It’s 11:45 a.m., the meeting starts in 15 minutes and lunch needs to be served. That’s a situation where a sandwich tray can help.

Sandwich trays are a popular option for office lunches, casual gatherings and deli catering orders.

Whether you need a sandwich tray for 10 people, are hosting an open house for 25 or are organizing a Northwest Indiana lunch for 50, sandwich trays and party trays make it easy to offer options without a lot of planning. The key is knowing how much to order, which tray style fits the occasion and how far ahead to order.

What comes on a sandwich tray?

A sandwich tray is an assortment of prepared sandwiches made with deli meats and cheeses that are cut and arranged for serving.

Most sandwich trays include a mix of popular choices, such as:

• Turkey
• Ham
• Roast beef
• A vegetarian option

Cheese, lettuce and tomato are often built into the sandwiches, while mayonnaise and mustard are served on the side.

Most sandwich trays are sold by piece count and arrive chilled, ready to serve.

How many sandwiches do you need per person?

Plan on 1 1/2 sandwich pieces per guest when sandwiches are the main meal. If there are side dishes, desserts and other food, one sandwich piece per person is sufficient.

For example, if the sandwich tray or sandwich platter is the primary meal for a 25-person lunch, serve about 38 sandwich pieces. When in doubt, round up rather than down. For more guidance, see How many people does a party tray feed?

Sandwich tray sizing guide

Use this sandwich tray sizing guide to estimate how many sandwich pieces you need for 10, 15, 25, 40 or 50 people.

Guests Pieces if the tray is the meal Pieces if served with sides Tray size to order*

Guests	Pieces if the tray is the meal	Pieces if served with sides	Tray size to order*
10	15	10	Match closest available tray size
15	23	15	Match closest available tray size
25	38	25	Match closest available tray size
40	60	40	Match closest available tray size
50	75	50	Match closest available tray size

*Confirm available tray sizes with the deli before ordering.

Sandwich tray styles worth knowing

Understand the most common sandwich styles to order the right option for your gathering.

• Finger sandwiches: Smaller portions often served crustless for showers and receptions.
• Pinwheels: Rolled tortillas or flatbreads sliced into rounds.
• Croissant sandwiches: Split in half and filled with deli meat and cheese.
• Sliders: Small sandwiches on rolls for heartier appetites.
• Party subs: Long sandwiches sliced into servings.
• Wrap trays: An alternative that can include vegetarian options.

Matching the tray to the occasion and ordering ahead

Choosing the right tray depends on the type of event.

• Croissant sandwiches and wraps work well for office lunches and meetings.
• Finger sandwiches and pinwheels are popular for showers, receptions and social gatherings.
• Sliders and party subs fit game days, open houses and casual events.
• Order standard trays 24 to 48 hours ahead. Large, custom or holiday orders require additional notice.
• Keep trays and condiments refrigerated until 30 minutes before serving.
• Pick up sandwiches, side dishes and beverages in a single stop rather than visiting multiple stores.

Sandwich trays from Strack & Van Til

Strack & Van Til offers sandwich and sub trays prepared in-store, and specialty tray options are available for pickup by advance order. Try ready-made Italian, turkey or ham submarine sandwiches or a custom sandwich stacked with meats, cheeses and Beano’s sauces from the Deli Department.

Strack & Van Til carries deli side dishes by the pound, including homestyle, mustard or premium potato salad, Caprese pasta salad with fresh mozzarella, creamy macaroni salad, sour cream and cheddar macaroni, creamy coleslaw or bow-tie pasta salad with spinach, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese.

“Our new favorites include Loaded Baked Potato salad, Asian Bowtie pasta salad and Citrus Parmesan pasta salad,” notes Deli Department Director Kristin Snow.

Planning ahead? Order SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com for pickup across Lake and Porter Counties.

Order the tray and skip the assembly line

Plan about 1 1/2 sandwich pieces per person when sandwiches are the meal or one piece per guest when you serve sides and desserts.

Place your order a day or two ahead whenever possible, especially for larger groups. Contact your nearest Strack & Van Til deli and choose the party tray size that fits your guest list.

Frequently asked questions about sandwich trays

How far in advance should I order a sandwich tray?

For most standard sandwich trays and party trays, order 24 to 48 hours in advance. Larger gatherings, custom orders and holiday weekend events may need a week’s notice to ensure availability and preparation time.

How many sandwich tray pieces do I need for 25 people?

If sandwiches are the main meal, plan about 38 sandwich pieces for 25 people using the guideline of 1 ½ pieces per person. If you serve sides and desserts, 25 pieces are sufficient.

What comes on a sandwich tray?

Most trays include sandwiches made with turkey, ham, roast beef and a vegetarian option. Cheese, lettuce and tomato are usually included, while condiments are served on the side.

What side dishes go well with sandwich trays?

Popular sandwich tray side dishes include potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, pasta salad and baked beans. Chips, fresh fruit and desserts can also help round out the meal.

What’s the difference between a sandwich tray and a party sub?

A sandwich tray contains individual sandwiches or sandwich portions arranged on a platter. A party sub is a long sandwich sold by the foot and sliced into servings.

Can I order sandwich trays for pickup near me?

Yes. The Strack & Van Til deli offers sandwich trays for advance order and scheduled pickup in all Lake and Porter County stores. Order through SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com.

What’s the best sandwich tray size for 50 guests?

If the tray is the main meal, plan for approximately 75 sandwich pieces. If there are several side dishes and desserts, approximately 50 pieces may be enough.

Order sandwich trays from the Strack & Van Til deli near you

Sandwich trays make it easier to feed a crowd without the prep work. Stop by your local Strack & Van Til Deli Department to shop sandwich trays, party subs, wrap trays and deli sides, or place your order ahead and have everything ready for pickup when you need it.

By Karyn G. Zafran