Offering a sandwich bar for dinner is a great way to feed a crowd on a budget. Here are some tasty ideas to include in your build your own sandwich bar.
It’s your turn to host your friends for supper. Whaddya gonna serve?
You could go all out and have your dinner catered. You could spend big bucks on party trays from Costco. You could tear your hair out making all your guests’ favorite foods.
No, thank you.
Luckily, there are lots of great dinner options for serving a crowd on a budget: a Mexican buffet, a pasta feed, a simple roast chicken. These are all well and good, but don’t overlook one of your simplest and more affordable options:
The Sandwich Bar
Sandwiches have been around for a long time, traced back at least 200 years. Originally a gambler’s meal, they have become a staple all around the world.
are among some of my favorite good cheap eats. There are so many ways that you can combine ingredients that there are endless opportunities to make your sandwiches different and unique.
Sandwiches specifically are highly portable, one-dish dinners that please almost anyone. And serving a Sandwich Bar allows your guests the freedom to prepare their meal exactly as they want it.
What do you need for a sandwich bar?
A Sandwich Bar is one of the easiest buffets to assemble. At the bare minimum, you’ll need bread or rolls, meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and some kinds of spreads.
What goes with deli sandwiches?
Man cannot live on bread (or sandwiches) alone, so be sure to serve a few select side dishes. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. A trio of a veggie tray, side salad, such as potato salad, and a fruit tray are easy and delicious to go alongside sandwiches.
Of course, you can get more creative with your side dishes, but since you’ll already be setting out a colorful array of ingredients, don’t feel like you have to go hog wild. Okay, add some bacon to the buffet!
How much deli meat do I need per person?
People differ in their preferences as to how meaty a sandwich should be, but as a general rule, plan to have 2 to 3 ounces of deli meat per person. Round up as you do your calculations so that you’ve got a little extra in case folks want seconds.
Your sandwich bar will be so delicious, you know they’ll want to go back for more!
What equipment do you need for a sandwich bar?
You don’t need any special equipment for a sandwich bar other than plates and platters to hold the ingredients and your guests’ creations as well as knives for cutting and spreading.
It is nice to offer folks the option of making grilled sandwiches, so if you have a panini press or an electric griddle, those are nice to set out.
What ingredients to include in your sandwich bar:
Breads for Making Sandwiches
Since bread is the foundation of a sandwich, it’s important to have the good stuff. Consider these options:
- baguette
- sliced sourdough
- whole wheat focaccia
- Italian sandwich rolls
- homemade hamburger buns
- pita bread
In most cases, it will cost less if you bake your own bread over buying deluxe bread. The added benefit of fresh baked bread is that your sandwiches will be over the top amazing!
However, bread baking is not for every one or every situation. That’s when shopping at ALDI or Costco can offset this expense. You can also shop the sales at your local grocery store and see if they have coupons as well.
Protein-rich Sandwich Fillings
Next in the sandwich ingredient hierarchy is the protein. It doesn’t have to be pricey. Quality deli meats often start at $10/pound, but there are some tasty work-arounds. Consider some of these options:
- Sliced turkey breast ($3.99/pound at Costco, when you buy the whole breast)
- Grilled chicken ($1.69/pound on sale)
- Grilled tri-tip ($3.99/pound on sale)
- Canned tuna ($0.88/can)
- Hard boiled egg ($0.15 each)
- Sliced cheese ($3.50/pound at Costco)
- Chicken patties (about $4/batch)
These prices are current as of 10/4/2019, San Diego County.
Sandwich Spreads and Other Fillings
The sandwich spreads and other fillings are where the fun comes in!
Fresh veggies and spreads add richness and flavor. They also show that you’ve put a little more care into the preparation. I try to keep these items prepped and ready to go in a divided plastic container in the fridge, so that sandwiches can be a quick, pick-up meal any day of the week.
Buy these items on sale when you can. Since no sandwich requires a lot of any one of these items, you don’t need to buy a ton for your Sandwich Bar.
Offer a selection of the following:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded or leafed lettuce
- Sliced onion
- Sliced peperoncinis
- Sliced bell pepper
- Sliced cucumbers
- Vinaigrette
- Mayonnaise
- Chipotle Mayonnaise
- Cooked, chopped bacon
Want to put together a fancy Sandwich Bar?
If you want to give the folks at your table a little more direction and possibly have more fun, build your sandwich bar around two or three of these sandwich recipes.
You can lay out all the ingredients in one space to let folks mix and match as they like, but then you can also, post the printed recipes around your buffet so that they can follow a recipe if they want to.
