Best Chili Bar Ideas
The best ideas for the ultimate chili bar party with all the fixings, including toppings and serving suggestions, my all-purpose chili recipe, set up and decor ideas, and hosting tips. Use your slow cooker for easy entertaining and get ready for a fun interactive food station your guests will love!

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When I first shared this idea back in 2012, it was an instant reader favorite! I created it as an alternative to a chili tasting or cook-off party, and I’ve seen lots of copycats ever since.
I was inspired by all the different ways we eat chili – over tortilla chips, on a baked potato, chili dogs, or chili cheese fries. I thought, why not put all those ideas into a single chili party and use one all-purpose recipe?
If you like this DIY food bar, you’re going to LOVE my Soup Bar with even more ideas for hosting and entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Idea
- It’s one of our most popular party themes for fall and winter gatherings. It provides a hearty meal that’s versatile and fun.
- It’s a great idea for family get-togethers, teens or kids’ birthday parties, and for when you have overnight guests. And it’s a fun themed dinner party, too.
- It’s an easy way to entertain and feed a crowd; just set it up and let guests serve themselves. It’s perfect for a game day party or a super bowl party.
- Most of the prep work can be done ahead, from making the chili to preparing the toppings, and setting up the bar. There are only a couple of last minute tasks, like heating base items in the oven.
- People love to make and eat customized food, and with all the different variations that are possible, everyone is happy.

What To Put On A Chili Bar
The combinations you can make with toppings and base items is seemingly endless. While I’m offering recommendations for the ultimate chili bar, you can absolutely choose the ones that are right for your occasion and your guests.
- Of course you’ll start with a batch of chili, and the recipe I use is traditional enough to taste great with any of the food pairings. If you want a fiesta themed bar I suggest my southwestern style chili recipe.
- Next you’ll choose the base foods. These are mostly starches, and what you’ll serve the chili on top of to create the full meal or tasting experience.
- Finally, the toppings go on top to really add the custom flavors. The more the merrier!
Quick Tip
You could make a batch of vegetarian chili if that is more in line with your food lifestyle. The pairings and toppings still work just as well.
How to Set It Up
Before we get into what food goes on a chili bar, let’s talk about how to set it up. For a large spread, the dining table or the kitchen island is a convenient choice.
- I find that a large table or counter works best for a party buffet. A sideboard would probably be too small or shallow to hold all the fixings.
- If you need to push the table against the wall in order to use an outlet, that’s perfectly fine.
- Add a decorative backdrop and focal point with a large canvas frame or plywood. Cover it with fabric to match your theme.

- Serve the chili right from the slow cooker. Wrap a piece of burlap around the crock pot to make it more attractive in a party setting.
- Use boxes or wood stands to add height to the display. This wooden box is stable and the perfect size to elevate the chili pot. It makes it easier to reach on the back row, too.
- Add a cute decoration in the form of a DIY framed chili bar sign. It’s simple to do using paint, muslin fabric or canvas, letter stencils, and a frame.

- Place mini bags of Fritos corn chips in a wire basket for a cute display. You fill the bag with the chili and toppings and eat right out of the bag!


- If you want, you can open the individual bags beforehand and then hold them closed using a small clothes pin. That way they’re easier to fill when ready.
- Printable tags add a decorative touch.

- Printable tabletop signs also look adorable. Sprinkle in a few small flower vases and you’re all set with decor.



