Sandwich Platter Ideas for a Party

You can make mouthwatering, chef worthy sandwich platters for your next party.

Preparing sandwiches for a party should be done in the morning on the day of the party, so that they can stay as fresh as possible. The bread will become soggy if sandwiches are prepared the day before.

You can pick 3-4 different types of sandwiches so you’ll have a variety for guests to choose from.

It’s best to prepare 1 sandwich per person attending your party.

Each sandwich you prepare can be cut into 4 triangles, 3 rectangles, or 2 circles so they are individually portioned and small in size.

Using a variety of types of bread will give your guests an eye-catching sandwich platter. Try using mini buns, crostini’s, open faced sandwiches, or different types of bread together.

Sandwiches can be prepared on sour dough, French bread, croissants, pumpernickel, multigrain, whole wheat, rye, or white bread.

Sandwich Platter Ideas for a Party

Ham and Cheese

Ham and cheese sandwiches are creamy sandwiches with a hint of tart mustard.

You can make ham and cheese sandwiches by spreading mayo on one slice of bread, and whole grain mustard on the other slice of bread.

Layer Swiss cheese, and black forest ham on top of the whole grain mustard.

You can add sprouts, arugula, or slices of pickles to the sandwich if desired. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread.

  • Swiss cheese
  • black forest ham
  • sprouts
  • arugula
  • pickle slices
  • whole grain mustard
  • mayo
ham and cheese sandwich platter

Cucumber and Cream Cheese

Cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are refreshing sandwiches with a hint of dill and cream cheese.

Softened cream cheese is beat together using a hand mixer with mayo, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, chives, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Each side of bread is coated in herbed cream cheese, and then slices of cucumber are placed on top.

  • herbed cream cheese
  • cucumber slices
cucumber sandwich platter

Pesto Mozzarella

Pesto mozzarella sandwiches are caprese sandwiches with a few added veggies.

You can use fresh mozzarella for this creamy sandwich, and fresh pesto spread on each side of bread to make this delicious sandwich.

Arugula is added to pesto mozzarella sandwiches for an earthy toned sandwich.

Pesto mozzarella sandwiches are best served on focaccia bread.

  • zucchini slices
  • red pepper
  • red onions
  • tomatoes
  • mozzarella
  • arugula
  • pesto 

Egg Salad

Egg salad sandwiches are filling tea sandwiches with a lovely creamy egg filling.

Eggs are hard boiled, cooled, and shelled. Hard boiled eggs can be cut into small cubes and then placed in a bowl.

Eggs are mixed together with a bit of mayo, mustard (whole grain or Dijon), salt and pepper to make the filling.

Cut the bread using a cookie cutter into circles if desired, or into rectangles or triangles.

Spread filling on one side of bread, then top with the other piece of bread.

Place a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together. Garnish with a sprig of parsley.

  • hardboiled eggs
  • mayo
  • whole grain mustard or Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
sandwich platter recipe ideas

Apple and Brie

Apple and brie sandwiches are a rich and creamy sandwich with a hint of sweet fig jam and a little garlic finish to it.

Basil leaves and spinach add a bit of greenery and earthy flavors to the creamy brie sandwich.

Apple and brie sandwiches are best served on ciabatta bread.

  • brie
  • apple slices
  • fig jam
  • spinach
  • basil leaves
  • garlic mayo

Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwiches are creamy herbed chicken sandwiches with a nutty finish.

Chicken salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, sour cream, parsley, green onions, tarragon, fresh dill weed, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder and salt and pepper.

Chicken salad is spread onto the bread in a thick layer, along with a few cucumber slices.

Cubed chicken, raisins, and toasted sliced almonds are mixed into sour cream mixture to full coat the chicken to made the chicken salad base.

Another slice of bread is placed on top, and a toothpick is placed into the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

Assemble the sandwich by spreading a thin layer of herbed cream cheese on one slice of bread, and top with smoked salmon, red onions, alfalfa sprouts, fresh dill weed, capers, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

  • chicken
  • cucumber
  • raisins
  • toasted sliced almonds
  • mayo
  • sour cream
  • parsley
  • green onions
  • tarragon
  • fresh dill weed
  • fresh lemon juice
  • garlic powder
  • salt and pepper
chicken salad sandwich platter

Avocado and Cucumber

Avocado sandwiches can be served with garlic mayo, hummus, or balsamic reduction.

You can add a few greens such as red leaf lettuce or sprouts to your avocado sandwich.

  • garlic mayo or hummus
  • lettuce
  • sprouts
  • feta
  • cilantro
  • balsamic reduction
avocado cucumber sandwich platter

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad sandwiches are a favorite sandwich for many with its creamy and crunchy texture.

Tuna salad sandwiches are made by mixing together mayo, Dijon mustard, green relish, fresh lemon juice and pepper.

Add drained tuna and chopped celery to the mayo base and mix well.

Spread tuna salad on top of one slice and bread, and add the other piece of bread on top.

  • drained tuna
  • mayo
  • Dijon mustard
  • green relish
  • lemon juice
  • pepper
  • chopped celery

Jalapeno Havarti and Sundried Tomato

Jalapeno Havarti cheese sandwiches are spicy sandwiches made with chipotle mayo to give it a bit of a kick.

You can even add a few slices of pickled jalapenos in your sandwich if desired.

Jalapeno Havarti and sundried tomato sandwiches are best served on sourdough bread.

  • jalapeno Havarti
  • sundried tomatoes (julienned)
  • dill pickles (sliced thin)
  • sprouts
  • avocado slices
  • red onions
  • garlic mayo or chipotle mayo
sandwich platter ideas for party

Strawberry, Basil and Cream Cheese

Strawberry sandwiches have a light fruity flavor to them with a bit of earthy tones from the basil leaves.

Strawberry sandwiches are typically made on white bread.

Strawberry jam is spread over one slice of bread, and softened cream cheese is spread on the other side.

Strawberry slices are layered on top of the cream cheese slice of bread, along with a few fresh basil leaves.

The other slice of bread is placed on top, and is ready to serve.

You can use a cookie cutter to cut a heart out of one slice of bread, and have a strawberry poking through the window for an extra special treat for guests.

  • strawberry slices
  • basil leaves
  • cream cheese
  • strawberry jam
strawberry sandwich platter

Mediterranean

Mediterranean sandwiches are filled with savory tzatziki sauce and feta cheese.

Mediterranean sandwiches are filled with juicy tomato and cucumber.

Feta and tzatziki sandwiches are best prepared on focaccia bread.

  • feta
  • tomato
  • lettuce
  • cucumber slices
  • red onions
  • tzatziki sauce
sandwich platter recipes for party

Cream Cheese, Smoked Salmon, and Capers

Smoked salmon sandwiches are creamy with a hint of smoke flavor with invigorating salmon.

Softened cream cheese is mixed together with minced garlic and fresh dill weed.

Add the other slice of bread on top, and place a toothpick in the center to hold it together.

  • smoked salmon
  • alfalfa sprouts
  • red onions
  • fresh dill weed
  • capers
  • herbed cream cheese
  • salt and pepper
smoked salmon sandwich platter

Horseradish and Roast Beef

Horseradish and roast beef sandwiches have a little bit of a bite to them, with creamy finish.

Roast beef sandwiches are made by spreading a thin layer of mayo on one side of the bread, and horseradish on the other slice of bread.

Cold thinly sliced roast beef placed on top of the horseradish, along with Swiss cheese, watercress, and tomato slices.

Place the other piece of bread on top and a toothpick in the center of the sandwich to hold it together.

  • Swiss cheese
  • roast beef
  • horseradish
  • mayo
  • watercress
  • tomato slices
roast beef sandwich platter

How to make a sandwich platter

  1. Select a large platter for your sandwiches.
  2. Cut all the crusts off of a loaf of bread.
  3. Prepare sandwiches – layer your condiments, vegetables, cheese and meats.
  4. Arrange sandwiches on the platter.
  5. Add a garnish to the sandwich platter.
  6. Serve immediately.

How to display sandwiches on a platter

Display sandwiches on a platter by arranging them:

  • side by side
  • in a spiral
  • triangle sandwiches faced with the base on the bottom, and the corner triangle face up

How to decorate a sandwich plate

Decorate a sandwich plate by placing a garnish on the plate:

  • sliced strawberry
  • piece of mint plant
  • mandarin orange slices
  • sliced apples – 3 pieces arranged as “steps”
  • a couple of raspberries

Sandwich presentation ideas

Sandwiches can be presented on a 3 tier platter for an added visual effect.

sandwich presentation ideas

How to Make Ice Cream with Ice Cubes

Making ice cream at home without needing an ice cream maker is possible by using ice and salt together.

Is salt really necessary to make ice cream?

Yes. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water. So your ice with salt together end up being colder than frozen ice cubes. This makes the ice cream freeze much faster than if you were just using ice cubes without the salt.

To make instant ice cream you’ll need to gather a few items:

  • 4 trays of crushed ice cubes – approximately 1 Litre of ice cubes
  • 90 mL coarse salt
  • 1-3 L Ziplock bag
  • 1-975 mL Ziplock bag

Instant Ice Cream

  • 125 mL heavy cream
  • 30 mL sugar
  • 2 mL vanilla extract
  • 50 mL fruit (chopped frozen fruit)
  1. In a 3 L Ziplock bag, place both the salt and ice together.
  2. In a 975 mL bag, place heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and frozen fruit and seal completely.
  3. Place the small bag inside the big bag.
  4. Massage the bags together for 5-10 min. Wear oven mitts to prevent your hands from getting too cold.
  5. Serve immediately. Recipe has enough ice cream for up to 2 people.
chocolate ice cream with caramel and oreo crumbs

How to use Olive Oil for Eating

Olive oil is one of the most commonly used oils for eating. It is the foundation of my different recipes. Extra virgin olive oil is best used for salads and pesto. If you want to be tasting olive oil, use extra virgin olive oil. If you don’t care about the flavor, you can use regular olive oil for cooking vegetables/meat, etc.

What are some recipe ideas for using olive oil?

How to use olive oil with bread?

Use a small plate and pour 3-4 tbsp of olive oil on it. Add a bit of balsamic reduction on top of the oil. It should be about 1/3 balsamic reduction to olive oil ratio. Dip focaccia bread into the olive oil and balsamic reduction. Toast the bread just a bit before serving.

What type of breads are best for dipping in olive oil?

  • Focaccia bread
  • French bread
  • Baguette
  • Ciabatta

How to use olive oil for salad dressings?

Making salad dressing is simple to do when using extra virgin olive oil as your base.

  • Always air on the side of caution when adding vinegar to your salad dressing. Add it sparingly, otherwise it will be too powerful and will not taste sweet. It will be a more bitter, harsh flavor
  • Olive oil to Vinegar ratio is 3:1
  • Use red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar as your vinegar for your dressing
  • Add a few drops of lemon juice if desired
  • Pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • Other possible additions and combinations to try out: Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey

What else can you make with olive oil?

Focaccia bread is made with infusing herbs into olive oil over heat. The smell of the infused oil will fill your kitchen. A small portion of the olive oil is then used within the bread dough. After the dough is done rising, the oil is used to oil the pan. The dough is then placed into the pan, dimpled with your fingers. After, the rest of the herb infused olive oil is placed on top of the dough. The oil will cover the dough completely, then it will bake and infuse into the dough. The dough will come out dry, with no remaining oil on top. The oil gives focaccia bread a moist, fresh, light bread texture that is perfect for dipping into more olive oil and balsamic reduction.

herb focaccia bread

Easy Herb Focaccia Bread Recipe

How to make focaccia bread with olive oil infused with herbs at home in only 2 hours.
Prep Time25 minutes
Active Time20 minutes
Rising Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time2 hours 5 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Keyword: bread, focaccia bread
Yield: 10 slices

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Saucepan
  • 13" x 9" Pan

Materials

  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp thyme dried
  • 1 tsp rosemary dried
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup warm water (100-110 degrees F)
  • 2 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1/4 tsp honey
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • pinch finishing salt optional

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan on low heat combine olive oil, garlic, thyme, rosemary and pepper. Cook for 5-10 min until fragrant stirring occasionally.
  • In a large glass bowl combine warm water, yeast, and honey. Let sit for 5 min until frothy.
  • Add the flour, salt and ¼ cup of the herb olive oil to the yeast mixture. Mix only until just combined and knead only 10-15 times. Don’t overwork the dough.
  • Cover the bowl with a towel and let sit for 1 hour to rise.
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Pour 2 tbsp of the herbed oil into a 9×13’’ pan. Use a paper towel to spread the oil to the entire bottom of the pan, and into the corners. Transfer the risen dough to the baking pan and use your fingers to dimple the dough all over. Pour the remaining oil over the dough. Spread the oil all over using the back of a spoon. 
  • Let rise for 20 min.
  • Add a sprinkle of finishing salt if desired.
  • Bake focaccia bread for 15-20 min. Let cool on a wire rack. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container. Place the container in the fridge to make it last longer. Best served the day of or use within 2 days.
herb focaccia bread