Turkey Pesto Panini are super fun sandwiches to make. They’re uber-comforting, freezer-friendly, AND even great for potlucks! Grab the recipe and get pressing these gooey, cheesy, delicious, pesto-infused sandwiches. You haven't had a great sandwich until you've tried a Samwich. Named after Samwise Gamgee, this amazing sandwich gets plenty of punch from bacon, onions, mushrooms, and Brie cheese, flavors any Hobbit would love. Sweet pickles? Celery? Pickle juice? Hardcooked egg? Let's settle the great tuna salad debate right here. With this delicious, dill-laden concoction, perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. Melted cheddar, thick-sliced turkey, grilled onions, and spicy mayo combine into a hot and filling sandwich. So good! This Reuben Sandwich and Patty Melt mashup will knock your socks off. Instead of corned beef, the grilled sandwich features a juicy burger with all the Reuben-style fixings. Enjoy eating in the great outdoors with this easy, make-ahead picnic sandwich. Meatless and packed with lots of fresh veggies, it’ll do your mealtime good. Delicious shredded pork piled high on a bun with sliced pickles and dollops of your favorite BBQ sauce? It's a fantastic way to observe the weekend, a holiday, game day, or any other day ending in Y. This easy and delicious Italian Sub sandwich comes together in minutes. With garlicky mayo and layers of provolone, ham, salami, tomato, onion, and lettuce, you'll have a hard time eating just one. Fast food is convenient, but it's also expensive. Make your favorite fried chicken sandwich for less at home! Layer buttery avocado with salsa ingredients on toasted bread for a sandwich that’s light, yet packed with flavor. Somedays call for the humble chicken salad, particularly one made up of tender chicken dotted with creamy cheddar, crunchy celery, and tangy onion. Can’t decide between an egg salad sandwich and a BLT? You don’t have to! This Egg Salad BLT sandwich combines them both into one fantastic meal. Go beyond the egg salad sandwich with this egg + salad sandwich. Hard cooked eggs, vinaigrette, and abundant veggies make a delicious and economical meal for Sandwich Night. This Chicken Caesar Sandwich Recipe is just what you expect – quick and simple deliciousness tucked into French bread. They are a fun, portable twist on a vintage classic. Hot Italian Beef Sandwiches aren’t difficult to make. And they’re cheaper and better for you if you make them yourself. Looking for lots of flavor at lunchtime? This Veggie Pesto Sandwich packs a punch, all while being meatless, portable, and budget-friendly. Sandwich Night will become something super special when you top creamy chicken salad with bacon in these Chicken Salad Club Sandwiches. A tuna salad sandwich and a grilled cheese sandwich get married, making this easy tuna melt, a perfect meal for busy nights or when you want some comfort food. The club sandwich is a classic with its layers of tender turkey and ham, salty bacon, nutty cheddar, juicy tomato, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayo spread on toasted sourdough. Make your diner favorite for less at home! Looking for an easy meal? Try these Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches. They’re simple, delicious, and make-ahead Imagine crispy baguette slathered with creamy chipotle mayonniase and layered with sliced turkey, buttery avocado, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato. It's a lunch made in heaven, don't ya think? You don’t need to head to the Mediterranean or the mall to enjoy a great gyro. These Grilled Steak Gyros are packed with flavor and are so easy to make. Enjoy the classic English sandwich with a twist when you make this Cheese and Pickle Baguette. It’s delicious and packed with flavor! Grilled cheese doesn't have to be simple, especially when you tuck in slices of tomato and slather on some pesto before grilling. It takes the humbled grilled cheese to a whole new level! Let your slow cooker do the work this weekend with an easy sweet and sour chicken filling for sandwiches and wraps. Enjoy quick and easy lunches and suppers with these delicious, cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches. Ready to get up and go? Make sure to save money on your lunch bill by packing up some easy Chicken Salad Sandwiches with crisp, crunchy cucumbers. Enjoy Meatball Subs any day of the week without heading to a sandwich shop or going to a lot of work. This easy recipe with a freezer kit option is just the ticket. Easy to assemble and perfect for freezing, these Chicken Bacon Subs are just the ticket for a quick but delicious meal. Enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean and low cost ingredients in the classic Pan Bagnat. Simple to make, it’s a perfect tuna sandwich. Make dinner quick and easy tonight with these flavorful Buffalo Chicken Wraps, filled with tender spicy chicken, lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese dressing. What happens when you wrap up sub fillings in a tortilla? You have an Italian wrap recipe that’s out of this world and full of flavor. Come home to an easy supper: hot Ham and Swiss Sliders! Not only do they taste fabulous, but they’re also freezer-friendly. Sandwich Night need never be boring, particularly when you’ve got a stash of these spicy Ham and Swiss Sliders on hand. Poached chicken combines with a homemade seasoning blend to make for a luscious and easy dinner of Pulled Chicken Sliders. Enjoy a quick, easy supper with no hassle! Make brown-bagging it tasty and economical with these delicious Tuna Pita Pockets with Cucumber. Canned tuna never tasted so good.Easy Sandwiches to Make at Home
Turkey Pesto Panini
Samwiches: Brie and Bacon Panini with Mushrooms and Onions
The Great Tuna Salad Debate
Turkey Cheddar Melt with Grilled Onions and Spicy Mayo
Reuben-Style Patty Melt
Picnic Sandwich Recipe
BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Italian Sub Sandwiches
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Avocado Salsa Sandwich
Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Egg Salad BLT Sandwich
Egg Plus Salad Sandwiches
Chicken Caesar Sandwiches for a Quick & Simple Meal
Hot Italian Beef Sandwich Recipe
The Veggie Pesto Sandwich That's Perfect for Packing
Chicken Salad Club Sandwiches
These Easy Tuna Melt Sandwiches are the Best Comfort Food
The Spring Street Club Sandwich
Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches
Turkey Avocado Baguette Sandwich with Chipotle Mayonnaise
Grilled Steak Gyros (Pita Sandwiches)
Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich Recipe
Pesto & Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Sweet and Sour Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Cheesy Italian Sausage and Pepper Sandwiches
Easy Chicken Salad Sandwiches with Cucumber
Meatball Subs (with a Freezer Option)
Chicken Bacon Subs for the Freezer
Pan Bagnat - the classic French tuna sandwich
Buffalo Chicken Wraps with Blue Cheese Dressing
Italian Wrap Recipe
Ham and Swiss Sliders (Freezer-Friendly)
Pulled Chicken Sliders for a Quick Easy Supper
Tuna Pita Pockets
Serving a sandwich bar is a great way to save money.
