Someone has to feed the crowd, and you just volunteered.
Maybe it’s an office event. Maybe it’s a graduation party that got bigger than expected. Maybe it’s a weekend gathering where cooking for thirty people stopped feeling like fun about five minutes after you agreed to host it. Whatever the situation, you’ve landed on Costco catering trays as the plan, and now you need to know exactly how the ordering process works before you show up and figure it out on the fly.
The good news: once you know how to order costco catering trays, it’s genuinely simple. The bad news: the process is not online, not obvious from Costco’s website, and not the same as walking in and grabbing something off a shelf. There’s a specific way it works, a specific form to fill out, and a specific timeline you need to build around.
This guide walks through all of it. The step-by-step ordering process, the full costco catering trays menu with prices for 2026, how many trays you actually need, common mistakes to avoid, and a bonus look at what’s new at Costco this month that’s worth knowing about for your next run.
First: What Costco Catering Trays Actually Are
Before the how-to, a quick reality check because a lot of people arrive expecting something different.
Costco catering trays are pre-made deli platters you order ahead of time and pick up yourself. Costco does not deliver. There are no servers. Nobody shows up to your event. You order, you pick up, you put them on the table. That’s the whole system.
It’s a self-service model that works extremely well for casual gatherings, office lunches, graduation parties, and any event where you have people available to help manage the food. It falls short for formal events, large headcounts without help, and situations where you need food to arrive hot and ready at a specific time.
Now that that’s settled, here’s how you actually place the order.
How to Order Costco Catering Trays: Step by Step
Step 1: Go to Your Local Costco Warehouse in Person
There is no online ordering for Costco catering trays. As of 2026, this has not changed. You cannot order through the Costco app, the website, or any third-party platform. The order happens at the warehouse, at the deli kiosk, in person.
Have your Costco membership available when you arrive. You will need it at the door and on the order form.
Step 2: Find the Deli Kiosk and Pick Up the Order Form
The deli kiosk is typically located near the back of the warehouse in the deli and prepared foods section. Look for the order forms on the counter or ask a deli team member. The costco catering order form is a paper document that lists the available platters, serving sizes, and pricing.
Some locations keep a stack of forms at the kiosk. Others have them behind the counter. If you don’t see them, just ask.
Step 3: Fill Out the Form
The costco party platters order form will ask for your contact information, your membership number, the platters you want, the quantity of each, and your requested pickup date and time.
A few things to get right here:
Your pickup date needs to be at least 24 hours after you place the order. Most locations ask for 24 to 48 hours minimum. During holidays, peak weekends, and graduation season, the lead time can stretch further. When in doubt, order earlier than you think you need to.
Your quantity matters more than most people expect. See the section below on how many trays to order.
Write your contact information clearly. If there’s a question about your order, the deli team needs to be able to reach you.
Step 4: Drop the Form in the Submission Box
Once you’ve completed the form, drop it in the submission box at the deli kiosk. Do not hand it to a team member expecting them to file it for you. The box is typically on the counter near the forms.
At some locations you can also call the deli department directly to place your order by phone. This is worth knowing for situations where a second trip to the warehouse before your event isn’t practical. Call your local Costco, ask for the deli department, and ask whether they accept phone orders for catering trays.
Step 5: Pick Up at the Agreed Time
Return to the deli department at your scheduled pickup time. Give yourself a few extra minutes, especially during busy periods. The platters will be ready and refrigerated. Inspect them before you load up.
A few practical pickup tips: bring a cooler if you’re driving more than 20 to 30 minutes to your event location. The platters are refrigerated and need to stay cold. Check that all lids are properly sealed before loading. And bring a cart or someone to help, because multiple trays are heavier than they look.
The Costco Catering Trays Menu With Prices (2026)
Many US warehouses currently offer these four platters. Availability varies by location and Costco does not publish a national menu or a costco catering menu with prices pdf. The paper order form at your local deli is the only authoritative source for what’s available and what it costs.
Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter
Roasted chicken, salami, and roast beef on artisan bread, with slow-roasted tomatoes, Swiss and cheddar, garlic herb aioli, and a container of Grillo’s pickle chips.
