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. 😀
Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says
I love putting tons of toppings in my chili too! Such a fun week of delicious chili recipes! I love that there are so many ways you can make a classic comfort food!
Sarah says
Chili just requires a ton of fun toppings, right? 😉 Thanks Amber!
Bri says
Don’t forget bacon bits, real bacon please, and sour cream. Perfect with the cheddar cheese. I also make BAKED, opposed to GRILL cheese. I buy dense Italian bread. The kind you can only find at a bakery. With crusty outside and soft, fresh inside. Thin amount of butter on 1 side of 2 slices, favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, or my fave, American, in the middle and place butter side down on baking sheet. Can do many in the oven than 1 or 2 on the stove top. Set oven 400*. 1st side 5-7 mins. 2nd side 5 mins. Depending on your oven. Will be golden brown with crispy crust. Let cool a bit so cheese sets up and doesn’t ooze out when cut into wedges. Use in place of spoons. Always loved. Always a must. I promise ? Enjoy
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Slapping forehead – why, oh why, oh why have I never thought to have a chili bar? That’s absolute genius! Seriously, I love this idea Sarah for a party! Gah!
Sarah says
Haha! Get out those chili bowls, girl! Chili bars wait for NO ONE. 😀
Karen - 2Teaspoons says
I love all your toppings and sides! They look delicious! Cornbread and chili is one of my favorite combinations. Thanks for sharing such a fun way of serving chili 🙂
Sarah says
Thanks Karen! Cornbread and hot chili is one of my fav combos too! You just can’t beat it. 😉
Cailee says
This is so fun!! …and everything looks delicious!! I would love a chilly bar… maybe my college could get one!! haha, that and a smoothie bar! YUM 🙂 Great idea!!
Sarah says
Haha! I love your idea of a smoothie bar, Cailee! I could use one of those too. 😀
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
A chili bar is such a great idea, Sarah! I would’ve never thought of it. So perfect for a party or get-together. I love the tips you give, and of course, your amazing chili recipes!
Sarah says
Thanks so much Gayle! Hope you’re having a good weekend, friend. 🙂
Ashley says
I love this! I’ve done a taco bar before but never a chili bar!! What a great idea! Perfect game day food for sure!
Sarah says
I’ve done taco bars before too! Just so much fun. 😀 You definitely need to give chili bars a go, Ashley!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
I love this idea of a chili bar Sarah!! All your chili dishes have been great this week. I am particularly partial to the white chicken chili!!
Sarah says
Thank you so much, Renee! Let me know if you try the white chicken chili! 🙂
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Such a fun post! I need to have a chili bar. What a great way to feed a crowd and let everyone do their own thing with their chili!
Sarah says
Thanks Christin! Chili bars are SO much fun. 😀
Tina @ Tina's Chic Corner says
I love throwing a theme party! You have so many yummy looking chili recipes and I’m loving all of them. 🙂
Sarah says
Thank you, Tina! 🙂 Themed parties are the best! Especially if there’s chili involved. 😉
Louisa [Living Lou] says
Oh my gosh, so many great chili recipes you posted this week! I love chili and a chili bar sounds like such a great entertaining idea!
Sarah says
Thanks, Louisa! I have a “slight” obsession with chili you might say. 😀
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I would love to come to this chilli bar party! I would definitely go a little topping crazy, and put a little bit of everything : )
Sarah says
You are SO invited to our next one, Natalie—Bring some of your roasted pumpkin seeds along! 😀
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
Oh my gosh, I love the sound of a chili bar! What a super fun and brilliant idea! I am a totally toppings gal so I would go nuts at this party! Loved chili week and all the amazing recipes 🙂
Sarah says
Haha sounds like we’re both topping gals! Bring on any and every chili topping I say! 😉
Ceara @ Ceara's Kitchen says
OMG! A Chili bar?!? What a fun idea! I honestly cannot wait to try this next time I have people over for dinner! My fav. part is also the toppings (so much fun!)! I love being able to customize my own toppings and let everyone do their own thannngg! 🙂
Sarah says
Chili toppings are the best! And really, chili is kinda naked without ’em. 😀
Danielle says
What a fun idea! I love things like this where you can make your own to fit your tastes. Chili is a perfect thing to use for something like this too!
Sarah says
They’re so much fun! You just can’t help but go back for second bowlfuls. 😉
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
Amazing! I just love chilli. I think I would love to come to your house for dinner! 🙂
Sarah says
You are totally invited, Jessica! 😀
Joanne says
A chili party sounds like a perfect fall party idea! This way you don’t have to do ALL the work and it makes it more interactive for your guests!
Sarah says
Chili bars are seriously the best for that exact reason. 😀
Isadora says
All I have to say is that I want to live inside of a chili bar!! I think I could eat chili everyday and I’m so glad you gave me all these new awesome chili recipe ideas this week 🙂
Sarah says
Haha you and me both, Izzy! Living inside a chili bar would be my life. 😀
Brittany says
Doritos or Cheezits are great toppings too!
Denise says
Thanks for the ideas! A chili bar is a MUST for our annual pumpkin carving party.
homeia says
I love chili and a chili bar sounds like such a great entertaining idea!
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. 🙂