Your next game-day guests will be unbelievably impressed if you set up a chili bar for dinner—They’re super-fun, casual and surprisingly easy to throw together!
Hey there. Welcome to paradise. Otherwise known as the grand finale to Chili Week.
This has been quite the week of comfort, to say the least. Here’s quick recap of all the awesomeness. —>
Monday: Sweet Potato Turkey Chili
Tuesday: Three-Bean Chili (guest-post!)
Wednesday: Creamy White Chicken Chili
Thursday: Extra-Lean Turkey Chili with Carrots + Turnips (guest-post!)
Friday: Vegan Crockpot Quinoa and Black Bean Chili (guest post!)
Saturday: Kickin’ Steak Chili
And today….things are getting ca-ca-ca CA-RAZY fun here today…
So chili bars. They are quickly becoming a thing, and it’s no wonder why: It is THE ultimate way to throw a shindig.
Guess what. Your game-day dinner dilemma is in the BAG. Or the chili-pot.
So the first step to making a chili bar is obviously the chili. Lucky for you, this past week has been FULL of chili recipes, so you have 6 different chili recipes to choose from! (or just your own favorite recipe)
To save time in the morning, when I’m trying to get the rest of the food set up, I’ll just mix up the chili, throw it in the crockpot and cook it on low for about 3-4 hours. (or 1-2 hours on high)
That way, by the time your guests arrive the chili will be piping-hot in the crockpot and you won’t be scrambling at the last minute to heat it up.
The second step to a good chili bar, is figuring out your side dishes and beverages in advance. Below are my favorite side dishes and beverages to serve at a chili bar:
- Homemade cornbread.
- Chips ‘n’ dip.
- Homemade bread or rolls.
- Hot apple cider
- Iced tea
- Beer or your other favorite booze.
I’ll usually prep all the side dishes the day before and then just re-heat everything right before chow-time. Then, I’ll put all the side dishes on one side of the table and the beverages nearby.
Don’t forget to put softened butter in a little dish and some honey on the table for serving with the cornbread and/or other bread.
The third (and final) step to a wicked-good chili bar (this is my favorite part) is the TOPPINGS. Now, I like piling my chili with anything and EVERYTHING, so here’s an exhaustive list of all my favorite toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced olives
- Chopped tomatoes
- Guacamole
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Salsa (extra-spicy!)
When it comes to chili toppings….the more the merrier I always say. 😀
Pile ’em on like they’re goin’ outta style.
And that’s pretty much it guys! That wasn’t too hard was it?!
You should definitely try a chili bar for your next tailgating-bash. They’re super-easy, super-fun and really, who doesn’t love a hot bowl of chili loaded with all the works?!
Also, it’ll kinda make you the queen of the football food in everyone’s eyes.
I currently hold that title in this household. 😉
Chili’s on, guys! Dig in.
Don’t mind if I do. 😀
Devayani says
Such a great idea. This sounds so zesty and delicious! I cannot wait to try it out!
Julie Hood says
Found your blog post when I searched for chili bar ideas, and I’m so glad I did!!!! I’ll be using this for inspiration in making a chili bar for my daughter’s Fall birthday party. 🙂
Mary says
I’m hosting a 50 and Fabulous Fall Picnic for myself. I decided on a chili bar because I love to have good hearty food without a lot of fuss. Crockpots and sides work for me.