Base Food Items
This is where my chili bar is unique. I’m providing lots of options for guests to serve their chili ON, not just for topping the chili. The concept turns chili into a more well-rounded complete meal, sort of like adding side dishes to an entree.
- Bread bowls. You can buy these perfectly sized and ready to eat at Panera. They’re about $2 each so they can get pricey if you need a lot of them, but they’re so cute and tasty.
- Fritos corn chips. We love walking tacos and they start with these mini bags of Fritos corn chips. HOSTESS TIP: Get mini bags here for the BEST price.
- SunChips Garden Salsa flavor. These are so good and make a fabulous alternative or addition to the Fritos bags.
- Baked potatoes. Similar to the hot dogs below, I recommend cutting them in half after they’re cooked so they’re not too filling. An alternative is to make cut roasted potatoes.
- Pasta. Small shapes are best because they’re easy to eat. Spirals or penne, bowties, macaroni elbows, or cheese-filled tortellini all make good choices.
- French fries. Crinkle cut or waffle fries are best so they hold up to the toppings. Use your favorite frozen brand. You might want to heat these in batches so they’re hot and fresh when served.
- Tater tots. Fun for kids birthday parties, or to bring out the kid in every adult.
- Tortilla chips or scoops. We prefer the Tostitos brand because they offer so many great flavors that work well here. From Original or Hint of Lime flavor, to Black Bean & Garlic or Blue Corn, they’re delicious. What I don’t suggest is using the Cantina chips because they are very thin and light, and break easily.
- Cornbread. My go-to cornbread is Jiffy brand. It’s the choice of the South and it has the perfect balance of sweet and savory if you ask me. If you don’t want to cook, you can pick up “homemade” cornbread in the bakery sections of most grocery stores.
- Hot dogs. Making your own chili dog with your favorite brand of hot dogs is easy to do with this set up. I do suggest that you place the hot dogs in a bun and cut them in half. That way guests can have a chili dog in addition to some of the other options without getting too full.
- Rice. Brown or white rice is tasty with the chili served over it or mixed in and added to one of the shells or wraps below.
- Taco shells and Wraps. Use crunchy taco shells, soft tortilla wraps, or tortilla bowls you find in the Mexican foods aisle.




Classic Toppings
Once you have your base food covered with chili it’s time to top it. For a small gathering you can stick with 5 or 6 options, or go all out and provide 10 options.
- Shredded cheese. Sharp cheddar is super flavorful and the traditional choice. You could also have white cheddar, mozzarella, shredded parmesan, Pepper Jack, or Colby. For this bar it’s okay to use packaged pre-shredded cheese; just make sure it’s a good brand and quality.
- Sour cream. Use the regular or light version. You can also use plain Greek yogurt.
- Chopped onion. This can be white, sweet, or green onions, or chives. Pickled red onion is also a delicious option.
- Sliced jalapeno. Fresh is fine but I love to use jars of pickled jalapeno slices because it has a balance of sweet-hot flavor. Just drain the juice when you remove them from the jar and into a serving bowl.
- Diced fresh tomatoes. You could also use prepared pico de gallo that you find in the fresh produce section.
- Avocado. Cut it into slices or diced. You could even make a batch of guacamole as an alternative.
- Salsa. It makes a tasty topping and adds fresh South-west flavor. We like to order it from our favorite Mexican restaurant for more authentic flavor than the jarred variety.
- Hot sauce. Texas Pete is our favorite because it has a hint of sweetness.
- Saltine crackers. We like to crush them over the top of the chili to add a little crunch and light flavor. When it sits long enough it softens and thickens the chili. Oyster crackers are similar and a good substitution.
- Crumbled bacon. As if our beefy chili wasn’t enough, take it up a notch with crumbled bacon if you like.
- Fresh chopped cilantro.
- Lime wedges.
Simple Ideas for a Crowd
If you want to keep things simple or watch the budget for a larger group, these are the minimum items I would choose.

Drinks
- A great pairing for chili is beer, or root beer for a non-alcohol version. Serve bottles on ice inside a garden urn for a pretty display. Otherwise you can fill a cooler or drink tub.
- Red wine or red sangria is another option because it goes well with beef. Cabernet, Malbec, or Merlot have enough body to hold up next to the chili.
- A pitcher of beer margaritas is also an easy-to-make and serve drink for adults.

