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5.0 from 9 votes

Build a Better Chili Bar

Host a Chili Bar dinner so everyone can build their own dream dinner. Chili Bars are ideal for parties in the cool months or an epic game day celebration.

Prep Time
45 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 418 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main event:
  • 8 cups chili (see note 1)
Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or other cheese (see note 2)
  • 1 medium onion peeled and minced or sliced (about 1/2 cup, see note 3)
  • 1 medium bell pepper diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 medium tomato diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 Jalapeno peppers sliced (see note 4)
  • 4 lices cooked bacon chopped (see note 5)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup guacamole or diced avocado
Garnishes:
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions or minced fresh chives
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
  • hot sauce
Dippers (see note 6):
  • tortilla chips
  • corn chips such as Fritos
  • cornbread cut into squares
  • frozen tater tots cooked
  • baguette sliced and toasted

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place the chili on one side of the table next to a stack of bowls. If you own a slow cooker, transfer the chili to it, cover, and set to "keep warm" for serving. Set a ladle nearby on a spoon rest or salad plate to catch the mess.
  2. Adjacent to the chili, arrange toppings in bowls with spoons or tongs to dole out the garnishes. Consider labeling each item so everyone knows what they’re piling on.
  3. Set the dippers on the table next. If you’re serving cornbread or slices of baguette, add a stick of butter to the buffet.
  4. On the far side of the table, include a stack of napkins and baskets or jars full of spoons and knives.

Notes

  • Store leftover chili covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Chili: You'll need about 8 cups to comfortably feed 4 adults, likely with a bit for leftovers. Feel free to make your favorite family chili recipe instead, or to save time, stress, and mess, simply snag a few cans of chili at the supermarket.
  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is always an easy choice, or level up your cheese choices with crumbled cotija or queso fresco, Colby jack, or pepper jack cheese.
  • Onions: White, yellow, red - all good onion choices. Or, try pickled shallots or onions.
  • Jalapeños: Or substitute pickled jalapeño or serrano chiles.
  • Bacon: It's easy to make bacon on the stove or in the oven, but there is no shame in using a bag of cooked bacon bits (look for ones made from real bacon instead of imitation pieces).
  • Dippers: Whether you serve them on the side or sprinkle them over the top, dippers like tortilla chips, corn chips, cornbread, piping-hot tater tots, and slices of bread are a delicious, necessary component of any chili bar. They add texture and taste while filling out the menu. I usually offer 1-2 dipper choices for every 4 people.
  • Yield: This Chili Bar is sized-right for 4 servings. Scale up or down accordingly; a bar-style menu is ideal for gatherings big and small.
  • Storage: Store leftover chili covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2 cups Calories 418kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 18g (36%) Fat 24g (37%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0.01g Cholesterol 53mg (18%) Sodium 363mg (15%) Potassium 1465mg (42%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 21g (42%) Vitamin A 4777IU (96%) Vitamin C 498mg (553%) Calcium 304mg (30%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 418

% Daily Value*

Serving 2 cups
Calories 418kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 18g 36%
Fat 24g 37%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 53mg 18%
Sodium 363mg 15%
Potassium 1465mg 31%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 21g 42%
Vitamin A 4777IU 96%
Vitamin C 498mg 553%
Calcium 304mg 30%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.