Planning a celebration, birthday, shower, or casual get-together? Costco is a hidden gem for party food—affordable, generous, and super convenient. Whether you’re feeding 10 or 100, I’ve gathered every single detail you need to make it easy, joyful, and stress-free. Let’s dive in!
Step One: You Must Be a Costco Member
This is rule #1—and it matters. Costco’s catering and party platters are only available to active members.
- You’ll need a Gold Star, Business, or Executive membership.
- Bring your membership card with your photo (or ID as backup).
- Have a loved one who shops for you? Get them a household card too.
- No membership = no platters, no shopping. (Unless you’re using a Costco Shop Card, but only members can buy or reload it.)
What Exactly Is “Costco Catering”?
Costco doesn’t offer delivery or staff your party. Instead, it’s a combo of:
1. Pre‑Order Platters (From the Deli or Bakery)
Big, crowd-friendly trays made fresh in-store. Think shrimp, sandwich assortments, cheese boards—you must order ahead.
2. Grab‑and‑Go Foods (Everyday Items)
Already made, ready to heat, or serve. These include salads, baked pasta, appetizers, rotisserie chicken, bakery goodies, and more.
How to Order Party Platters (Step-by-Step)
Here’s how it works:
- Visit the Deli or Bakery in your local warehouse.
- Find the paper Party Platter Order Form.
- Fill it out:
- Name, Membership Number, Contact Info
- Which platters you want
- How many
- Your preferred pickup date + time
- Hand the form to the counter or drop it in the box.
- You’ll pay at pickup—not when ordering.
Minimum 24-hour notice required. For big events or holidays (Christmas, Super Bowl, Easter), order 3–7 days early to secure your spot!
What Can You Order? (2025 Platter Menu)
Here are the confirmed party platter options this year:
| Platter | Servings | Price (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Platter | 24–28 | $49.99 |
| Artisan Sandwich Platter | 18–20 | $49.99 |
| Fruit, Meat & Cheese Platter | 18–24 | $39.99 |
| Cookie Tray | ~60 cookies | $19.99 |
| King Cheese Spirella Meat Trio | 8–12 | $24.99 |
| Sashimi Tray | 6–8 | $39.99 |
| Carnegie Deli Pastrami & Corned Beef | 6–8 | $49.99 |
Don’t forget—Costco sheet cakes are popular for parties too! Order at the same time from the Bakery.
Complete Catering Menu with Prices
Costco Party Platters & Grab-and-Go Menu (2025)
| Platter / Item | Serves | Price (est.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shrimp Platter | 20–24 guests | $39.99 | Pre-order in-store (24 hrs) |
| Sprouted-Grain Sandwich Tray | 18–24 guests | $47.99 | Pre-order in-store |
| Fruit, Meat & Cheese Platter | 18–24 guests | $39.99 | Pre-order or pre-made deli |
| Cookie Tray | ~60 cookies | $19.99 | Bakery (pre-order) |
| Small Deli & Cheese Collection | 8–10 guests | $29.99 | Pre-order in-store |
| Large Deli & Cheese Collection | 15–20 guests | $59.99 | Pre-order in-store |
| King Cheese Spirella Meat Trio | 8–12 guests | $24.99 | Pre-order in-store |
| Sashimi Tray (Seasonal) | 6–8 guests | $39.99 | Seasonal / limited deli |
| Carnegie Deli Pastrami & Corned Beef | 6–8 guests | $49.99 | Seasonal (call to confirm) |
| Pinwheel / Hye Roll Tray | 20–24 guests | ~$39.99 | Some locations / seasonal |
| Buffalo Wings Platter (Pre-cooked) | ~15 guests | ~$41.97 | Pre-packaged in refrigerator |
| Fresh Fruit Bowl | up to 24 | $10.99 | Grab-and-go |
| Veggie Tray + Ranch Dip | 8–10 guests | $10.79 | Grab-and-go |
| Mila Frozen Dumplings (New 2025) | ~6–8 guests | Varies ($10–14) | Grab-and-go freezer section |
| Goodles Mac & Cheese Cups (New 2025) | Individual | Varies | Grab-and-go dry goods aisle |
Costco Bakery Trays & Desserts
| Bakery Item | Serves | Price (est.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake | ~16 guests | $18.99 | Grab-and-go (Bakery) |
| Tiramisu Cups (6-pack) | 6 cups | ~$9.99 | Bakery fridge section |
| Macaron Assortment (36 count) | N/A | ~$16.99 | Freezer or bakery area |
| Assorted Muffins / Croissant Tray | 12–18 pieces | ~$9.99–$12.99 | Bakery (bulk trays) |
Grab‑and‑Go Favorites (No Pre-Order Needed!)
If you’re short on time or just want extras, these items are ready whenever you are:
- Rotisserie Chicken – flavorful, juicy, and only $4.99
- Pasta Bakes – Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Enchiladas
- Street Taco Kit – Includes meat, salsa, tortillas, toppings
- Chicken Salad / Caesar Salad / Pasta Salad tubs
- Shrimp Cocktail trays (smaller size vs. the platter)
- Hummus, Dips, Vegetable Trays
- Bakery: Muffins, croissants, brownie bars, pies, cookies
- Frozen Appetizers: Mozzarella sticks, spring rolls, quiches
- Bulk Snacks & Drinks: Chips, pretzels, nuts, sodas, wine/beer*
*availability varies by state
Costco Business Centers (For Large Events)
Planning a big bash for 50+ people? See if a Business Center is near you. They’re different from regular warehouses and have:
- Even larger bulk foods & meats
- Catering gear: chafing dishes, sterno warmers, trays
- Massive bakery trays, salad tubs, condiments
- Restaurant-sized everything
- Some even offer delivery if you’re a Business member
Business Centers are open to all Costco members, even if you’re not a business owner!
Don’t Forget the Extras!
Costco is also your one-stop party prep shop:
- Disposable plates, cups, utensils, napkins
- Foil, cling wrap, plastic containers
- Coolers, ice, serving trays
- Themed party decor (seasonal)
Final Thoughts!
If you want to feed a lot of people with food that tastes good, looks good, and doesn’t cost a fortune, Costco is a blessing. Their platters are practical and crowd-approved, and their bakery and deli sections are full of time-savers. Just plan ahead, make your list, and enjoy the celebration.
Whether it’s a birthday bash, family BBQ, or baby shower—you’ve got this. And now you’ve got the guide too.
FAQs
Go to the Deli or Bakery counter at your local Costco and fill out a paper order form. Submit it in person at least 24 hours before pickup. Payment is made at checkout when you pick up your order.
Costco offers pre-order platters, ready-made meals, salads, bakery trays, frozen appetizers, and bulk snacks. Everything is sized for sharing and easy to serve.
Yes, but it’s self-serve style. You pick up platters and prepared foods—Costco doesn’t deliver or provide staff.
Yes, they’re a great deal for the portion size and quality. Most feed 18–24 people and cost far less than traditional catering.
The shrimp platter and artisan sandwich tray are top picks. Both are fresh, generous, and party-ready.
Yes, they offer meat and cheese platters by pre-order or in the deli section. Options and sizes may vary by store.