Make Great (and pretty) Sandwiches for Parties

If you've ever been served sandwiches at a party, you know that the best sandwiches for parties are often those you've created, yourself. As a host or hostess, let your guests help themselves to exactly what they want to put on their party sandwiches. Guaranteed to please!

The fact is, an appealing and cost-effective alternative to buying ready-made sandwiches or wraps is to take advantage of today's customization craze.

Let guests choose from among a variety of breads. In addition to tortillas for wraps, offer:

  • Flat breads
  • Rolls
  • Pita
  • Marbleized rye
  • Pumpernickel, and
  • Corn bread.

Gourmet meats and cheeses: Overlap slices or roll delicious deli meats that include:

  • Honey-roasted, cracked pepper, or Cajun-spiced turkey
  • Richly scented Black Forest ham
  • Freshly sliced pepperoni, sopresata, or other types of salami.

Put together an attractive array of any of the following cheeses:

  • Monterey Jack
  • Jarlsberg
  • Pepper jack
  • Meunster, and
  • Fresh mozzarella slices.

Savory sandwich spreads: Offer guests such condiment spreadables as:

  • Roasted red pepper or olive tapenade
  • Grainy country mustard
  • Hummus
  • Guacamole, and
  • Wasabi mayonnaise.

Top-drawer toppings: Complete the selection with a multitude of toppings that guests can add to their creations. Put out a plate of lettuce leaves, along with bowls or a platter of:

  • Sliced or chopped fresh tomatoes
  • Red onion rings or chopped scallions
  • Oil-marinated sun dried tomatoes
  • Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese
  • Crisp chopped bacon or bacon bits--and, for the daring,
  • Chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers.