Costco’s catering menu offers sheet cakes, party platters, and sandwiches sized for gatherings of any scale. Understanding the Costco catering menu prices helps you plan a budget-friendly event without sacrificing quality. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a corporate meeting, or a holiday get-together, Costco’s catering options provide excellent value for large groups.
This guide breaks down every item on the menu, from the famous sheet cakes to the hearty party platters. You’ll learn exact prices, serving sizes, and ordering tips to make your next event a success.
Costco Catering Menu Prices Overview
Costco’s catering menu is surprisingly simple yet effective. They focus on a few core items that deliver big portions at low prices. The main categories include sheet cakes, party platters, and sandwich trays.
Prices vary slightly by location due to regional costs, but the differences are minimal. Most items fall between $15 and $50, making them affordable for almost any budget.
Here is a quick price summary for the most popular items:
- Half-sheet cake: $24.99
- Full-sheet cake: $44.99
- Party platter (small): $15.99
- Party platter (large): $29.99
- Sandwich tray (serves 10-12): $34.99
- Cookie platter: $12.99
- Fruit platter: $19.99
- Veggie platter: $17.99
These prices are current as of early 2025. Always call your local Costco to confirm, as they can change without notice.
Sheet Cakes: The Star Of The Menu
Costco’s sheet cakes are legendary for their size, taste, and price. They come in half-sheet and full-sheet sizes. Both are available in chocolate or vanilla flavors with matching frosting.
The half-sheet cake serves about 48 people. That’s a lot of cake for under $25. The full-sheet cake serves around 96 people, perfect for large parties or office events.
You can customize the cake with a simple message or design. Write your own text, like “Happy Birthday Sarah” or “Congratulations Team.” The bakery team will add it for free.
Ordering requires at least 24 hours notice. Walk-in orders are sometimes accepted, but it’s safer to call ahead. Pick up your cake chilled and let it come to room temperature before serving.
Sheet Cake Pricing Details
Here is the exact breakdown for sheet cakes:
- Half-sheet cake: $24.99 (serves 48)
- Full-sheet cake: $44.99 (serves 96)
- Additional decorations: Free (simple message)
- Custom designs: Not available (only text)
The price includes the cake board and a clear plastic lid. You don’t need to buy a separate box. Just grab and go.
Flavor Options For Sheet Cakes
Costco offers two main flavor combinations:
- Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
- Vanilla cake with vanilla frosting
Both are moist and rich. The chocolate version is a crowd favorite. The vanilla is lighter and pairs well with fresh fruit if you add your own toppings.
Unfortunately, you cannot mix flavors or request a half-and-half cake. It’s one flavor per cake. But you can order two half-sheets if you want both flavors.
Party Platters: Perfect For Appetizers
Costco’s party platters are ideal for casual gatherings. They come in small and large sizes. The platters include a mix of meats, cheeses, crackers, and sometimes vegetables.
The small platter serves 10-15 people. The large platter serves 20-30 people. Prices start at $15.99 for small and go up to $29.99 for large.
Each platter is arranged on a disposable tray with a clear dome lid. You can serve directly from the tray, which saves on cleanup time.
Party Platter Pricing And Contents
Here is what you get with each platter size:
- Small party platter: $15.99 (serves 10-15)
- Large party platter: $29.99 (serves 20-30)
Contents typically include:
- Sliced turkey, ham, and roast beef
- Assorted cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, provolone)
- Butter crackers and bread sticks
- Pickles and olives
- Sometimes grapes or cherry tomatoes
The exact contents vary by location. Some Costcos add pepperoni or salami. Others include a small container of mustard or mayo.
How To Order Party Platters
Ordering is simple. Visit the Costco deli counter and ask for a party platter. You can also call ahead. Most locations require 24 hours notice for large platters.
If you need a platter same-day, check the pre-made section near the deli. They often have a few ready to go. But selection is limited.
For best results, order at least two days in advance during holidays. Thanksgiving and Christmas are busy times, and platters sell out fast.
Sandwich Trays: Hearty And Filling
Sandwich trays from Costco are a great option for lunch meetings or casual dinners. Each tray includes 10-12 full-sized sandwiches. You choose from three types: turkey, ham, or roast beef.
The sandwiches come on hoagie rolls with lettuce, tomato, and onion on the side. You assemble them yourself, which keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Each tray costs $34.99. That works out to about $3.50 per sandwich, which is a steal compared to sub shops.
