Want to host a chili supper this fall? I’m sharing my absolute favorite way to set up a chili bar with the best sides & recipes (even dessert), chili toppings, timelines for getting it done and shoppable links so you have everything you need to easily create memories with you friends and family this season.
You might also like my Out of This World White Chicken Chili Recipe.
Nothing says fall like a warming chili supper around a cozy fire pit with friends. Upgrade that to a chili bar loaded with everyone’s favorite toppings and you have a fall tradition everyone will want to get together for again and again!
It’s easy with this complete guide. All of the planning & finding just the right things is done for you!
- I’ve got 6 simple recipes + toppings for creating a Tex Mex Chili Bar in the guide at the bottom of the post.
- You can make all of the recipes in the guide or just some.
- Want to ask others to bring a dish to your chili bar party? Check out my tailgate post for my best tips on organizing a potluck. (Your guests will thank you!)
- I’ve also got plenty other menu/recipe suggestions, like mac n cheese & apple coleslaw, if Tex Mex isn’t your thing.
- I’ve included 3 keys to creating an epic toppings bar (of any kind)
- + a timeline for getting it done with zero stress (even if you work all day)
- and shoppable links for setting your buffet table with the things you might need for creating a tradition-worthy chili supper.
3 Keys To Creating an Epic Toppings Bar
If you want to be known for having the best toppings bars around, no matter what kind, there are 3 easy rules of thumb to follow:
- Choose a theme or a focus. For my chili bar, I decided on a Tex Mex theme. This created some boundaries, narrowing down which toppings needed to be on my bar (sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro) and which didn’t. A theme also helps you choose appropriate side dishes to complete the meal.
- Include something nostalgic. Think of an old school topping to include, maybe something you and your guests enjoyed as kids. It’s always fun to ignite a blast from the past and get a kick from reliving those memories together. (I included saltine crackers & ketchup).
- Include something unexpected. Guests love having those tried and true toppings- the classics, but adding one topping that’s new or different brings an element of delight too! And the surprise creates opportunities for tons of conversation and memories. (My side dishes were my surprises- Green Chile Rice & Charro Beans. Sides or chili toppings- you choose!)
What Side Dishes Can Be Served At A Chili Supper?
Other than a big pot of chili & toppings, it’s up to you what side dishes you serve with your chili bar or if you serve any sides at all. The plus of serving at least one side dish is it makes your chili stretch even further, and these side dish recipes never fail to please a crowd:
- Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
- Sweet Potato Cornbread
- Southern Cornbread Pudding
- Easy Stuffed Olive Cheese Bread
- Pepper Jack Mac N Cheese
- Crisp Apple Cole Slaw
- Sweet Potato Wedges
- Mexican Street Corn Foil Packets
- Grilled Cheese Croutons
- Hot Dogs or Baked Potatoes
What Are Some Good Toppings For Chili?
There are lots of options for delicious chili toppings. Narrowing it down depends on the type of chili bar you’d like to create. Because I chose a Tex Mex chili bar, I chose the toppings I thought would best create that kind of experience for my guests.
- corn chips
- crackers
- sour cream
- chives
- grated cheese
- chopped onion
- cilantro
- limes
- avocado
- diced jalapeños
- hot sauces
- salsa
- tater tots
- ketchup
Chili Supper Dessert Ideas
Every good-together ends with an amazing dessert, and a chili supper is no different! When choosing the right dessert for your gathering (1) stay seasonal (2) decide if you want dessert to be a plate + fork affair or something snacky that guests can nibble around the fire.
- Best Ever Cinnamon Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Cinnamon Apple Quick Bread
- Pear & Apple Crisp
- 4 Layer Pumpkin Delight
- Pecan Pie Bars
Just remember, the bottom line is… getting together is about being together and having a great time doing it! Don’t miss a single chance to spend time together this season.
My Menu + Guides To Build A Tex Mex Chili Bar
Table Links
- 22 ounce chili bowls with handles and lids
- wood grain melamine plates
- vintage flatware set
- plaid paper table runner by Hester & Cook
- aubergine ruffled napkins by Hen House Linens
- scalloped wooden serving bowl
- Lodge 12 inch cast iron skillet
- black 8 quart crock pot/ slow cooker
- 32 inch round cast iron fire pit with grills and lid
- herb bundle fire starter
Recipes (My Menu)
- Texas Red Beef Chili
- Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
- Easy Charro Beans (Mexican pinto beans)
- Green Chile Rice
- Fresh Salsa with Cilantro & Lime
- Cozy Pear & Apple Crisp
- My Toppings: sour cream, corn chips, green onions, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, grated cheese, lime wedges
Timeline (Total Time 4 Hrs. 20 min.)
Task Times are approximate. For a shorter timeline, eliminate some of the toppings or side dishes, or host this as a potluck event. See my suggestions in DWF #3.)
3 Days Before– 30 minutes (excluding shopping)
- Buy all of your ingredients.
- Get out the serving pieces you’re using to set your buffet + drink table. (10-15 minutes)
- Make a plan of how you will place everything on your table. Which recipe is going in which serving dish? Label them so it’s easy later, especially if someone will be helping you the day of. (15 minutes)
- Make sure your fire pit is ready for use, and you have plenty of dry wood.
2 Days Before- 45 minutes
- Make salsa and refrigerate in an airtight container. (with food processor- 10 minutes)
- Make and chop bacon to prep for beans. (20 minutes)
- Dice onion and jalapeños to prep for beans, cornbread muffins + as a topping). (15 minutes)
1 Day Before- 1 hour, 40 minutes
- Have a brown tablecloth & any extra chairs you might need delivered. (From, Ep. 1, I do this so I don’t have to own, store or clean these items.)
- Set up buffet table (without table cloths), drink station + chairs outside. (20 minutes)
- Make the chili. Store in the refrigerator. (20 minutes)
- Bake the pear apple crisp. (prep time 15 minutes; cook time 45 minutes)
- As the crisp bakes, use the prepped bacon, onion + part of the jalapeños to cook the beans. (prep time 5 minutes; cook time 40 minutes)
Day Of– 1 hour, 25 minutes
- Place your chili in the crock pot to reheat. Stir in ½ cup water to loosen the chili as it reheats.
- Reheat beans on the stove top on low.
- As beans + chili reheats, use some of the prepped jalapeños to make the cornbread muffins. (prep 5 minutes; bake time 15 minutes)
- As the muffins are baking, begin preparing the green chili rice. (25 minutes)
- Chop green onions, cilantro, avocado. Cut the lime wedges. Put the sour cream in a bowl. Don’t forget the grated cheese, rest of the jalapeños and corn chips. (20 minutes)
- Put tablecloth and paper runner on the table. (10 minutes)
- Add ice to the drink stations + chill the drinks. (10 minutes)
- Place the food on the buffet table. (15 minutes)
- Light the fire in the fire pit.
Day After
- Browse through your phone and choose 1-2 pics from your party. Order same day photo cards from your local photo lab & mail keepsake thank you notes! (My favorite step, even if it’s guests I see all the time!)
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