Costco Catering 2026: Complete Menu, Prices & Ordering Guide

Planning a party shouldn’t drain your bank account. Costco catering gives you restaurant-quality platters at warehouse prices—feeding 20 people costs less than ordering two pizzas from most delivery apps.

In 2026, Costco maintains its position as the budget champion for event food. Their deli platters start at $18.99, and you can feed an entire party for under $6 per person when you choose the right combinations. No other option matches this value for quality food in bulk quantities.

This guide covers the complete 2026 catering menu with current prices, new items added this year, exact ordering procedures, and strategies to maximize your budget. Everything you need is here.

Understanding Costco’s Catering Model

Costco doesn’t send servers to your event or set up buffet tables. They prepare food trays that you order in advance, pick up at the warehouse, and serve yourself.

This self-service approach cuts costs dramatically. Traditional caterers charge $15-40 per person because they include staff, equipment, and service. Costco eliminates those extras and passes savings to you.

The system works perfectly for casual gatherings where presentation matters less than having plenty of good food. Family reunions, office lunches, birthday parties, and game day events all fit this model.

Costco Food Court

Costco Pizza

Costco Food Platters

Costco Bakery Menu

2026 Costco Catering Menu with Prices

Complete Deli Platter Selection

New 2026 Sushi Options

Costco expanded sushi availability to more warehouses in 2026. Not every location offers these platters yet, so call your local deli department to confirm availability before planning your menu around sushi.

2026 Bakery Items for Events

The Decadent Brownie Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Bar Cake are new additions for 2026. Both items were developed specifically for parties where traditional sheet cake doesn’t fit the theme.

Prepared Side Dishes

These prepared items supplement catering platters when you need additional variety. The potato salad pairs well with sandwich platters, while the Caesar salad works as a lighter main option.

Detailed Breakdown of Popular Platters

Meat & Cheese Platter – $39.99

This tray includes premium deli meats and cheese varieties arranged with fresh grapes. Typical contents:

• 3-4 types of sliced meat (salami, roast beef, turkey, ham)
• 3-4 cheese varieties (cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, provolone)
• 1-2 pounds of fresh grapes as garnish

The platter serves 18-24 people for appetizers or 12-15 as a light meal. Meat and cheese quality matches what you’d get from the regular deli counter—nothing is downgraded for catering orders.

At $1.66 per person for the maximum serving size, this platter costs less than a single deli sandwich from most shops.

Shrimp Cocktail Platter – $49.99

Four full pounds of cooked, peeled shrimp arrive chilled with cocktail sauce. The shrimp are medium to large size, properly deveined, and taste fresh.

This platter impresses guests more than any other option at this price point. Restaurants charge $12-18 for a shrimp cocktail appetizer with 4-5 pieces. Costco gives you enough shrimp to serve 24-28 people for $50.

The cocktail sauce is standard tomato-based with horseradish. If you prefer different sauces, buy them separately and transfer shrimp to your own serving platter.

Sandwich Platter – $49.99

Expect 18-20 sandwiches made with:

• Roast beef
• Turkey breast
• Salami

Each sandwich includes lettuce, tomato, cheese, and mayo on fresh rolls. They’re cut in half for easier serving.

Sandwiches are basic but well-constructed. Bread stays fresh, and portion sizes satisfy adults. This platter works best for lunch meetings or casual gatherings where people need a complete meal.

Chicken & Swiss Rollers – $32.99-$36.00

These pinwheel wraps contain grilled chicken, Swiss cheese, and vegetables rolled in flour tortillas and sliced into bite-sized pieces. A single platter provides 20-24 servings.

The cost per piece is $0.83 when you order the party tray. The same rollers sold in small refrigerated packages at the deli cost $1.23 per piece. Ordering the catering size saves 30% on identical food.

Rollers work well for events where people are standing and mingling. No plates or utensils needed—just pick up a piece and eat.

Veggie and Fruit Trays – $20-$30

Vegetable trays typically include:

• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Broccoli florets
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Ranch dip

Fruit trays feature seasonal selections:

• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Melon chunks
• Pineapple
• Cantaloupe

Both options are straightforward with no surprises. Produce quality is fresh, and portions are generous for the price. These trays fill out a menu when you need healthy options alongside heavier items.

Complete Ordering Process Step-by-Step

Step 1: Visit Your Warehouse Deli Counter

Walk to the deli department in your local Costco. Look for a kiosk or display area with catering order forms. These are usually paper forms attached to clipboards or in a wall-mounted holder near the deli counter.

If you can’t find the forms, ask any deli employee. They’ll point you to the right location.

Step 2: Select Your Items

Review the available platters listed on the order form. Prices and availability may vary slightly by location and region. The forms show pictures of each platter with descriptions.

Calculate how many platters you need based on your guest count. Serving estimates are accurate for appetizer-style eating. If platters are the only food, order conservatively—add 20% more than the minimum serving suggestion.

