for a birthday party, office meeting, or holiday event, this guide will walk you through everything available. We’ll cover the full menu, exact prices, ordering steps, and tips to get the most value.
Costco Catering Menu And Prices Overview
The Costco catering menu is surprisingly simple but covers the basics well. You won’t find fancy appetizers or gourmet entrees here. Instead, you get reliable, crowd-pleasing items like deli sandwiches, party platters, and sheet cakes. Prices are significantly lower than most grocery stores or restaurant caterers.
Most items are available through the Costco Deli department, not a separate catering website. You can order in person at the warehouse or call ahead for large orders. Some locations also allow online ordering through a third-party service, but availability varies.
Here is a quick look at the main categories you can order:
- Sandwich platters (subs and wraps)
- Meat and cheese trays
- Vegetable and fruit platters
- Party dips and spreads
- Sheet cakes and cookies
- Hot food options (rotisserie chicken, pizza, hot dogs)
Prices are not always listed online, but we have compiled the most accurate figures based on current Costco locations. Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly by region due to local costs.
Sandwich Platters
Sandwich platters are the most popular catering item at Costco. They come pre-sliced and ready to serve. You can choose from two main options: the Club Sandwich Platter and the Roast Beef and Cheddar Platter.
The Club Sandwich Platter includes turkey, ham, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo on white or wheat bread. It serves about 10-12 people and costs around $25.99. The Roast Beef and Cheddar Platter features roast beef, cheddar cheese, and horseradish sauce on a hoagie roll. It serves a similar number and is priced at $27.99.
Both platters come with condiment packets on the side. You can also request a vegetarian option by asking the deli staff, though it is not always listed on the menu board.
Meat And Cheese Trays
If you want a simple grazing option, the meat and cheese tray is a solid choice. It includes a variety of sliced meats like salami, ham, and turkey, along with cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, and Swiss. The tray also comes with crackers and sometimes olives or pickles.
The standard tray serves about 15-20 people and costs $19.99. That is an incredible price for the amount of food you get. You can also order a larger version for about $29.99, which serves 25-30 people.
One thing to note: the tray is not fancy. It is a simple plastic platter with the items arranged in rows. But for the price, it is hard to beat.
Vegetable And Fruit Platters
For healthier options, Costco offers both vegetable and fruit platters. The vegetable platter includes carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dip. It serves about 12-15 people and costs $14.99.
The fruit platter features a mix of seasonal fruits like melon, pineapple, grapes, and strawberries. It is a bit more expensive at $17.99 for a similar serving size. Both platters are fresh and well-prepared, though the fruit can sometimes be a little underripe depending on the season.
Party Dips And Spreads
Costco sells large containers of popular dips that work well for parties. You can find guacamole, spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, and salsa. These are typically priced between $6.99 and $9.99 for a 32-ounce container.
You can also buy tortilla chips or pita chips in bulk to go with them. A large bag of tortilla chips costs about $4.99. This combination is perfect for a casual get-together or game day party.
Sheet Cakes And Desserts
Costco’s sheet cakes are legendary for their value. A half-sheet cake serves about 48 people and costs only $24.99. You can choose from chocolate or vanilla cake with white or chocolate frosting. The cake comes with a simple decoration, and you can add a custom message if you order in advance.
For smaller groups, you can buy a quarter-sheet cake for $14.99, which serves about 24 people. Both sizes are available in the bakery section and do not require a special order unless you want a message.
Other dessert options include a tray of 48 chocolate chip cookies for $12.99 or a box of 24 assorted muffins for $9.99. These are great for office parties or school events.
Hot Food Options
Costco’s food court also offers items that can be ordered in bulk for catering. You can buy whole pizzas for $9.95 each. They come in cheese, pepperoni, or combination. A whole pizza serves about 6-8 people.
You can also order trays of rotisserie chicken. Each chicken costs $4.99 and is fully cooked. For a large group, you might need 3-4 chickens. The deli can sometimes prepare them in bulk if you call ahead.
Hot dogs and soda combos are available for $1.50 each, but these are not typically ordered for catering due to the logistics of keeping them hot. However, for a backyard barbecue, they can work well.
How To Order From The Costco Catering Menu
Ordering from Costco’s catering menu is not as streamlined as some other stores. There is no dedicated catering phone number or website for most locations. You will need to visit the warehouse deli counter in person.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Go to your local Costco and head to the deli section.
- Look for a paper menu or ask a staff member for the catering options.
- Choose your items and let them know the quantity you need.
- For large orders (more than 10 platters), call at least 24 hours in advance.
- Pay at the deli counter or at the main checkout.
- Pick up your order at the scheduled time.
Some Costco locations now offer online ordering through a service called “Costco Grocery.” This is available in select areas and allows you to order catering items for delivery or pickup. Check the Costco website to see if your area is covered.
If you need a custom cake message, you must order at least 24 hours in advance. The bakery staff will write your message in icing. There is no extra charge for this service.