What do YOU include in your sandwich bar?
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I’d suggest buying hotel style turkey breasts (often 99/lb on sale around here), roasting them, pulling the breast meat off in 2 large pieces, wrapping and freezing until needed. Make a stock out of the carcass and freeze for soups, gravy. 99/lb turkey is a good deal!
We like subs too, so we make our own at home with Jimmy John’s day old bread- it’s about $.50/loaf.
Also, we try to hit up the deli at one of our local grocers near closing time. They often pull out bags of pre-slice deli meats that previous customers changed their mind about. The selection can vary quite a bit, but it’s often marked down to about $1/lb.
I always have stuff on hand for a quick set up with the Boys (band) being around so much … Every time I go to Costco, we get the black forest ham and the honey smoked turkey (like you said $3.99/lb and I prefer over boars head) … we always (almost) have olives, peppeoncinis, banana peppers, regular peppers, onions, sweet peppers and lettuce on hand. Cheese is always a given (well, except during July’s Pantry Challenge!) and I try to keep the real deal on hand 🙂 Bread is the only issue since it will NOT stay fresh for long so generally, I can tell one of the boys to stop on the way over and pick up a couple of loaves (italian or french works the best imo) … funny, I just thought: the salads are the same as the sandwiches, only without the bread! 🙂 And we ALWAYS have salad stuff 🙂 Try the honey mustard dressing by Tammys Recipes for a spread….delicious!!
We are a family in the minority here I guess. None of us really like cold sandwiches. The only cold sandwich we eat is PB&J (although I prefer it hot and grilled!). I like all the pieces of a cold sandwich and tend to eat them all separately if I am somewhere serving cold sandwiches (like a baby shower or something). My 4 year old does this too. Weird I know. We all just prefer hot sandwiches!
I’ve hosted a Sandwich Bar gathering before, I too like hot sandwiches so I decided to do all the ingredients of a cold sandwich and offer my guests my Panini press and toaster oven. I was surprised to see that I was pretty much the only one that wanted a hot sandwich. something about all that melted cheese! Yum! We are hosting another one, this time for our gender reveal party and we will do the same thing. 🙂 I think people liked having control over what they used for their sandwiches.
Great party idea to pull out the panini press!
What is “peppeoncinis”?
I like to make our subs, or french bread for sandwiches. I also make up tuna salad, or egg salad, or left over meat put in the blender ( or food processor) and blended up with some relish and mayo ( I usually use any opened relish I have on hand and i do make my own relishes and can them in the summer). Then provide what I have in the fridge to go with the sandwich or as a side ( Dh , does not like anything veg in the sandwich, but loves coleslaw on the side, so I have that or potatoe salad for him _ and that uses up a lot of leftover potatoes).
@kootenayAnnie, peperoncinis are Italian pickled peppers, sometimes spicy, depending on what you buy. Love them!
Thank You, I had no idea what peperoncinis were! I had thought something like Peperoni, now that would be quite different.
Just now I have been making a club house putting out everything and make it yourself ( I just cooked a turkey yesterday and got the fixings I didn’t have so that today was a no cook day for me, and tomorrow – but I will start my turkey soup, and stock, and I think i will use my large muffin tins and make some turkey pot pies.) Yesterday we were having snow and Turkey was so appropriate! LOL.
Where’s a good cheap place to buy all the stuff to make sub’s for a party?
I’m a vegetarian nowadays. This week for my mother and sister’s birthdays, I’m serving the gathering Toby’s Tofu Pate, which is even better than real egg salad; soy “bacon” (I call it “fake’n”); two kinds of cheese (gotta have some animal protein, I guess), and whole wheat bread–and of course condiments, lettuce, etc. They’re southerners, so i’m considering putting out a jar of pimento cheese as well. If they’re not satisfied they can drive to a fast food joint later. But I want them to feel full and fully fed, and I think this will work. There’s no one in my family who __needs_ _ more white flour, cholesterol, and animal fat in our diet. Oh, yes, and store-bought cake for dessert. For medicinal purposes only. 😉
After noticing frowns and excessive pickiness in certain family members (coughSisterscough) I vowed to NEVER cook for anybody again. I will assemble food, though, and might break down and throw some oven fries on a platter. Or not.
BLT’s!