Feeds 18 to 20. Typical US warehouse pricing: $49.99.
The most filling option on the menu. Three proteins on artisan bread means variety without complexity, and the pickle chips are a nice touch that sets it apart from a standard sandwich tray. If you’re ordering one platter as the anchor of a casual meal, this is the one.
Croissant Sandwich Platter
Butter croissants with protein fillings that vary by location. Common reported fillings include chicken, ham, and roast beef. Some warehouses offer a chicken salad version made with rotisserie chicken.
Serving size and pricing vary by location. Confirm details with your local deli before ordering.
The croissant format makes this one naturally hand-held and easy for guests who are standing and moving around. Strong choice for cocktail-hour-style grazing or casual office events.
Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter
Italian salami, soppressata, aged cheddar cubes, aged Gouda cubes, red and green grapes.
Feeds 18 to 24. Typical US warehouse pricing: $39.99.
The most versatile option on the menu and the one that works best alongside other food on the table. It functions equally well as an appetizer spread, a cocktail hour anchor, or a grazing station addition. Lowest cost per serving of the non-shrimp options.
Shrimp Platter
5.25 pounds of shrimp, lemon wedges, three containers of cocktail sauce.
Feeds 24 to 28. Typical US warehouse pricing: $55.99.
The most expensive platter and the best cost per person at roughly $2 to $2.33 per guest. Shrimp platters draw attention and this one is ready to set out straight from pickup. If you’re ordering one item that functions as an event focal point, this is it.
Full Reference Table: Costco Catering Trays Menu 2026
| Platter | What’s Included | Feeds | Typical Price | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artisan Bread Sandwich Platter | Roasted chicken, salami, roast beef, artisan bread, Swiss, cheddar, garlic herb aioli, pickle chips | 18 to 20 | $49.99 | $2.50 to $2.78 |
| Croissant Sandwich Platter | Butter croissants, protein fillings vary by location | 12 to 24 | Confirm locally | Confirm locally |
| Fruit, Meat, and Cheese Platter | Italian salami, soppressata, aged cheddar, aged Gouda, red and green grapes | 18 to 24 | $39.99 | $1.67 to $2.22 |
| Shrimp Platter | 5.25 lbs shrimp, lemon wedges, cocktail sauce x3 | 24 to 28 | $55.99 | $2.00 to $2.33 |
Typical U.S. warehouse pricing as of 2026. Prices vary by location. Always confirm with your local Costco deli before placing your order.
How Many Costco Catering Trays Do You Actually Need
Under-ordering is the most common mistake. Costco trays are generous but grazing adds up, and people eat more at social events than they do sitting at a table.
| Event Type | Guests | Recommended Trays |
|---|---|---|
| Light grazing (apps alongside other food) | 20 to 30 | 1 to 2 trays, different types |
| Casual meal (trays as main food source) | 25 to 35 | 2 to 3 trays |
| Mixed spread (trays plus homemade dishes) | 40 to 50 | 2 to 3 trays |
| Trays as primary food source | 50 to 75 | 4 to 5 trays |
| Large event, trays as primary | 75 to 100 | 5 to 7 trays |
For 50 people where the costco catering trays are the main food, plan for three to four platters covering different options. A practical combination: the artisan bread sandwich platter, the shrimp platter, and the fruit, meat, and cheese platter. If you’re adding homemade dishes or other food alongside, two platters covering different types is usually sufficient for that headcount.
Variety matters more than raw quantity. A table with three different types of costco deli trays keeps guests engaged and coming back. A table with three identical sandwich platters doesn’t, even if the food is good.
What to Do While You Wait: Supplemental Items to Grab Same-Day
The four pre-order platters are the formal costco catering trays system. But the deli and produce sections have grab-and-go additions worth knowing about for rounding out a spread without adding to your pre-order complexity.
Veggie tray (produce section): Around $11.99 for approximately four pounds of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, snap peas, and ranch dip. No pre-order. Always available. Covers lighter eaters and adds color to the table with no effort.
Fresh fruit bowl (prepared foods): Ready to grab same-day. A clean, easy addition to any table that takes the dessert-adjacent slot without requiring anything from you.
Rotisserie chicken: A Costco staple for a reason. If your event needs more protein and the sandwich platters aren’t enough, a couple of rotisserie chickens pulled and served on a platter fills the gap fast at a very low cost per person.
Bakery items: Costco’s bakery section sells cookie platters, cakes, and dessert trays that work well as event additions. Sizes vary by location. Confirm what’s available when you pick up your deli order.
These items don’t require advance notice and can be picked up at the same time as your pre-ordered costco catering trays, which makes pickup logistics simple.
Common Mistakes When Ordering Costco Catering Trays
Waiting too long. Popular platters during holidays, graduation season, and peak weekends sell out. The 24-hour minimum lead time is the floor, not the target. Order three to five days early for any event near a major holiday.
Expecting online ordering to be an option. It isn’t and planning around it will leave you with no food. In-person or phone only, every time.
Ordering only one type of platter. Even if the sandwich tray is excellent, a table with one food type loses people’s interest fast. Mix at least two different platter types.
Not checking the lids. Catering trays with lids from Costco are generally well-sealed but worth checking before you leave the parking lot. A loose lid on a shrimp platter reveals itself twenty minutes down the highway.
Forgetting serving utensils. Not every tray comes with tongs. Bringing your own means setup is immediate when you arrive at your venue.
Underestimating weight. Multiple full catering trays are heavy. Bring a cart, a bag, or another person. Do not try to carry four platters from the deli to your car in one trip.
Assuming all locations carry the same menu. They don’t. A platter that was available at your Costco last month may not be available today. Always confirm with your local deli before locking in your event menu.
What’s New at Costco in July 2026: Worth Knowing for Your Next Run
Whether you’re picking up catering trays for an upcoming event or just planning your next warehouse trip, here’s what’s generating buzz at Costco this month. These items are moving fast at many locations.
Kirkland Signature Waffle Cone Bar Cake ($21.55): Waffle cone-flavored cake with cream cheese filling, chocolate-filled waffle cones on top, and a caramel and chocolate drizzle finish. One of the most talked-about bakery items Costco has released this year, with some locations selling out within days of restocking. A strong grab if you see it on your pickup trip.
Costco Food Court Chicken Strips ($6.99): Five strips with dipping sauce, now available at food court locations nationwide after a successful Illinois test run in May. Early reviews are consistently strong on size and quality. Worth trying while you’re waiting for your deli order.
Kirkland Signature Pretzel Bagels: Eight large soft pretzel bagels per package. A natural grab-and-go addition alongside any deli spread. Works with cream cheese, deli meats, or just on their own as a snack station item.
Olipop Crisp Apple Prebiotic Soda 24-Pack ($54.99): Nine grams of fiber per can, no artificial sweeteners, and a clean apple flavor that works well at gatherings as a non-alcoholic option. The bulk format makes sense for events.
GoodPop Organic Electrolyte Fruit Pops Variety Pack ($17.01): USDA organic popsicles with electrolytes in lemonade flavors. Strong summer addition for outdoor events or any gathering with kids.
Knipschildt Chocopologie Truffle Flourless Chocolate Cake ($69.99): Flourless chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache and truffles from one of the most decorated chocolatiers in the US. Freezer-stable for up to six months, which makes it a smart item to grab when you see it and keep on hand for last-minute celebrations.
Made in Nature Organic Dried Mangoes 3-Pack ($64.99): Under a dollar an ounce for fully organic dried mango. A solid grab for any event snack table or office kitchen.
Availability varies by location and these items tend to go fast, particularly the bakery finds. If you’re already making a warehouse trip to place your catering order, the waffle cone cake and pretzel bagels are worth checking for while you’re there.
When Costco Catering Trays Aren’t Enough: That’s Where We Come In
Costco catering trays are a genuine solution for the right events. We say that as a full-service BBQ catering company, and we mean it.
But there are events where self-serve deli platters fall short: weddings, milestone celebrations, corporate dinners, and any occasion where the food needs to show up hot, be managed by professionals, and let you actually be present at your own event instead of running logistics.
