A Laid-Back Holiday Feast: Sandwich Tray Menu of 2010

Our Sandwich Tray Menu

Why Sandwiches Were the Star of the Show

Picture this—it’s mid-December, and I’m still recovering from Thanksgiving. If you’ve ever spent hours roasting a turkey, peeling mountains of potatoes, and timing ten dishes to come out of the oven at exactly the right moment, you’ll understand why I just couldn’t muster the energy for another epic holiday meal. I was burned out and ready for something simple and easy. Enter: sandwiches.

Honestly, sandwiches were the perfect solution. They’re customizable. They're satisfying. And yes, they're easy to prep. Plus, everyone loves a good sandwich.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a picky eater or someone who’s willing to pile on every topping imaginable. And because sandwiches don’t require hours of kitchen time, I got to spend more time with my family and less time basting, chopping, and cleaning. (Which is always a plus in my book).

The Bread Spread

Let’s start with the foundation: the breads. We didn’t skimp on variety, because what’s a sandwich buffet without options? We had soft, golden hamburger buns from Schwebel’s, hearty rye and pumpernickel slices from BeefSteak, and even specialty onion sandwich buns from Brownberry.

For those feeling a little adventurous, there was 100% whole wheat flatbread from Lawash and thin buns from Earth Grains. These breads weren’t just carriers—they were part of the fun, letting everyone pick their ideal sandwich base.

You wouldn’t believe how much debate there was over what made the best bread for sloppy joes. My vote was for the onion sandwich buns—they added a little extra flavor to the tangy beef mixture—but everyone had their favorites. Speaking of sloppy joes, let’s talk about the meats.

A Meaty Selection

We went all out on the meats, laying out trays of options for both classic sandwich lovers and the more adventurous crowd. Lifestyles Honey Turkey Breast was there for anyone wanting something sweet and tender, while Golden Brown Turkey Breast satisfied the fans of richer, roasted flavors.

We had Honey Mesquite Ham which added a smoky twist, and crowd-pleasers like corned beef, roast beef, and even beef bologna for that nostalgic touch.

And, of course, the star of the hot dishes: Crock-Pot sloppy joes. I mean, what’s Christmas without a little messy, comforting joy? The sloppy joes were the only hot dish we served, but they brought a little bit of warmth and homey flavor we needed for the cold winter day.

Cheese, Glorious Cheese

Let’s not forget the cheese, because it’s the glue that holds any great sandwich together. Swiss was there for the bold flavors, Colby Jack for a mellow sweetness, Provolone brought us its smooth, creamy texture, and Muenster for that rich, buttery goodness.

Whether people were layering cheese slices over meat or sneaking a piece straight off the tray (you know who you are), it was pure happiness.

Veggie Trays Galore

Now, veggies might seem like the supporting cast here, but they absolutely delivered. Cherry tomatoes added bursts of fresh sweetness, while Spanish and black olives brought their salty charm.

Bread and butter pickles were the perfect tangy addition. And then there were the celery sticks, baby carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower for crunch and color. Whether someone wanted a veggie-packed sandwich or just a few cherry tomatoes on the side, there was something there for everyone.

Dips and Chips to Round Things Out

Here’s where things really got fun. Alongside the sandwich trays, we set out bowls of dips: Buffalo Chicken, Spinach, and Ranch. To scoop up the goodness, we had restaurant-style tortilla chips and multi-grain ones for variety.

Buffalo Chicken Dip was the star—there’s something magical about its spicy, creamy blend that makes you keep coming back for more.

Breakfast, Snacks, and Sweets

The sandwiches weren’t the only thing on the menu that day. For breakfast, we had Monkey Bread and Banana Bread—perfect for the late risers who wanted something sweet to start the day.

And for desserts, there were cookie trays and fudge tins to keep things festive. We even had bowls of fruit and nuts for snacking in between meals.

The kids loved it, too. It was the one day of the year when they were free to have sweets whenever they liked (though we did encourage them to grab a sandwich and some fruit, which they happily did).

A Method of Service That Worked Wonders

The beauty of this self-serve, buffet-style sandwich tray menu setup was that everyone could eat whenever they wanted. No set dinner time, no need for fancy plating, just paper plates and cups to keep clean-up easy. (Though I will say, we’ve since switched to ceramic dishes for a more sustainable approach.)

Even our son, who usually loves formal sit-down meals, had fun with this laid-back vibe. With such a big crowd, it was the perfect way to keep things relaxed while making sure everyone was well-fed and happy.

Why You Should Try This For Your Next Holiday

I’ll be honest—2010 taught me that sandwiches can be the heroes of any holiday meal. They’re versatile, delicious, and low stress. They let you focus on what really matters: spending time with your loved ones. You can make your sandwich tray casual or dress it up with artisan breads and gourmet toppings—it’s all about what works for you.

Next year, who knows? We might go all out with a big sit-down meal again. But even then, you can bet there will still be sandwiches waiting for leftovers. After all, when it comes to my favorite meal, it’s always sandwiches again!

So, how about it? Will sandwiches make an appearance at your next holiday celebration? If you decide to try it, trust me—your family will thank you!

If you think you'd like to try a build your own sandwich party, check out Spruce Eats tips for planning and serving this fun and satisfying meal. (Link will open in a new window).

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