Last-minute guests used to send me straight into panic mode as I tried to figure out what snacks I could throw together fast without spending a fortune. The problem is that most ready-made party trays are surprisingly expensive for what you get, especially if you just need something simple that people will actually snack on.
Then I picked up Hormel Gatherings Honey Ham and Turkey with Cheese and Crackers Deli Party Tray one afternoon before company came over, and it turned out to be a great surprise.
What immediately stood out to me was how practical it felt. There was no slicing cheese or trying to make random fridge leftovers look “host-ready.” Everything was already prepped and easy to set out within seconds, which honestly made everything feel a lot less stressful.
I also liked that it didn’t feel overly fancy or overly cheap. It hits that middle ground where guests will snack on it while chatting, watching a game, or hanging out in the kitchen, and you don’t feel like you spent a ridiculous amount of money and time putting it together. For unexpected visitors or even a simple family get-together, it ended up becoming one of those grocery shortcuts I keep buying at the store.
Where to purchase
This deli party tray was purchased at Walmart, but it's available at most grocery stores. There are two versions: ham and turkey, or salami and pepperoni. While ham and turkey are good for a casual gathering, I think salami and pepperoni would be better for a fancy gathering at an affordable price point.
You'll find the party tray located in one of two places. First, check near the deli department, as they may have it there for a quick grab. If it's not there, head to the deli meats section of the store, and more than likely you'll see it.
This 28-ounce party tray was priced at $14.88 in Walmart.
Appearance
This party tray is perfect for serving 4-6 people, and you'll likely still have some leftovers for later.
It's actually put together pretty well. The clear container holding all the meats and cheeses is also a plastic serving tray. The meat and cheese are packaged individually, and then all you have to do is open them and place them on the tray. There are four sections for them, and two spaces to add the crackers.
The tray and lid are both clear, so you can see inside easily and know what it is. If you're in a hurry, it's a super simple way to open, prep quickly, and serve.
The really nice thing about this option is that you don't have to cut the meat or cheese. Everything is literally prepped and ready for you to serve and eat.
Taste
The taste is what you would expect from deli meat and cheese. The meat was sliced thin, but not too thin, and the cheese had a nice thickness that makes it stand out a bit more than the meat when combined.
The crackers are good and crispy, and it's super simple and kind of fun to stack all the options and make your own personal bite.
I didn't really get a honey flavoring with the ham, but that could be because I never ate it on its own. It was always paired with cheese or a cracker, which could have easily overpowered the hint of sweetness.
My first impression was that it was a good party platter, and I actually thought that the cheese tasted really good, too.
The deli meat tasted typical, and I found myself eating more cheese than meat while snacking.
Texture
I'm a big believer that food textures matter, and that holds true for this party platter. The cheese and meat textures worked well together, and I was happy that the crackers hadn't gone stale in the package with the meat and were being stored at colder temperatures.
The one thing I didn't like about the meat was that it was pretty wet when it came out of the package. It could be from the condensation after removing it from the fridge. You can dab some of it off with a clean napkin, but it was a bit of a surprise when trying to get it out of the package and onto the tray.
Would you buy it again
I would. It was a fair price for the amount of meat, cheese, and crackers it came with, and I thought everything combined tasted good. It would be great for a birthday party, or a picnic, or even as a simple snacking platter to have around the house during the weekend.
I was also super happy that I didn't have to use any other dishes or spend any time cutting up meat or cheese. Opening the lid and adding to the tray literally took just a couple of minutes. And if you're making it to transport somewhere else, you just have to pop the lid back on, and you're set.
The takeaway
If you need an affordable party tray that takes almost all the stress out of hosting, Hormel Gatherings Honey Ham and Turkey with Cheese and Crackers Deli Party Tray is honestly a really solid option. It’s quick and surprisingly practical for everything from last-minute guests to casual weekend snacking.
No, it’s not a fancy charcuterie board with artisan meats and expensive cheeses, and the ingredient list definitely isn’t perfect. But for under $15, it delivers exactly what most people want during casual hosting: something easy to serve that people will snack on without you having to spend time prepping everything yourself.
It feels like one of those grocery shortcuts that genuinely makes life easier.
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