At Bites by Braxtons, we cover the full CT, NY, and NJ tri-state area with full-service BBQ catering built around real smoked meats, custom menus, and an operation that handles everything from setup to breakdown. When the occasion calls for more than a pickup from the deli counter, that’s exactly what we’re built for. For corporate events and office lunches specifically, our corporate catering guide for CT, NY, and NJ covers what to budget and what to look for. For weddings and milestone events, the weddings and events catering page covers what full-service looks like from menu to breakdown.
Get in touch and we’ll put together something specific for your event.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ordering Costco Catering Trays
How do you order Costco catering trays?
Go to the Costco deli kiosk in person, pick up the paper catering order form, fill it out with your platter selections, pickup date, contact information, and membership details, and drop it in the submission box. Most locations require at least 24 hours’ notice. Some deli departments also accept phone orders. There is no online ordering option.
How far in advance do you need to order Costco catering trays?
The minimum lead time is 24 hours at most locations, but 48 hours is safer and during peak periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, graduation season, and major holidays, popular platters can be unavailable with less than several days’ notice. Order as early as your event timeline allows.
Can you order Costco party platters online?
No. As of 2026, there is no online ordering system for Costco deli catering trays. All orders are placed in person at the deli kiosk. Some locations accept phone orders through the deli department directly.
How many Costco catering trays do I need for 50 people?
For 50 people where the trays are the primary food source, plan for three to four platters covering different options. A practical combination: the artisan sandwich platter, the shrimp platter, and the fruit, meat, and cheese platter. If the trays are supplementing other food, two platters is typically sufficient.
What is on the Costco catering order form?
The costco catering order form lists the available platters, their serving sizes, and their typical pricing. You fill in your contact information, membership number, the platters you want, quantity, and your requested pickup date and time. The form is a paper document available at the deli kiosk.
Do I need a Costco membership to order catering trays?
Yes. Buying in a Costco warehouse, including placing a deli catering order and picking it up, requires an active membership. Have your membership available when you visit. Current membership pricing is available on Costco’s website.
What is the price of the Costco shrimp platter in 2026?
The Costco shrimp platter is typically priced at $55.99 at US warehouses in 2026. It includes 5.25 pounds of shrimp, lemon wedges, and three containers of cocktail sauce, serving 24 to 28 people. Pricing varies by location. Confirm with your local deli before ordering.
Can you cancel a Costco catering order?
Most locations allow cancellations, though policies vary by warehouse. Contact your local Costco deli department directly as early as possible if you need to cancel or modify an order. The deli team can advise on their specific policy.
Are there catering trays with lids at Costco?
Yes. Costco catering trays come with fitted lids designed for transport and short-term storage. Check that lids are properly sealed before leaving the store, particularly for the shrimp platter where a loose lid can cause problems in transit.
What supplements the Costco catering trays at pickup?
The veggie tray from the produce section (around $11.99), the fresh fruit bowl from prepared foods, rotisserie chickens, and bakery items are all available same-day without a pre-order. These can be grabbed at the same pickup trip and round out a spread without adding to the advance order complexity.
Final Thoughts on Ordering Costco Catering Trays
The process is simpler than it sounds once you’ve done it once. Go in person, fill out the form, drop it in the box, come back at pickup time with a cooler and someone to help carry. The food is ready, the trays are sealed, and the hardest part of feeding your crowd is already handled.
Where people run into trouble is in the assumptions: that you can order online, that 24 hours is always enough lead time during busy periods, that one type of platter is enough variety for a mixed crowd, and that the menu is the same at every location. Know those limits going in and the system works exactly as advertised.
If you’re still comparing options, our Sam’s Club catering guide breaks down how their party platter program compares to Costco’s, and the Costco catering trays menu guide goes deeper on the individual platters and what each one is actually worth ordering. If your event outgrows what a deli pickup can realistically manage, our BBQ catering menu guide covers what full-service catering looks like for the same headcounts, with real per-person cost breakdowns.
Leave your questions in the comments if you’ve hit something specific at your local warehouse. Menu availability and deli policies vary enough that local experience from other readers is genuinely useful.
Pricing estimates in this article reflect typical U.S. warehouse pricing as of 2026 and vary by location and availability. Always confirm current pricing and platter options directly with your local Costco deli before placing your order.
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