Tips For A Smooth Ordering Experience
- Bring a list of exactly what you want. The deli staff are busy and may not have time to help you browse.
- Ask about portion sizes. The staff can tell you how many people each platter serves.
- Check the expiration date. Most platters are made fresh daily and should be eaten within 1-2 days.
- Consider buying disposable trays if you need to transfer food to a serving dish.
- If you are ordering for a weekend event, order on Thursday or Friday to ensure freshness.
Costco Catering Prices Breakdown
Here is a detailed table of the most common catering items and their prices. Remember that these are approximate and can vary by location.
| Item | Serving Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Club Sandwich Platter | 10-12 people | $25.99 |
| Roast Beef and Cheddar Platter | 10-12 people | $27.99 |
| Meat and Cheese Tray (small) | 15-20 people | $19.99 |
| Meat and Cheese Tray (large) | 25-30 people | $29.99 |
| Vegetable Platter | 12-15 people | $14.99 |
| Fruit Platter | 12-15 people | $17.99 |
| Half-Sheet Cake | 48 people | $24.99 |
| Quarter-Sheet Cake | 24 people | $14.99 |
| Cookie Tray (48 cookies) | 24-48 people | $12.99 |
| Whole Pizza | 6-8 people | $9.95 |
| Rotisserie Chicken | 3-4 people | $4.99 |
As you can see, the prices are extremely competitive. A full meal for 20 people could cost under $100, including sandwiches, a platter, and dessert. That is less than $5 per person.
Comparing Costco To Other Caterers
When you compare Costco’s catering to options like Subway, Panera, or local delis, the savings are clear. Subway’s party platters cost about $40 for a similar size. Panera’s catering is even more expensive, with sandwich platters starting at $50.
Costco also offers better value for desserts. A half-sheet cake from a bakery can cost $50 or more. Costco’s cake is half that price and tastes just as good.
The main trade-off is variety. Costco does not offer specialty items like gluten-free options, vegan platters, or gourmet salads. If you have dietary restrictions, you may need to supplement with other stores.
What To Expect From Costco Catering Quality
The quality of Costco’s catering food is consistent and reliable. The sandwiches are made with fresh bread and quality meats. The vegetables are crisp, and the fruit is usually sweet. The cakes are moist and have a rich frosting.
However, do not expect gourmet presentation. The platters are arranged simply, often in a plastic tray with a clear lid. There are no fancy garnishes or decorative arrangements. If you are hosting a formal event, you might want to transfer the food to your own serving dishes.
Another thing to consider is that the food is pre-prepared. You cannot customize ingredients or request special preparation. For example, you cannot ask for a sandwich platter without tomatoes or with a specific type of bread.
Despite these limitations, the food is always fresh and tastes good. Most guests will be satisfied, especially given the low cost.
Common Complaints And How To Avoid Them
- Some people find the sandwich bread a bit dry. To fix this, add extra condiments or wrap the sandwiches in a damp paper towel before serving.
- The fruit platter can sometimes include underripe melon. Check the fruit before buying and ask for a replacement if needed.
- The meat and cheese tray may have too much cheese compared to meat. You can buy an extra pack of meat from the deli to balance it out.
- Sheet cakes can be difficult to transport. Ask the bakery for a cake box or bring your own sturdy container.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Catering
Do I need a membership to order Costco catering?
Yes, you need a Costco membership to purchase any items from the warehouse, including catering. Non-members cannot shop at Costco unless they have a gift card or are accompanied by a member.
Can I order Costco catering online?
Some locations offer online ordering through Costco Grocery, but this is not available everywhere. Most orders must be placed in person at the deli counter. Check your local Costco’s website for details.
How far in advance should I order?
For standard platters, you can order the same day if the items are in stock. For large orders or custom cakes, order at least 24 hours in advance. Some locations require 48 hours for very large orders.
Does Costco deliver catering orders?
No, Costco does not offer delivery for catering orders. You must pick up your order at the warehouse. Some third-party services like Instacart may deliver Costco items, but they are not official catering partners.
Can I return catering food if I am not satisfied?
Costco has a generous return policy, but food items are generally non-returnable for safety reasons. If there is a quality issue, speak to the deli manager. They may offer a refund or replacement.
Final Tips For Using Costco Catering
Costco catering is best for casual events where you need to feed a lot of people without spending much money. It works well for birthday parties, office lunches, picnics, and holiday gatherings.
To make the most of your order, combine a few different platters. For example, get a sandwich platter, a vegetable platter, and a sheet cake. That gives you a complete meal for about $60, serving 20 people.
If you need drinks, Costco sells bulk soda and water bottles at low prices. A 36-pack of water costs about $3.99. You can also buy large jugs of soda for $2.99 each.
Finally, remember that Costco’s catering menu is not advertised heavily. Many people do not know about it. By using this guide, you can take advantage of one of the best catering deals available.
Whether you are hosting a small gathering or a large party, the Costco catering menu and prices offer a simple, affordable solution. Just plan ahead, order early, and enjoy the savings.