Description
Create a customizable chili bar with a variety of delicious toppings and dippers perfect for serving a crowd. This easy and interactive recipe allows everyone to build their own bowl of chili with fresh veggies, cheese, meats, and crunchy sides.
Ingredients
Chili Base
- 8 cups chili (homemade or store-bought)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other cheese)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and minced or sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 medium bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 medium tomato, diced (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup guacamole (or diced avocado)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions (or minced fresh chives)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Hot sauce, as desired
Dippers
- Tortilla chips
- Corn chips (such as Fritos)
- Cornbread, cut into squares
- Frozen tater tots, cooked
- Baguette, sliced and toasted
- Butter, for spreading on cornbread or baguette (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chili: Place the chili on one side of the table next to a stack of bowls. If using a slow cooker, transfer the chili to it, cover, and set to "keep warm" to maintain the perfect serving temperature. Position a ladle nearby on a spoon rest or small plate to avoid messes.
- Arrange the Toppings: Arrange all chili toppings in individual bowls with spoons or tongs for guests to self-serve. Label each item clearly so everyone can easily identify their favorite garnishes to personalize their chili bowls.
- Set Out the Dippers: Lay out the dippers such as tortilla chips, corn chips, cornbread squares, cooked tater tots, and toasted baguette slices next to the toppings. If including cornbread or baguette, place butter nearby for spreading.
- Prepare Serving Area: On the far side of the table, place a stack of napkins and containers or jars filled with spoons and knives to ensure guests have everything needed to enjoy their meal.
Notes
- The chili can be homemade or purchased pre-made for convenience.
- For cheese toppings, cheddar is suggested but feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese.
- Onions can be minced for bold flavor or sliced for a milder bite.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers depending on your desired spice level; remove seeds for less heat.
- Cook bacon until crispy before chopping to add a crunchy, smoky topping to the chili bar.
- Use a slow cooker to keep the chili warm throughout serving if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chili and tater tots prepared beforehand)
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
