Sandwiches are a lunchtime staple, but what you serve alongside them can elevate the meal from basic to gourmet. When catering business lunches, thoughtful pairings show clients and colleagues you’ve gone the extra mile. Here are savvy serving suggestions to make your sandwiches shine.
Soups
A steaming bowl of soup complements both cold and hot sandwiches beautifully. Opt for lighter broth-based soups over heavy cream-based ones, as richer sandwiches can leave you feeling overfull.
For cold sandwiches, a chilled gazpacho or cucumber soup provides refreshing contrast. Heartier sandwiches pair well with roasted tomato bisque, loaded baked potato soup, or mushroom barley. Chicken noodle and vegetarian minestrone are classic crowd-pleasers.
Salads
Crisp, fresh salads add nutrition and visual appeal. For richer sandwiches like Philly cheesesteaks or pastrami, tangy coleslaw or broccoli slaw cuts through the richness. Lighter sandwiches call for salad greens, chopped veggies, beans or grains.
Try a classic Caesar or Greek salad with grilled chicken sandwiches. Egg mayo and tuna salad team up well with potato or pasta salads. For an easy option, serve sandwich rings with leafy salad greens and an assortment of dressings.
Sides
Crisps and fries are obvious pairings, but switch it up with healthier baked versions or sweet potato fries. For gluten-free guests, try kale crisps or tortilla chips with salsa.
Fruit salad, pasta salad and potato salad also complement sandwiches. Or serve sandwiches open-faced on beds of leafy greens for a fresh twist. Hearty sides like beans, rice or quinoa turn sandwiches into complete meals.
Beverages
Beyond water and soft drinks, shakes and lemonade are nostalgic pairings. For adults, wine, beer and coffee drinks make menus more sophisticated.
Iced tea, infused waters and sparkling juices are lighter options. Custom iced tea blends, flavoured lemonades and mocktails add flair. Coffee carts and build-your-own mimosa bars delight guests.
Desserts
Cookies, brownies and bars make easy desserts, or order sandwich-shaped shortbreads. Feature seasonal fresh fruit like grapes, berries and melon slices.
For more elegant affairs, decadent options like chocolate-dipped strawberries, mini cheesecakes and French macarons impress. Custom dessert sandwiches on brioche or donuts amuse guests.
Presentation Tips
Use decorations, garnishes and serving pieces to impress. Skewer grapes, berries, melon chunks, olives and pickled veggies for easy side dishes.
Hollowed-out bread bowls serve up soups and salads. Mini crocks are ideal for individual sides, with colourful mini serving spoons. For dessert, glass milk bottles deliver milkshakes in style.
Label ingredients, pairings and sandwiches so guests can customise their lunches. Tray passed hor d’oeuvres allow mingling during receptions.
Whatever you serve, present sandwiches and sides buffet-style or individually plated. Elevate the visual appeal with vintage-chic linens, floral centrepieces and decorative platters.
Catering Done Right
For business lunches, consider full-service London catering to handle the food and presentation while you focus on clients. Reputable sandwich catering London companies offer customised menus, professional staff, stylish decor and full-service coordination. London catering services by Sandwich Sandwich is a good option.
Discuss menus and budgets to align options with your vision and audience. Take advantage of tastings to experience potential dishes. Make final headcounts 24-48 hours pre-event to prevent food waste.
With thoughtful pairings and catering, sandwiches transform into impressive business lunches. Elevate your next event with gourmet sides, drinks and desserts for satisfied clients and colleagues.