Step 3: Complete the Order Form

Fill out every required field:

• Member name: Exactly as it appears on your Costco membership card
• Membership ID number: The number on the back of your card
• Phone number: A reliable number where deli staff can reach you
• Pickup date: The exact date you’ll collect your order
• Pickup time: Specific time window (morning, afternoon, or exact hour)
• Platter selections: Check boxes and write quantities for each item

Double-check all information. Mistakes cause delays or incorrect orders.

Step 4: Submit to Deli Staff

Hand your completed form to an employee at the deli counter. They’ll review it, enter the order into their system, and give you a receipt.

Keep this receipt. You’ll need it to pick up your order. The receipt confirms your order details and pickup time.

Step 5: Confirmation Call (Optional but Recommended)

Two days before pickup, call the deli department. Verify your order is in the system and being prepared. This step catches any administrative errors before pickup day.

Ask: “I have a catering order for pickup on [date] under the name [your name]. Can you confirm it’s ready to be prepared?”

Step 6: Pickup

Arrive at the warehouse during your scheduled pickup time. Go directly to the deli counter with your receipt and membership card.

Tell the employee you’re picking up a catering order. They’ll retrieve your platters from the walk-in refrigerator. Inspect each platter before leaving:

• Count items to match your order
• Check that platters are properly sealed
• Look for any obvious quality issues

If something is wrong, address it immediately while you’re still at the counter. Once you leave the warehouse, resolving problems becomes more difficult.

Transport platters in a cool vehicle. If it’s hot outside, bring coolers or ice packs. Get platters into refrigeration within 30 minutes for food safety.

Critical Ordering Requirements

Advance Notice

• Minimum: 24-48 hours required
• Recommended: 1 week for weekends/holidays (time slots fill up)

Ordering Method

• In-person only: Paper forms at warehouse deli counter
• No online/app/email: ordering available
• Phone orders: Some locations accept—call to confirm, but pickup still required

Delivery

• No Costco delivery: Must pick up at warehouse deli counter
• Third-party option: Instacart/DoorDash may pick up (extra fees apply)

Membership

• No guest cards or expired memberships
• Active membership required: Current, valid membership only

2026 Membership and Access Changes

Food Court Scanner Requirements

Most Costco warehouses now require membership card scans at food court kiosks. This affects catering if you planned to supplement platters with bulk pizzas from the food court.

You’ll need to scan your active membership card to order food court items, including the bulk pizza option that many people use for parties. The famous $1.50 hot dog combo also requires a scan now.

This change prevents non-members from accessing any Costco food services, closing a loophole that existed for years.

Alcohol Purchase Exceptions in 14 States

State law in California, New York, Texas, and 11 other states prohibits Costco from requiring membership for alcohol purchases. You can buy bulk wine, beer, and spirits at member prices without a membership in these states.

Tell the entrance greeter you’re only purchasing alcohol. They’ll let you in without scanning your card. This exception helps when stocking a bar for your event, as Costco’s alcohol prices beat most liquor stores by 20-30%.

Check if your state has this law before trying. The states with alcohol exceptions are: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.

Costco Business Center Benefits

Business Centers stock commercial quantities and catering supplies that regular warehouses don’t carry. If your event needs:

• Thousands of napkins, plates, or utensils
• Chafing dish kits for keeping food warm
• Massive beverage quantities
• Commercial-grade serving equipment

A Business Center provides these items with possible direct delivery to event venues. Not all areas have Business Centers, so check Costco’s website for the nearest location.

Business Centers also carry larger format versions of popular items and specialty products for food service professionals.

Costco Holiday Closures That Affect Catering

Costco closes on these major holidays:

If your event falls on or near a holiday, plan pickup for the day before. Most platters maintain quality for 24 hours when refrigerated properly.

For example, if you’re hosting Easter Sunday brunch, pick up platters on Saturday. Keep everything cold overnight, and remove from refrigeration 15-20 minutes before serving.

Holiday weekends get extremely busy at Costco delis. Submit your order at least one week early to secure your preferred pickup time.

Money-Saving Strategies and Budget Planning

Compare Per-Person Costs

Before selecting platters, calculate the cost per person for each option. This helps you mix items strategically to hit your target budget.

Budget-friendly options:

• Veggie Tray: $1.00-$2.00 per person
• Chicken Rollers: $1.37-$1.80 per person
• Meat & Cheese: $1.66-$2.22 per person

Mid-range options:

• Shrimp Platter: $1.78-$2.08 per person
• Croissant Sandwiches: $1.65-$2.19 per person

Higher-cost options:

• Regular Sandwiches: $2.50-$2.78 per person

Combine high and low-cost platters to balance your menu while staying within budget.

