How To Make a Build-Your-Own Sandwich Bar

I love interactive food ideas – they’re such a fun way to feed people and keep them entertained at your event. Not only is a sandwich bar super cheap to set up, but guests can customise their sandwiches exactly how they like them (no need to worry about fussy eaters!), and you can prep everything in advance, so you’re not slaving away in the kitchen whilst guests are over.

You might have seen our Build-Your-Own Bagel Board recipe – this is a similar idea, but with sandwiches as the star of the show!

 

What To Include On a DIY Sandwich Bar

A sandwich bar needs a couple of key elements – bread, protein, cheese, vegetables, spreads, and garnishes. Within each category, try to offer a mix of flavours and textures so guests can get creative with their combos. Just make sure your ingredients play nicely together – that way, no matter what people fill their sandwiches with, it’ll still taste great!

Obviously, you don’t have to include every single item from the lists below, but offer as much variety as you can whilst sticking within your budget!

 

Bread

You could stick with a simple wholemeal loaf and white loaf for your DIY sandwich bar, but I like to keep things a little more exciting. Instead, try offering:

• Sourdough rolls
• Ciabatta
• Focaccia 
• Tortilla wraps (large and mini ones)
• Croissants 
• Flatbreads
• Brioche rolls
• Bagels
• Pitabreads
• English muffins

 

Meats / Protein

• Salami
• Prosciutto
• Ham
• Chorizo
• Chicken
• Pastrami
• Roast beef 
• Pulled pork
• Coronation chicken (or coronation chickpeas for vegan guests) 
• Smoked salmon
• Crispy bacon
• Egg salad
• Corned beef
• Steak (if you’re feeling fancy)
• Fish fingers

 

Cheeses

• Brie 
• Cheddar
• Pepper Jack
• Swiss
• Mozzarella
• Halloumi (just be sure to grill it first!)
• Burrata
• Provelone

 

Vegetables

• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers 
• Sliced red onion
• Lettuce 
• Rocket
• Spinach 
• Avocado 
• Sundried tomatoes
• Roasted peppers
• Caramelised onions
• Sliced apples

 

Spreads, Dips, & Sauces

• Butter 
• Cream cheese
• Mustard – Dijon, wholegrain, English mustard
• Chutney
• Mayonnaise – garlic, chipotle 
• Chilli jam
• BBQ sauce 
• Cranberry sauce
• Pesto
• Hummus
• Piccalilli 
• Tzazitki
• Interesting dressings/vinaigrette

 

Garnishes 

• Basil
• Dill 
• Cress
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil 
• Gherkins/pickles 
• Sliced fresh chillies 
• Jalapeños
• Crispy onions
• Sliced black olives

 

Setting Up Your Sandwich-Making Bar

Because a sandwich bar requires relatively little effort to prepare, I like to spend a little extra time making it look fantastic. Here’s how I set up my DIY sandwich-making station:

 

1. Prep your fillings – Chop, slice, and cook whatever ingredients you’re using on your sandwich station. Slice your bread of choice too, but right before guests arrive for maximum freshness.
2. Dish it up – Use ramekins, little bowls, baskets, or serving platters to present your bread rolls and sandwich fillings in.
3. Lay down parchment paper – Cover your chosen surface area in parchment for easy cleanup later on.
4. Add some height – Use boards, crates, or stands to make your setup look layered and styled (and very Instagram-worthy!).
5. Assemble your station – Add your ramekins and serving platters of ingredients to your table, adding any serving utensils as needed. Don’t forget the plates & napkins!
6. Label your ingredients – Especially if you’ve got vegan, veggie, or gluten-free guests coming over.
7. Add a “Popular Combos” sign – A mini menu with a few classic pairings can help guide people when making their sandwich (Canva is fab for this!)

 

Top Tip: I also love to include pre-cut parchment paper on my make-your-own sandwich bar – guests can then wrap their homemade sandwich for easy eating. Plus, you can even offer up to-go sandwiches with any leftover ingredients at the end of your get-together!

 

Easy Hosting Ideas From Savery Grazing

We hope you loved this simple guide on how to make your own sandwich bar – it’s simple, quick to set up, and incredibly cost-effective to throw together. Perfect for feeding kids, friends, or family on a budget!

For more hosting tips, recipes, and party inspiration, keep up to date with our blog. You can also find us on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

 

Sandwich Station FAQs

How Much Deli Meat / Protein Do I Need Per Person?

I’d recommend serving between 75-100g of deli meats/protein options available for each guest. Don’t be afraid to have extra just in case – things like ham, chicken, or salami freeze really well for future use!

What Should I Serve Alongside the Sandwiches?

Whilst sandwiches are absolutely filling on their own, for added variety, you could serve them alongside:

• Potato salad
• Pasta salad
• Sausage rolls
• Crisps
• Crudités & dips

How Long Can a Sandwich Bar Stay Out For?

Fresh ingredients can stay out at room temperature for up to 4 hours. If you’re hosting your sandwich-making party outside on a particularly warm day, you should reduce this to 2 hours to minimise risk. If you need to keep things cool whilst guests arrive, sit platters of ingredients on crushed ice or ice packs to help maintain their temperature.

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