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Discover creative chili bar ideas perfect for any gathering. This list includes different types of chili and dishes that pair perfectly with it.
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A chili bar is fun, versatile, and super easy to set up, even if you’re not an expert in the kitchen.
You can make two big pots of chili (or more if you’d like!) ahead of time and let your guests customize their bowls.
Prepare a variety of toppings and explore different pairings!
Best Damn Chili
This bold and hearty chili is a must for any chili bar.
It’s made with ground beef, tomatoes, white wine, red kidney beans, sour cream, and other simple ingredients.
Get The Recipe: Best Damn Chili
Crockpot White Chicken Chili
This creamy chili is a lighter, yet equally satisfying addition to your chili bar. Main ingredients include chicken thighs, white beans, green chiles, and jalapenos.
Simply throw everything into the Crockpot and let it slow-cook to perfection.
Get The Recipe: Crockpot White Chicken Chili
3 Bean Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian dishes are irresistible and easy to make!
This one is a great choice, featuring beans, corn, lentils, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Serve it in colorful bowls to highlight the vibrant beans.
Get The Recipe: 3 Bean Vegetarian Chili
Pumpkin Chili
If you’re looking for a unique twist on traditional chili, try this pumpkin version.
The slightly sweet pumpkin blends beautifully with the earthy spices and savory beef. You’ll love this fall-inspired dish.
Get The Recipe: Pumpkin Chili
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Dutch Oven Chili with Beef
This dish is made with beef, bacon, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, and other simple ingredients.
It’s thick and chunky, with a flavorful broth. You can add a dash of hot sauce if you love extra heat.
Get The Recipe: Dutch Oven Chili with Beef
Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
Even non-vegans will love this vegan chili! It’s loaded with veggies, beans, and rich spices.
Enjoy it with your favorite grilled corn, salsa, or pita bread.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Vegan Chili
Sweet Cornbread
The sweetness of this cornbread can balance out the spice from your chili.
Everyone will love its soft, crumbly texture. Don’t worry—it’s easy to bake in one bowl and pairs perfectly with any chili recipe.
Get The Recipe: Sweet Cornbread
Ground Turkey Chili
This ground turkey chili is a healthier take on the traditional beef classic.
Its flavor is mild yet savory, with a gentle kick of chili powder that complements the richness of the beans and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Ground Turkey Chili
Smoked Chili
Ready to bring a smoky twist to your chili bar? Check out this smoked chili.
It includes beef, tomato paste, beans, butter, black pepper, and a bit of salt. Top it with shredded cheese and crispy bacon bits.
Get The Recipe: Smoked Chili
Avocado Creme
Avocado creme pairs very well with chili because of its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
This version can balance out the spicy elements of your savory favorites. It includes avocados, coconut milk, and cilantro.
Get The Recipe: Avocado Creme
Air Fryer Baked Potato
Try these air fryer treats for a side dish that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
They’re easy to make, requiring just russet potatoes, oil, and your choice of toppings.
Get The Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato
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Chili Cheese Dog
What’s better than a classic chili cheese dog at your chili bar?
It’s got all the satisfying textures you crave—soft bun, savory chili, and melty cheese. Top them with a drizzle of mustard and some crushed tortilla chips.
Get The Recipe: Chili Cheese Dog
Frito Pie
Frito pies are crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Make this one a part of your chili bar. It’s made of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and cheddar cheese.
Get The Recipe: Frito Pie
Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
Looking for a vegetarian option that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Your search ends here.
This chili is a must-try, with squash, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, cumin, beans, and tomatoes.
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Butternut Squash Chili
Pickled Jalapenos & Onions
Add a tangy, spicy kick to your chili bar with these pickled jalapenos and onions.
This simple dish also includes white vinegar, cloves, bay leaves, and salt. Pair it with tortilla chips and hot dogs.
Get The Recipe: Pickled Jalapenos & Onions
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
Every chili bar setup is not complete without indulgent chilis. Try this one!