Sample Budget Combinations

Economy Party for 24 People – $113.97

• 1 Chicken & Swiss Rollers: $32.99
• 1 Veggie Tray: $25.00
• 1 Fruit Tray: $25.00
• 1 Sheet Cake: $24.00
• Cookies from bakery: $6.98
• Cost per person: $4.75

Balanced Party for 24 People – $138.98

• 1 Shrimp Platter: $49.99
• 1 Meat & Cheese: $39.99
• 1 Veggie Tray: $25.00
• 1 Sheet Cake: $24.00
• Cost per person: $5.79

Premium Party for 24 People – $181.97

• 1 Shrimp Platter: $49.99
• 1 Sushi Combo: $30.00
• 1 Meat & Cheese: $39.99
• 1 Fruit Tray: $30.00
• 1 Brownie Pie: $21.99
• Extras from prepared foods: $10.00
• Cost per person: $7.58

Even the premium combination costs less than half what traditional caterers charge for similar quality.

The Roller Tray Savings Trick

Chicken & Swiss roller party trays cost about $0.83 per piece. The same rollers sold in small pre-packaged containers from the refrigerated deli section cost $1.23 per piece.

If you’re feeding 10 or more people, always order the catering party tray. You get identical food for 30% less money. This single switch saves $15-20 on a typical order.

Skip Unnecessary Customization

Costco doesn’t offer extensive customization options, and that’s actually good for your budget. Custom requests usually increase costs and complexity.

The standard platters are designed based on what works for most customers. They include the right proportions and combinations to satisfy diverse groups. Trust the formula instead of requesting changes.

For bakery items, Costco does basic decorations and custom messages on sheet cakes at no extra charge. Keep your message simple—elaborate designs may disappoint since Costco bakeries aren’t custom cake shops.

What’s NOT Included with Costco Catering

Dietary Accommodations in 2026

Gluten-Free Options

Select Costco warehouses now offer gluten-free substitutes for certain platters at an additional fee. Availability varies widely by location.

Call your warehouse deli department and ask specifically: “Do you offer gluten-free catering platter options? What items are available and what’s the additional cost?”

Important limitation: All food preparation happens in shared facilities with wheat products. Cross-contamination is possible. People with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity should exercise caution.

Dairy-Free Modifications

Some locations can modify platters to exclude cheese or dairy-based dressings. Again, this varies by warehouse and requires advance notice.

When ordering, ask the deli employee if they can prepare your platter without dairy items. They’ll tell you if it’s possible and if any price adjustment applies.

Cross-contamination in preparation areas means this isn’t safe for severe dairy allergies, only for people avoiding dairy by preference.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Veggie and fruit trays are naturally vegetarian. For strict vegans, verify that dips and dressings don’t contain dairy or eggs.

The veggie tray ranch dip typically contains dairy. Ask if you can order the veggie tray without dip, then provide your own vegan alternative.

Ingredient lists for prepared items like potato salad change seasonally. If serving vegans, ask to see the ingredient label before ordering.

Pickup Day Best Practices

Two Days Before

Call deli: “I have a catering order for pickup on [date] at [time] under [name]. Can you confirm it’s in your system?” This prevents 90% of pickup problems.

What to Bring

• Order receipt
• Active Costco membership card
• Coolers/insulated bags (if warm weather)
• Helper (for multiple platters)

At Deli Counter

Say: “Catering pickup for [name]” and hand over receipt. Before leaving, check:

1. Platter count matches receipt
2. Lids/plastic wrap secure
3. No visible damage or quality issues
4. Cake decorations correct (if applicable)

Address problems immediately—fixing after leaving requires return trip.

Transportation

• Place platters flat, don’t stack
• If temperature above 70°F, transport under 30 minutes
• Use coolers with ice packs for hot weather/long trips
• Handle carefully to prevent lid separation

Storage at Home

• Refrigerate immediately at 35-40°F
• Platters maintain quality 24 hours refrigerated
• After 24 hours, food safe but presentation declines

Day of Event

• Don’t leave shrimp/meat at room temperature over 2 hours
• Remove from fridge 15-20 minutes before serving
• Keep on ice for outdoor/warm events

FAQs

Why Costco Catering Works for 2026 Events

The value proposition hasn’t changed: quality food at unbeatable prices for people willing to handle their own setup and service.

Traditional caterers charge $15-40 per person because they provide staff, equipment, transportation, and service. Costco gives you just the food and drops the price to $1.50-$5.79 per person depending on your selections.

For informal gatherings where presentation takes a back seat to having plenty of good food, this model makes perfect sense. The money you save on catering buys decorations, entertainment, or goes back in your pocket.

The 2026 menu additions like sushi platters and premium desserts expand options without inflating costs. New dietary accommodations help serve guests with restrictions, though cross-contamination remains a limitation.

Membership scanner enforcement at food courts actually protects value by preventing non-members from exploiting member pricing. It’s a minor inconvenience that preserves the pricing model for paying members.

Plan ahead, understand the limitations, follow the ordering process, and Costco catering delivers exactly what it promises: warehouse portions at warehouse prices with quality that meets or exceeds expectations.

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