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This is Exactly How to Set Up A Chili Bar (+ All-Purpose Chili Recipe!)

I’m sharing my best tips to set up a chili bar with all the fixings. Turn this slow cooker chili recipe into a topping for french fries, hot dogs, nachos & MORE! If you like this idea, you’re going to LOVE my Soup Bar with even more ideas for entertaining at home!

best chili bar ideas for a party

Set up a Chili Bar Party at Home

Today I’m sharing one of our most popular party themes for fall & winter gatherings – a chili bar!

It’s terrific for a game day party and family get together’s. What’s more hearty and versatile for entertaining than a chili bar?

I didn’t want to do a chili tasting or cook-off because I think most people have seen that already. Instead I thought about the many ways you can serve chili using one all-purpose recipe. 

This is how it usually goes at my house when I make a big pot of chili. First round is chili & tortillas, next day leftovers are served over pasta, and if there’s any left over we put chili on a baked potato, or make chili cheese fries.

I thought, why not put all those ideas into one single chili party? It’s a great idea for a themed dinner party too.

This is a fun way to set up a party food buffet for friends, and even the kids love making their own variations. You can see my list of chili bar toppings below, plus the delicious recipe I used that goes with everything!

chili bar signssmall bags of Fritos corn chips in wire basketchili in mini Fritos bags

Best Ideas for a Chili Bar

Before we get to what goes on a chili bar, let’s talk about how to set it up. *affiliate links included

  • I find that a large table works best for this party buffet. A sideboard would probably be too small to hold all the fixings. 
  • Set up on the dining table or on the kitchen island. If you need to push the table against the wall in order to use an outlet, that’s perfectly fine.
  • Serve the chili right from the slow cooker. To hide the not-so-attractive crock pot, wrap it with burlap.
  • If you need to keep pasta warm or hot dogs hot, use chafing dishes for best results. They are a party hostess’ best friend. I love this stylish model, but if you don’t entertain much you can get away with using disposable ones (ah! did I just say that?).

PARTY TIP: Use corrugated disposable coffee cups for an easy-carry option. They’re easier to hold than bowls.

  • 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! HOSTESS TIP: Get mini bags here for the BEST price.
  • Use printable tags to label all the chili toppers and drinks, especially if you’re serving both beer and root beer.
  • You can make a diy sign like I did here using paint, muslin fabric, letter stencils, and a frame. 
  • Serve beer or root beer from a large urn filled with ice.

This chili bar is a huge hit with the entire family, making it a great idea for parents. Serve this at kids birthday parties where you’ll also have adults. 

File this under great party ideas for a man’s birthday or a teen birthday party buffet. 

Hot dogs on plate with food name tagbowls of pasta and french fries with name tagschili cheese fries with toppings

how to set up a chili bar

How to Set Up A Chili Bar for a Party

Yield: 10

Get all the best ideas for a Chili Bar including how to set it all up. Turn your chili party into a nachos bar, a hot dog bar, or even a pasta bar using my all-purpose recipe below, and these toppings.

Materials

  • All-Purpose Chili Recipe below

Base Items

  • Pasta
  • Tortillas
  • 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
  • other condiments like ketchup & mustard for the hot dogs

Instructions

    1. Prepare chili recipe in slow cooker and cook for 6 hours.
    2. Place all the fixings in individual bowls or serving dishes for guests to help themselves to.
    3. Layer the base items with the chili.
    4. 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.

© Celebrations At Home

bottled drinks in ice bucket urnchili bar menu itemschili on pasta and tortilla chips

More Chili Recipes

If you’re in the mood for a simple chili tasting party, try one or more of these tasty variations.

how to set up a chili bar for a party

What’s your favorite chili bar combination? One of my personal favorites is the Fritos bags that you can just grab and go.

Now here is the tasty all purpose chili recipe that goes with everything on the chili bar. See more chili bar ideas on Pinterest.

Chili Bar All-Purpose Chili Recipe!

Chili Bar All-Purpose Chili Recipe!

Yield: 10-12 servings

Make this all purpose chili recipe for a chili bar party with all the fixings. This chili goes with everything from hot dogs to pasta.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, browned
  • 1 1.25-ounce packet 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

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.

© Celebrations At Home
Category: main dish

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ashley Goosen says

    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!

    • Chris says

      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.

  5. Libbie says

    I LUV everything about this! Just needed clarification in your chili recipe, you stated 1can if water. What is that in exact measurements? Tx!

    • Chris says

      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.

  8. megan madison says

    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.

    • Chris says

      Oh no, Megan! I had to find them at the convenient store here. Glad it turned out successful anyway!

  10. holly says

    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!

  11. Sheila Warner says

    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.

    • Chris says

      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.

  12. Leslie says

    Love this idea and set up!! Perfect for our Halliween party this weekend!

    How many people do you think your chili recipe would serve?

    • Chris says

      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.

  13. Katie Walters says

    I am having a hard time figuring out how you covered the crockpot with burlap? Could you please explain? Thanks!

    • Chris says

      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!

  15. Denise says

    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!!

    • Chris says

      Thank you Denise. I appreciate you saying so. I’m sure you all will have a great time and congrats to him!

  18. Peasquared says

    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!

    • Chris says

      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.

  19. Kim says

    A chili bar?! That is my kind of buffet! Such a clever idea. I love the choice of chili dogs or frito-pie. 🙂

  20. Vicki Sterling says

    We are thinking of doing this for a fall wedding reception. Much easier than all the traditional reception foods. What do you think?

  26. Jennifer says

    Thank you for listing the item in the dishes. So many times I see a great display but wonder what they are serving!

  29. Sandra Downie @ The White Library says

    The Chili Fritos Bags…oh yes please! Great idea and love hiding hiding the crock pot with the burlap bag.

  30. jackiefo says

    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 🙂

  31. candice perera says

    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

  33. Jeannie says

    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!

  34. Lynlee - Lynlee's Petite Cakes says

    Genius! So manly, yet so adorable! And wrapping the crock pot! Love the options to do it yourself! ♥

  36. FestivePartyGirl says

    I love chili ANYTHING – fries, hot dogs, nachos…yum! What a great idea. Just in time for Super Bowl

  37. Al says

    LOVE the chili in the frito bags! So stealing that and what a great idea for camping or tailgating also!

  41. The Tablescaper says

    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

  42. Tori says

    Love it Chris! Serving chili at our party this Sunday and just might steal some of your darling ideas 🙂