Helpful Tips
- Set up the bar display several days ahead if you can. Place a table covering and lifts and levels to add height.
- Keeping the chili hot is simple when you have the right tools.
- A crock pot should be in every cook’s kitchen and you can use it here if you have a wall to plug it into. Keep the setting on ‘Warm’ to serve.
- A large chafing dish is another good option for a buffet table. Use the kind that has a base you fill with hot water, and an insert where you put your food. Using canned heat underneath heats up the water and keeps the food hot without scalding the bottom.
- For a more casual approach, simply keep a large stock pot on the stove over low heat.
- Finally, a soup tureen looks pretty but it only keeps heat in for so long. It’s a nice option for short term serving, and if you can replenish it as needed.
- Slow cookers and chafing dishes are also terrific for keeping hot dogs, pasta, or baked potatoes hot during the party. They’re a hostess’ best friend, and while I love the stylish models, you can get away with using disposable ones if you don’t entertain often.
- For long term display of 2 hours or more, put cold items on ice. For instance, nestle a small bowl of sour cream in a larger bowl of ice.
- Make the chili ahead up to 2 days, and keep in the fridge; the taste will actually develop more and taste even better. Or freeze for up to 3 months, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat when ready to host.
- Do prep work for toppings a day or two ahead and place them in bowls. Cover and refrigerate so all you have to do is remove them and place them on the table.
- Make a double batch of the chili for a larger crowd.
- The avocado needs to be cut just before serving so it’s at its best. Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice all over it to slow the browning process.