Sandwich Tray Pricing And Options
Here are the available sandwich tray options:
- Turkey sandwich tray: $34.99 (serves 10-12)
- Ham sandwich tray: $34.99 (serves 10-12)
- Roast beef sandwich tray: $34.99 (serves 10-12)
Each tray includes:
- 10-12 hoagie rolls
- Sliced meat (turkey, ham, or roast beef)
- Sliced cheese (provolone or Swiss)
- Lettuce, tomato, and onion (separate bags)
- Condiment packets (mayo, mustard, oil, vinegar)
You can mix meats if you order multiple trays. But each tray is one type of meat only.
Tips For Serving Sandwich Trays
To keep sandwiches fresh, follow these steps:
- Keep the bread and meat separate until serving time.
- Set up a build-your-own sandwich station.
- Provide plates, napkins, and extra condiments.
- Store leftover meat and cheese in the fridge.
This method prevents soggy bread and lets guests customize their sandwiches. It also reduces food waste because people take only what they want.
Cookie Platters: Sweet And Simple
Cookie platters are a budget-friendly dessert option. Each platter contains about 24 cookies. The cookies are large, soft, and chewy.
Flavors include chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, and sugar cookies. You can request a mix or stick with one flavor.
The price is $12.99 per platter. That’s about 54 cents per cookie, which is cheaper than most bakery cookies.
Cookie Platter Pricing
- Cookie platter: $12.99 (24 cookies)
- Mix of flavors: Available on request
- Custom shapes: Not available
Cookie platters are available without advance notice in most stores. Just check the bakery section. They are often pre-packaged and ready to go.
Fruit And Veggie Platters: Healthy Choices
For healthier options, Costco offers fruit and veggie platters. These are great for brunches, baby showers, or office meetings where people want lighter fare.
The fruit platter includes a mix of seasonal fruits like strawberries, grapes, melon, and pineapple. The veggie platter has carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and ranch dip.
Prices are $19.99 for fruit and $17.99 for veggies. Each serves about 15-20 people.
Fruit And Veggie Platter Details
- Fruit platter: $19.99 (serves 15-20)
- Veggie platter: $17.99 (serves 15-20)
- Dip included: Ranch for veggies, no dip for fruit
These platters are pre-made and available in the refrigerated section. You can grab them without ordering. But for large events, call ahead to ensure availability.
How To Order From Costco Catering
Ordering from Costco catering is straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Visit your local Costco bakery or deli counter.
- Tell the staff what items you need and the quantity.
- Provide pickup date and time (24 hours notice recommended).
- Pay at the register. Some locations require full payment upfront.
- Pick up your order at the designated time.
You can also order by phone. Call the bakery or deli department directly. They will take your order and give you a confirmation number.
Online ordering is not available for catering. Everything must be done in-store or by phone.
Tips For A Smooth Ordering Experience
- Call at least 48 hours in advance for holidays.
- Confirm the pickup time and location.
- Bring a cooler if you have a long drive home.
- Check the order before leaving the store.
Costco staff are generally helpful, but they are busy. Be patient and polite. If something is wrong, they will fix it.
Costco Catering Vs. Other Options
How does Costco compare to other catering services? Let’s look at price and quality.
For sheet cakes, Costco is unbeatable. A half-sheet cake from a grocery store costs $30-$50. Costco’s is $24.99. The taste is also better than most store-bought cakes.
Party platters from Costco are cheaper than those from Sam’s Club or BJ’s. Sam’s Club charges $18.99 for a small platter. Costco is $15.99.
Sandwich trays from Subway or Jimmy John’s cost $60-$80 for 12 sandwiches. Costco’s tray is $34.99. The quality is comparable, though the bread is different.
Overall, Costco offers the best value for large groups. The only downside is limited menu options. You won’t find hot foods or gourmet items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco offer catering for weddings?
Yes, Costco catering works well for weddings. The sheet cakes are popular for wedding cakes. You can also order party platters for the reception. Just call ahead to confirm availability.
Can I order Costco catering online?
No, online ordering is not available. You must order in person or by phone at your local Costco. This applies to all catering items.
What is the minimum order for Costco catering?
There is no official minimum. You can order a single platter or cake. However, some locations may require a minimum for delivery, which is not typically offered.
How far in advance should I order?
At least 24 hours is recommended. For holidays or large events, order 48-72 hours ahead. This ensures your items are ready on time.
Can I customize the sheet cake message?
Yes, you can add a simple message for free. Write your text on the order form. The bakery will pipe it onto the cake. Complex designs are not available.
Final Thoughts On Costco Catering
Costco catering is a smart choice for budget-conscious hosts. The prices are low, the portions are large, and the quality is consistent. You can feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
Remember to order ahead, especially during busy seasons. Check with your local store for exact prices and availability. And don’t forget to bring a cooler for transport.
Whether you need a birthday cake, office lunch, or party appetizers, Costco’s catering menu has you covered. With these prices, you might even have money left over for extra snacks.