Last Minute Party Sandwich Ideas for Hosting a Cookout

Are you looking for last-minute food ideas for your upcoming cookout? You can quickly and easily feed a large crowd in a pinch with sandwiches. In this post, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite party sandwich ideas so you can prepare something that’s sure to satisfy everyone and wow your guests.

These sandwiches are flavorful and will surely be a hit at your cookout. From simple classic sandwiches, like grilled cheese and BLTs, to more elaborate creations, like sliders and gourmet paninis, these recipes will surely be crowd-pleasers. We’ve also included vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free sandwich recipes, so your guests with dietary restrictions can still enjoy them.

Deli Meat Sandwiches

Deli meat sandwiches are classic favorites that require just a few ingredients. You can prepare sandwiches using deli meats in minutes, and they will please picky eaters. Common meats for this recipe are turkey, ham, roast beef, tuna salad, and salami. For healthier deli meat sandwiches, you can find low-sodium options of these same meats at most grocery stores. 

Common toppings for deli meat sandwiches include lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, mustard, mayonnaise, and cheese slices. For those looking to add more flavor to their sandwiches, consider adding sliced avocado or jalapeños.

BBQ Sliders

BBQ sliders are great for those who want a heartier sandwich option without the messiness or commitment of larger sandwiches. Their small size means guests can easily try other sandwich options without feeling full after one slider. Popular meats for BBQ sliders include pulled pork or pulled chicken and beef brisket. If you want to switch things up and offer a plant-based option, use pulled jackfruit or vegan BBQ “meats” instead.

Popular toppings for BBQ sliders include diced onions and coleslaw. Other possible toppings include shredded cheese, pineapple slices, and pickles. You can also try making a special chili sauce to top off the finished product for a unique touch. 

Pizza Sandwiches

Pizza sandwiches are a great way to provide a tasty treat for any pizza lover at your cookout. Popular choices for the bread in pizza sandwiches include baguettes and hoagie rolls, but any pre-made dinner roll can also work. Remember that different types of bread will affect the final product’s overall flavor of the final product so experiment with multiple types until you find the one that tastes best. Traditional pizza sauces like marinara and alfredo work well in pizza sandwiches. For those hoping to add a unique twist to this classic dish, try experimenting with barbecue sauce or pesto. 

Popular topping ideas for pizza sandwiches include pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and onions. Add cheese slices inside the sandwiches, then press them in a panini maker or pop them in the oven to cook. You can also sprinkle cheese on top for a cheesy twist on these sandwiches that your guests won’t forget. 

Wraps 

Wraps are excellent options if you’re looking to get extra creative, as they allow you to add any combination of ingredients. Plus, they’re easier to eat than traditional sandwiches. Wraps are also great as they don’t require a lot of prep or assembly time — all you need is five minutes and some tasty fillings.  Your guests will love popular wrap combinations like grilled vegetables with hummus, roasted chicken with avocado, smoked salmon and cream cheese, tuna salad, egg salad, and turkey bacon with ranch.

For those looking to take the texture of their wraps to the next level, add your favorite crushed chips, such as tortilla or potato chips, for a tasty crunch inside each bite. Other unique topping possibilities include dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds, pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, or grilled pineapple.

Paninis 

Paninis offer an easy way to make a delicious warm sandwich without firing up the grill. This type of sandwich is versatile enough to accommodate any combination of proteins and toppings. Plus, they cook up quickly in just minutes in your panini maker. Popular filling options include deli meat such as turkey or salami with cheese slices, grilled chicken with pesto, pulled pork with coleslaw, and Reuben-style pastrami with sauerkraut. For vegetable-based paninis, try combinations like grilled eggplant, zucchini slices, or tomatoes and basil with fresh mozzarella.

Top off your paninis by adding sauces like mayonnaise or mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Cook them by pressing each sandwich in the panini maker until golden brown before serving. These hot and delicious sandwiches are sure to be gone quickly and enjoyed by all your guests.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for something simple like classic deli meat sandwiches or something more elaborate like gourmet paninis, these last-minute party sandwich ideas will make your cookout a hit. Prepping all your recipes and ingredients beforehand can help you ensure that each sandwich is perfect and your guests can enjoy a delicious meal. With a wide variety of flavor combinations, you’re sure to find something that pleases everyone. So grab your ingredients, fire up the panini maker or grill, and prepare to satisfy some grumbling tummies!