More Chili Recipes
If you’re in the mood for a simple chili tasting party, try one or more of these tasty variations.
- This protein-packed chili with chicken & sausage is also made in a slow cooker.
- For those times when you just want to make something totally indulgent and rich, try this cheesy Halloween chili recipe.
- Here’s a fabulous creamy crockpot chicken chili made with chicken thighs and served in a bread bowl.
What’s your favorite chili bar combination? One of my personal favorites is the Fritos bags that you can just grab and fill.
Now here is the tasty all purpose chili recipe that goes with everything on the chili bar. See more chili bar ideas on Pinterest.
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Chili Bar Ideas
Make this all purpose chili recipe for a chili bar party with all the toppings. This chili goes with everything from hot dogs to pasta, and potatoes and nachos!
Ingredients
Chili
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef, browned
- 1 packet (1.25-ounce) Chili Seasoning, Original flavor
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 Tablespoon sugar
- 15-ounces of water
Base Items
- Cooked Pasta
- Tortilla Chips
- Hot Dogs & Buns
- Crinkle Cut french fries
- Small bags of Fritos corn chips
- Baked Potatoes
Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour Cream
- Diced Onion
- Sliced Jalapenos
- Diced Tomatoes
- Condiments like ketchup & mustard for the hot dogs
Instructions
- Prepare the chili by combining all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Place all the toppings in individual bowls or serving dishes along with serving utensils for guests to help themselves to.
- Layer the base items with the chili.
- Add selected toppings to top the chili and you have a great meal.
Notes
I suggest small servings so you can have more than one combo. You may even want to cut the hot dogs in half.
I read through the comments and only saw clarification on the water but what size can of tomatoe sauce and diced tomatoes does the recipe call for? Thanks!
Hi Ashley, these are all the basic sizes – usually about 15 oz each.
Thanks! Love the idea!
What a great idea! Could you please tell me where you found the white framed menu board? Thank you.
Connie, the small white frames are from IKEA for about $1
any ideas on keeping the dogs and pasta warm, for people coming back for seconds?
Pammyb, you can use crock pots or chafing dishes if you like. However, if the chili is hot it will warm up the pasta when poured over it.
I LUV everything about this! How fun!
I LUV everything about this! Just needed clarification in your chili recipe, you stated 1can if water. What is that in exact measurements? Tx!
Libbie, these are regular size cans – usually 15 oz., but since it’s what I like to call a “dump” recipe it won’t effect the taste is you find 16 oz or 14.5 oz. I know brand’s sizes can vary.
This is wonderful! Great idea!
Love this idea, and used it to help celebrate this year’s Oscars. Thanks for the great idea!
Beyond the fact that no stores in Atlanta sell individual frito bags, this idea was easy to duplicatelast night for my hub’s birthday. The Chili bar was a hit! What a fabulous idea. Thanks for posting.
Oh no, Megan! I had to find them at the convenient store here. Glad it turned out successful anyway!
Love this! How many did your set up/chili recipe serve?
Rachel, we got about 6-8 servings, but you can easily double the chili recipe for more.
Love the idea, especially the frito bags, but they don’t sell them in stores around here. Actually, I went to three stores and only 1 actually sold fritos at all. Making this as we speak for my sons birthday party tonight!
Aww, what a bummer Holly. I hope all went well!
I found your website because I am planning Chili Bar Party. My idea was a little different: the chili and toppings would be made, but also wanted to give choice of chili mac or chili cheese fries. Wondering how to keep the cooked pasta and the cheese sauce/dip for the fries warm so guests can make their plates without using the oven. Lot of guests…not so much oven.
Sheila, I think crock pots may be your best bet, or even fondu pots. If you don’t have them yourself maybe you can borrow extras from family or neighbors.
Love this idea and set up!! Perfect for our Halliween party this weekend!
How many people do you think your chili recipe would serve?
Leslie, it could probably serve 8-10 depending on how it’s served. You can easily double the recipe or make a couple of batches.
I am having a hard time figuring out how you covered the crockpot with burlap? Could you please explain? Thanks!
Hi Katie,
I used a long strip of burlap and folded it over lengthwise to give it that soft edge at the top. Wrapped it around and held it in place with a rope belt. The bottom is just scrunched up a bit.
Super easy and quick!
I love this idea. I will be using it for our November BUNCO game night. Thank you!!
I am so excited to do this for my husbands college graduation party in December! What a perfect way to celebrate during the colder months for a group of all ages! I love it and all the details you added!!
Thank you Denise. I appreciate you saying so. I’m sure you all will have a great time and congrats to him!
Awesome idea love it. Will be trying this weekend
Great, Michelle. Enjoy!
What a fantastic idea! And I love all the variations people can eat chili.
Thanks, Michelle. I had fun putting this together…..and eating it!
What a great idea! Thanks do much for sharing! I think I’m going to try this for a baby shower in january. I was wondering, though, how many people did you feed with what you’ve got set up here? I’m not really good at serving sizes. Most of the time I have waaaaay too much left over. Thanks again!
Thanks, Peasquared. This was small and casual – only six of us. You would definitely need to double or triple the amount of chili depending on your numbers. But remember, because there’s so much variety you need less of each item too.
A chili bar?! That is my kind of buffet! Such a clever idea. I love the choice of chili dogs or frito-pie. 🙂
We are thinking of doing this for a fall wedding reception. Much easier than all the traditional reception foods. What do you think?
I am going to be doing this at a baby shower in December, love the idea.
Love the idea! I may try it at the next gathering!
I love this so much!!!
This is such a cute idea! It’s making me hungry! Great job as usual Chris!
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing. Your so talented.
Thank you for listing the item in the dishes. So many times I see a great display but wonder what they are serving!
This is such a cute set up! I love the “fill n’ go” Frito’s bags. So many fun ideas!
This is great! Though, now I’m extremely hungry! 🙂
The Chili Fritos Bags…oh yes please! Great idea and love hiding hiding the crock pot with the burlap bag.
This looks great…I especially love the burlap cover on the crockpot…clever idea since those things are so unsightly! I’ll remember that next time 🙂
Chris, you have hit the nail on its head…we sri lankans are famous for its chillie and no curry taste as good without it. But this gives me an idea and let me try it at the next family gathering. love the idea
Fabulous! What time should we be over for the game?!
I’m so doing this on Sunday! So easy and you can feed even the pickiest eaters! Btw, another great chili topping is French fried onions, you know the kind you put on old fashioned green bean casserole. They definitely Iadd some extra flavor and texture!
Genius! So manly, yet so adorable! And wrapping the crock pot! Love the options to do it yourself! ♥
boa noite, que ideia boa e simple para receber amigos, bjs.
I love chili ANYTHING – fries, hot dogs, nachos…yum! What a great idea. Just in time for Super Bowl
LOVE the chili in the frito bags! So stealing that and what a great idea for camping or tailgating also!
love love love it! you did such an amazing job lady!
LOVE!!! You are so clever!! And now I’m wanting chili! 🙂
LoVe the Chili Bar!
You’ve got some great ideas going on here and perfect timing with the Super Bowl just around the corner. Love all of the make it yourself sections.
– The Tablescaper
Love it Chris! Serving chili at our party this Sunday and just might steal some of your darling ideas 🙂
Do IT!! ; D
This is fabulous! Love wrapping up the crock pot!
Thanks Brandy – glad you like it!