Go Back

How to Set Up a Chili Bar

5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield 8 +
Category Dinner
Cuisine Amercican

Description

Set up the ultimate chili bar with this simple guide on how to set it up including 3 chili options and 20 toppings ideas.

Ingredients

Topping Options

  • shredded cheese
  • diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
  • sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • diced peppers
  • sliced scallions
  • chopped cilantro
  • chopped chives
  • corn
  • shredded cabbage
  • avocado
  • guacamole
  • cornbread
  • tortilla chips
  • corn tortillas
  • fritos
  • salsa
  • hot sauce
  • canned beans, drained
  • minced red onion
  • lime wedges

Instructions

Days Ahead of Time

  • Cook the chili according to recipe instructions, allow to cool completely then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

Day Before

  • Prep most of the toppings and store in airtight containers or bowls covered in plastic wrap. (Wait to prep the tomatoes, herbs, avocado and guacamole until an hour or so before serving.)
  • If chili is frozen, transfer chili from freezer to refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.

Day Of

  • Reheat chili on the stovetop over low or in a slow cooker on low setting.
  • Set up chili bar by placing serving bowls at beginning of bar followed by slow-cookers of chili (unless you are keeping them warm on stovetop). Following the chili, set out the sour cream, veggie toppings, cheese, chips and lastly herbs. End chili bar with spoons and napkins.

Equipment

slow-cookers
Dutch ovens
small serving dishes
serving bowls
spoons

Notes

Keep cold ingredients cold and warm ingredients warm. Keep the chili hot in either slow cookers or on the stovetop. 
Keep cold toppings like sour cream and Greek yogurt cold by placing the bowl or container of sour cream inside a larger bowl filled with ice. 

Nutrition

Like this? Leave a comment below!I love hearing from you and I want to hear how it went with this recipe! Leave a comment and rating below, then share on social media @zestfulkitchen and #zestfulkitchen!