The best sandwiches for parties are easy to eat with one hand, can be made ahead and stay fresh on a table for a while. Cutting sandwiches into fingers or quarters, mixing a few fillings and offering a vegetarian choice will feed most guests without stress. This guide gives you 25 filling ideas, how many to make, how to prepare them ahead and how to serve them safely.
How many sandwiches do you need?
As a rough guide, plan around 4 to 6 finger sandwiches (quarters of a sandwich) per person if sandwiches are the main food, and around 2 to 3 per person if you are also serving other dishes. Round up for hungry guests and for events that run through a mealtime. Offer at least two vegetarian options and make sure each platter is labelled.
Classic party sandwich fillings
- Egg and cress: chopped boiled egg with mayonnaise and cress.
- Cheese and pickle: mature cheddar with chutney or pickle.
- Ham and mustard: thin ham with a little butter and mild mustard.
- Cucumber and cream cheese: thin cucumber slices with soft cream cheese.
- Coronation chicken: cooked chicken in a mildly spiced mayonnaise with sultanas.
- Tuna and sweetcorn: tuna mixed with mayonnaise and sweetcorn.
Fancy and entertaining sandwich ideas
- Smoked salmon and dill cream cheese on brown bread.
- Roast beef and horseradish with rocket on a small roll.
- Brie, cranberry and rocket for a festive platter.
- Chicken, bacon and avocado on sourdough.
- Prawn and Marie Rose with shredded lettuce.
- Mozzarella, tomato and pesto in ciabatta.
- Turkey, stuffing and cranberry for winter parties.
- Roasted vegetable and hummus as a vegan option.
Pinwheels, rolls and other shapes
- Pinwheels: spread a wrap with cream cheese and ham or vegetables, roll tightly, chill, then slice.
- Mini rolls and sliders: small bread rolls with chicken, cheese or pulled meat.
- Open-faced canapés: small slices of bread topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon or cucumber.
- Cutter shapes: use biscuit cutters for a children’s party, and keep the crusts for breadcrumbs.
- Checkerboard sandwiches: alternate white and brown bread for a decorative platter.
Ideas for children’s parties
- Cheese and cucumber or ham and cheese, with no strong flavours
- Peanut-free fillings if there is any chance of allergies at the party, so check with parents first
- Small shapes, crusts removed and fillings kept simple
- Jam or chocolate spread triangles as a sweet option
How to make party sandwiches ahead
- Butter or spread to the edges. A thin layer of butter or cream cheese acts as a barrier and stops the bread going soggy.
- Dry your fillings. Pat cucumber, tomato and lettuce dry and drain any wet fillings.
- Assemble in layers. Put wet fillings in the middle, surrounded by drier ones.
- Cover tightly. Wrap them in clingfilm or place them in airtight boxes, with a slightly damp sheet of kitchen paper on top to keep the bread soft.
- Chill until serving. Make them the same day or the evening before, and slice them just before serving for the neatest edges.
How to present a sandwich platter
- Group by filling and label each, including allergens and whether it is vegetarian or vegan.
- Add garnishes such as cress, cherry tomatoes and gherkins for colour.
- Use tiered stands or boards to save table space.
- Serve with crisps, salad, fruit and dips for a balanced spread.
Food safety tips
- Keep sandwiches in the fridge until you are ready to serve them.
- Do not leave them out for long. Many food safety guides recommend throwing away perishable party food that has been out for more than a few hours, and less in hot weather.
- Keep fillings with mayonnaise, eggs, meat and fish cold, and use a cool bag for outdoor events.
- Label common allergens such as gluten, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish and nuts.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead can I make party sandwiches?
Many people make them the same morning or the evening before, covered and chilled. Keep wet fillings such as tomato separate until the last moment.
What bread is best for party sandwiches?
Thin-sliced white and brown bread is a classic choice. Softer bread is easier to cut into neat fingers. Sourdough, ciabatta and rolls suit heartier fillings.
How do I stop sandwiches going soggy?
Spread butter or cream cheese to the edges, drain and dry the fillings, cover tightly and keep them cold until serving.
What are good vegetarian sandwiches for a party?
Cucumber and cream cheese, egg and cress, cheese and pickle, hummus and roasted vegetables, and mozzarella and tomato are all easy options.
Summary
Sandwiches for parties work best when you plan the quantity, offer a mix of classic and special fillings and prepare them with soggy-proof layers. Include vegetarian options, label allergens and keep everything chilled until you serve it.
