Ultimate Chili Bar + Toppings!

The ultimate chili bar is easy to create and tastes delicious! The options are endless with types of chili, toppings, and presentation. It can be as elaborate or simple as you want!

How to Make a Chili Bar:

A chili bar is so much fun to make! It's a perfect spread for parties or large family gatherings. You can make (or buy) the chili ahead of time, so all you have to do is prep the toppings.

There's three main elements to a chili bar:

• Chili - The type of chili is totally up to you! Beef, turkey, vegetarian, and white chicken chili are good options! Or you can skip the hassle and buy it.
• Toppings - Choose your favorites! You don't need them all, but a little variety is a nice touch.
• Presentation - You can keep it simple or arrange it like a charcuterie board. Either way, you need bowls or ramekins for toppings. Plus bowls and spoons for serving!

Pick your chili:

A homemade pot of beef chili is delish, but it's not your only option!

• Store-bought - Our local Whole Foods and Publix sells Chili in the deli section. You can check your local grocery store.
• Take-out - Panera sells "Soup for a group". During the fall, they typically sell turkey chili.
• Crockpot - Let it cook all day! All you have to worry about is the toppings.
• Homemade -
  • Beef - Try a classic beef chili or make it spicy with minced chipotle peppers.
  • Turkey - This turkey chili is my go-to! It's full of flavor with a subtle heat and it's SO easy. I've added the recipe to this post.
  • Vegetarian - Make beans and veggies the star! Carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes taste great in chili.

Just remember to make enough chili for the amount of people you plan to serve. Always check the serving amount listed, then double or triple the recipe as needed.

Chili Topping Ideas:

• Cheese - Shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.
• Diced onions - Sweet, yellow, or red.
• Sliced green onions
• Pickled jalapenos
• Pickled red onion - You can buy or make these. Homemade pickled onions are easy and so much better!
• Avocado - Look for an avocado that's firm but gives easily when you press into it. It shouldn't be mushy!
• Sour cream
• Raw jalapenos - If you like heat!
• Tortilla chips - Tostitos, Fritos, etc. My favorite kind are Late July's Jalapeno Lime chips.
• Saltine crackers
• Cornbread - Buy it pre-made, use a cornbread mix, or make it homemade. I like to cut it into small squares. Not everyone wants a huge piece.
• Hot sauce
• Corn - Drained corn, caramelized corn, or corn salsa.
• Cilantro
• Limes

How to Set Up a Chili Bar:

Now for the fun part! After you pick your chili and toppings, you need to set it up for guests.

It can be as casual or fancy as you want! You can just place the toppings in bowls next to the chili or you can set it up like a charcuterie board.

• Small bowls or ramekins - For the toppings! Don't be afraid to get creative. I even used some wooden measuring cups I have.
• Cutting board or platter - Wooden cutting boards work great! I used a large serving platter I bought from Pottery barn. If it's not considered a food-safe material, you can cover it with unbleached parchment paper first.
• Serving bowls and spoons - Make sure the bowls aren't too big. People can always come back for seconds, but you want everyone to get some! You can keep it casual with paper bowls and plastic silverware if you want.

How to Freeze Chili:

• Let the chili cool down. It shouldn't be piping hot when you store it. Pull it off the heat and let it cool down first.
• Transfer the chili to freezer-safe bags or containers. Plastic bags make cleanup a breeze. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it's freezer-safe. Some plastic containers crack when frozen.
• Label the bag or container with the date. This way, you won't forget how old the chili is!
• Freeze for 3 months. Place the container/bag in the freezer and freeze for up to 3 months. After that, you risk freezer burn.
• Thaw the frozen chili in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a pot on the stovetop.

How to Make this Turkey Chili:

This chili recipe is SO dang simple and full of flavor! Here's what you need to do:

• Sauté veggies: Sauté the carrot and onion in olive oil.
• Add aromatics: Lime, spices, garlic, and green chiles add amazing flavor!
• Add turkey: Add the turkey to the pot and brown until cooked through.

• Add liquid and simmer: Add the chicken stock, kidney beans, tomatoes, chipotle, and brown sugar. Then, let it simmer! Simmering is important, don't skip it!
• Thicken: Stir in the tomato paste and simmer again! Simmering marries all the ingredients together.
• Finish and serve: Stir in the cilantro, then enjoy!

Chili Recipes & Sides:

• Panera Turkey Chili Recipe
• Quick Garlic Bread with Sliced Bread
• Best Cornbread without Eggs
• Almond Flour Cornbread [With Cornmeal]