Summer is a great time to gather friends and family members; the kids are off school and there’s not as much pressure at parties like during the busy holiday times of year.

At your next party, instead of heating up your kitchen cooking a casserole or making your husband man the BBQ all day, why not host a Sandwich Buffet? Everyone loves sandwiches, and if you have enough different fillings and toppings, you know you’ll please everyone. Picky eaters and allergies won’t be a problem when you have a variety of sandwich ideas - everyone will find something they love.

Of course, the best part of a sandwich is the bread. Without good bread, there really is no point! KING'S HAWAIIAN is one of my favorite breads for, well...anything, but especially sandwiches! The KING'S HAWAIIAN Original Hawaiian Sweet Round or Original Hawaiian Sweet Sliced Bread would make a great addition to any meal...but especially one made of sandwiches. The softness and slight sweetness of the bread lends to all types of fillings, and you’ll see your guests eyes light up at the site of the tell-tale orange package.

You have your guest list and your bread...but what about the fillings? It’s so easy to create so many different kinds of sandwiches, with just a few main ingredients.

• Deli meats. You don’t have to go crazy on the varieties. Turkey, roast beef, and ham or salami will be fine. People also love bacon on sandwiches, especially in summer!
• A variety of cheeses. Think outside cheddar or american! Provolone, Brie, fresh Mozarella, and even cream cheese can be sandwich favorites.
• Roasted veggies. Think peppers, zucchini, squash, even asparagus or eggplant.
• Vegetables for topping. Tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickles.
• Avocados are a great way to add flavors to sandwiches. Smash them for a spread, slice them in place of cheese!
• A variety of spreads and condiments. Think outside the mustard and mayo; have some pesto, sun-dried tomato spread, and/or some flavored aioli sauces.

People are suckers for hot and cold sandwiches, so if you have a panini press, have it heated up for the party. People can make up a cold combo, or grill their sandwich for a warm lunch.

Something fun to do for a party is to create a sandwich menu board, like one you’d see at a restaurant. Give your sandwiches fun names and encourage your guests to create their own. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Monterey or Pepper Jack Cheese and avocado that’s been smashed with some salsa, grilled to golden on a panini press.

Turkey, bacon, and avocado on lightly toasted KING'S HAWAIIAN bread.

Roasted zucchini and yellow squash, roasted peppers, and pesto, on sliced round bread, served cold.

And then, once you’ve made your list of sandwich ideas...don’t forget dessert! There always has to be dessert, especially at a sandwich party.

Adjacent to your savory sandwich bar, you can delight your guests with a sweet one. They’ll love it, I guarantee it!

• Peanut Butter
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
• Marshmallows or Marshmallow Fluff
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Apples
• Brie
• Jam
• Chopped up candy bars or cookies for some crunch

Let your guests go crazy with making sweet sandwich combos! Have the panini press ready in case they want a French Chocolate Berrywich (chocolate hazelnut spread and strawberries, open-faced on toasted bread) or a Kid at Heart (peanut butter filled with chopped candy).

One of my favorite sweet sandwiches is a fluffernutter. Have you ever had one of those? Peanut butter and marshmallows make up one of the best sandwiches ever! I jazzed it up for you in this Chocolate Fluffernutter:

Spread two slices of KING'S HAWAIIAN bread with peanut butter and chocolate hazelnut spread. Place some marshmallows (or marshmallow cream) in the center of one side and sandwich it together. The Chocolate Fluffernutter is good cold or toasted!

No matter how you slice it, a sandwich party is a great get-together idea. It’s fun, relaxed, and your guests will leave happy and full.