Hosting a party can be a lot of work. Fortunately, at Costco, you can get bulk items and ready-made platters to serve your guests great food with little effort. These Costco platters are either grab-and-go or ready-made, so all you have to do is head to the warehouse and pick them up on the day of your party. Elevate your next party with Costco platters using these seven tips and tricks to make the experience as smooth as possible.
If you want to be the first to read our exclusive content and hear about new Costco deals, sign up for our email list here.
7. Order in Advance
Planning for a big event is crucial, and what better way to do that than ordering your Costco platters in advance? Head over to the deli department and find the kiosk where you can order platters by filling out a form. After filling out the form with your order and personal details, drop the order in the designated slot and pick up the order when it’s ready. Costco does need at least 24 hours’ notice for orders, and make sure to plan accordingly around holidays.
Related: 15 Best Costco Party Foods for Your Next Gathering
6. How to Order Costco Platters
Costco platters, unfortunately, cannot be ordered online, so when you’re heading to the store close to a party date, make sure to stop at either the bakery or deli kiosks. Special order cakes, cookie trays, sandwich platters, meat and cheese platters, and shrimp platters are available for order. All you need to do is head to a kiosk, pick out your platters, include personal information and a pickup date, and drop the paper in the kiosk. The only time you don’t need to do this is for pre-made platters or Costco pizza, which can be ordered by phone.
5. Proper Storage and Refrigeration
Storage space is crucial, especially if the party is a few days after you pick up the food from Costco. Keep the platters refrigerated until you’re ready to serve them, or if they are hot platters, make sure to warm them in the oven or microwave. Plus, if you want to elevate your presentation, transfer the food to nicer platters or serving dishes, or add some garnishes like herbs or lemon wedges.
Check Out: 9 Best Costco Party Appetizers to Impress Your Guests
4. Food Trays Offered
There are a variety of food trays and platters offered at Costco. From sweet to savory, appetizers to main dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Costco platters include sandwiches, fruit/meat/cheese, shrimp, cakes, cookies, ribs, chicken drumsticks, wraps, fruit, vegetables, or sushi platters. These trays are found in several locations throughout the warehouse, so make sure to keep an eye out for them if you haven’t placed an order to pick up.
Also Read: How to Order Costco Pizza
3. Can You Customize?
Unfortunately, Costco platters cannot be customized. Even if you special-order platters, they come as-is with set flavors and varieties. While you may be able to choose the design of a cake, you probably won’t be able to change the filling or type of cake. This is the same for other platters like the artisan sandwich platter, where you cannot change the condiments or meats offered. If you do want more customization, try sourcing your ingredients from Costco and building the platters at home.
2. Best Costco Platters
There are several favorites when it comes to the best Costco platters. The most popular for customers are the sandwich and wrap platters. They both offer an assortment of mini sandwiches and wraps with various meats, cheese, and vegetables. Another popular order is the meat and cheese platter, which features a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and crackers or breadsticks. Both of these platters can be served as an appetizer or part of a main course.
Check Out: 8 Best Costco Food Court Hacks You Didn’t Know About
1. Costco Platters to Avoid
While all Costco platters are good choices, there are a couple that you may want to avoid. For instance, the large shrimp platter (while high quality) has three-and-a-half pounds of cooked shrimp and often costs more per serving than buying a smaller platter or making one yourself. Two other platters that seem to have less popularity are the fruit and vegetable platters. If you do not have people specifically asking for these, they often go untouched. Opting for a sandwich platter may be a better option.
Read Next: Coke Is Returning to Costco’s Food Courts
Don’t forget to keep checking back here at Costco97 for information on the best deals and hidden sales like .97 discounts. We talk about the best Costco bargains, secret hacks, and everything there is to know about the wholesaler and being a part of their membership. And be sure to stay in touch with the upcoming coupons, listed in our Costco Coupon Book (updated monthly).