How to set up a Chili Bar + the Best Chili Recipes!

Chili Bar – how to set it up, the best chili recipes and the ultimate toppings for the easiest party you’ll ever throw for a crowd!

A Chili Bar along with the best toppings is the ultimate game day menu and it couldn’t be any simpler or more delicious without a lot of work!

The key to the best Chili Bar is a killer chili recipe (see below) plus All.The.Toppings.

What is a Chili Bar?

A DIY Chili Bar party is the easiest way to entertain and the toppings (and chili recipes!) are endless.

It’s basically a chili charcuterie board and the perfect kickoff to cooler weather – with or without a football game.

Just whip up a big pot of chili then set it out with all the amazing sides and toppings you can think of and let guests serve themselves.

Top 5 tips for easy entertaining:

1. Make the chili the day before then serve it in the slow cooker on warm or low heat.
2. Be sure you have enough bowls, spoons and napkins.
3. Do as much as possible before guests arrive so you can enjoy the party too!
4. Include a fun cocktail, like my fall favorite Apple Cider Sangria.
5. Have the game on (or fun music if the game hasn’t started) when guests arrive.

Best recipes for a Chili Bar:

Make a batch of your favorite chili or try a couple of different kinds of chili.

Classic Ground Beef Chili:

This spicy chili is my go-to recipe for chili and is on repeat at my house starting in the fall and going all winter long.

Hearty, boldly spicy, loaded with kidney beans and an absolute family favorite.

Make it in the slow cooker or in a pot or dutch oven on the stove – just don’t skip my two secret ingredients that take the flavor to the next level.

White Chicken Chili:

Creamy slow cooker White Chicken Chili packed with tender chicken, green chiles, white beans and more.

Top with fresh avocado slices and for the ultimate bowl of chili – my homemade crispy tortilla strips.

Turkey Lentil Chili:

Make this easy recipe with ground turkey or leftover holiday turkey.

This protein rich chili is packed with vegetables and lentils in a bold tomato broth.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

Another great recipe using ground turkey or leftover holiday turkey.

Either way it’s delicious – loaded with vegetables and sweet potatoes.

Vegetarian Chili:

Delicious, spicy vegetable chili – a great option that’s not just for vegetarians.

The ultimate Chili Bar toppings:

Variety is the name of the game for a good chili bar. The best chili bar toppings will be your favorite toppings.

For me, the triple threat of toppings is sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a pile of crispy, salty Fritos.

• cheese is an absolute must. My preference is sharp shredded cheddar but monterey jack or even queso fresco are also great options.
• sour cream or greek yogurt
• Fritos corn chips, oyster crackers or saltine crackers
• green onions
• tortilla chips
• hot dogs (for chili dogs)
• pico de gallo
• diced red onion
• pickled jalapenos – for some extra tangy heat
• lime wedges – squeeze on for a bright pop of flavor.
• avocado slices or guacamole
• fresh cilantro
• tater tots
• baked potato – sweet potatoes or russet
• french fries

Finger foods that go with chili:

Adding a few sides is always a great idea. Here are a few of my favorites:

Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

Beer Bread

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Hot Honey Lemon Pepper Chicken

How long does chili last in the fridge?

Chili stores well in the refrigerator up to 3 days in an airtight container. Cool completely before refrigerating.

Can I freeze chili?

Yes! Chili is one of my favorite meals to freeze. I keep a stash on hand all winter.

Load into freezer safe containers to avoid freezer-burn and store up to 3 months.

A hot bowl of chili on a cold day is always a good thing.

Enjoy!

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