The rich cream cheese makes the chili velvety and smooth. Garnish it with avocado slices and a drizzle of sour cream to make it even creamier.
Get The Recipe: Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken Chili
5-Ingredient Easy Chili
This five-ingredient chili is as simple as it is satisfying.
It has a rich, robust taste with a hearty texture from the beans and beef. Pair it with cornbread muffins to soak up the sauce.
Get The Recipe: 5-Ingredient Easy Chili
Beer Cheese Muffins
These beer cheese muffins can add a fun, savory element to your chili bar.
They are made with simple ingredients like beer, cheddar cheese, and butter and are so easy to bake.
Get The Recipe: Beer Cheese Muffins
Stovetop Chili
This stovetop chili brings all the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional chili in less time.
Explore this recipe—it has a meaty flavor with just the right amount of spice. Top it with sliced jalapeños for a spicy, colorful garnish.
Get The Recipe: Stovetop Chili
Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico De Gallo)
Have you ever made your own tomato salsa at home? This recipe is for you.
It offers a burst of freshness and flavor with tomatoes, onions, and lime. Spoon it over chili to add a refreshing, tangy contrast.
Get The Recipe: Fresh Tomato Salsa (Pico De Gallo)
Wendy’s Chili Recipe Copycat
Love Wendy’s chili? This copycat version brings the same familiar flavor you know and love right to your chili bar.
It’s hearty, savory, and mildly spiced. It will be a fan-favorite at any gathering.
Get The Recipe: Wendy’s Chili Recipe Copycat
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Thai Curry Chili
Spice up your chili bar with this Thai curry chili.
It delivers a unique fusion of flavors with squash, ham, turkey, red curry paste, and Thai peanut sauce mix.
Get The Recipe: Thai Curry Chili
Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a timeless classic!
Check out this mouthwatering version, filled with beef, bacon, onions, Mexican oregano, and brown sugar.
Get The Recipe: Chili Con Carne
Refrigerator Pickled Onions
These onions are tangy and slightly sweet, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of chili.
The onions stay crisp and crunchy even after pickling. It also pairs well with sandwiches, burritos, and tacos.
Get The Recipe: Refrigerator Pickled Onions
Vegetarian Beet Chili
This chili features beets, black beans, tomatoes, and a mix of spices.
It’s thick and hearty, with tender chunks of beet and soft beans in every bite. Pair it with green salad or sweet potato wedges!
Get The Recipe: Vegetarian Beet Chili
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Mixing things up gives everyone something new to talk about and enjoy.
For a small gathering, you can keep things simple by offering two types of chili—one classic beef chili and a vegetarian option like a black bean chili.
As for toppings, you can go for cheddar, sour cream, diced onions, jalapenos, and avocado slices.
25 Quick Dinner Ideas That Are Ready In 30 Minutes Or Less
Perfect for busy weeknights, these quick dinner ideas are ready to eat in 30 minutes or less. Cleanup is a breeze too so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family or winding down from the busy day.
Read it here: 25 Quick Dinner Ideas That Are Ready In 30 Minutes Or Less
25 Winter Salads for Parties So Filling, You’ll Forget They’re Packed with Fruits and Veggies
Make your party spread stand out! These tasty winter salads for parties are packed with seasonal ingredients like pears, pumpkin, and cranberries.
Read it here: 25 Winter Salads for Parties So Filling, You’ll Forget They’re Packed with Fruits and Veggies
25 Green Bean Recipes To Enjoy With Dinner Throughout The Week
Add some flavor to dinner with these green bean recipes. Green beans are delicious on their own but you can easily mix it up and add some flavorful seasonings or pair them with other veggies to create a dish worth making.
Read it here: 25 Green Bean Recipes To Enjoy With Dinner Throughout The Week
Looking for more recipes for your next party? These dishes are great for casual get-togethers or special celebrations: