Here are 25 food bar ideas for you to consider for your next party. Skip the classics and try these fun and create tasty dishes for your family and friends to enjoy.
These are fun and creative ways to step out of the box, and try a new way to serve up a meal at a party. From sweet items to savory, and all things in between. Give a bunch of these a try.
1. Chili
1. Chili This option can be done in a couple of different ways. You could either have different chilis to sample or one type of chili with all different toppings. For example, you could have a sweeter chili, a white bean chili, a chili with cinnamon in it (some people I know do that!), and a spicy chili. Or, toppings you might want are Fritos, sour cream, shredded cheese, black olives, saltine crackers, jalapeno peppers, and anything you can dream up!
2. Hot Dog
2. Hot Dog Hot dogs are an affordable and tasty option. You could offer different types of buns (white or wheat) and toppings like shredded cheese, chili, ketchup, onions, and more!
3. Biscuit
For a biscuit bar, make sure you have knives available for people to slice them in half! Also, try offering an assortment of jams, jellies, butter, honey, and even some unique options like Nutella or marshmallow fluff!
4. S’Mores
4. S’MoresThink out of the box on this one! You could have chocolate chip cookies, flavored marshmallows, and different types of white and dark chocolate! We have even tried making s’mores with peanut butter cups before!
5. Fruit Parfait
5. Fruit Parfait Different flavored yogurts would be fun! You could offer both regular and Greek yogurt, and flavored as assorted fruits and toppings like coconut flakes and granola. (And sprinkles for the kids!!)
6. Cookie Decorating
Offer a few different flavors of cookies, as well as different frostings. Then, of course, lots of fun sprinkles, frosted sugar, metallic edible decorating spray, and little candles like M$Ms and gumdrops.
7. Waffle
7. Waffle Waffle bars are a huge hit!! Have a few flavors of syrup like strawberry, chocolate, and traditional maple syrup. Also, many like different fruits on their waffles like strawberries, blueberries, and more. You could also offer Nutella, peanut butter, marshmallow fluff, whipped cream, and sprinkles!
8. Burger
This burger one is a fun one! Be sure to include veggie burgers if you have those who prefer to not eat meat. You could have an assortment of buns, cheeses, fried eggs, lettuce, onions, guacamole, BBQ sauce, and more!
9. Trail Mix
Chocolate Chips, Chex cereal, pretzels, coconut flakes, yogurt raisins, M&Ms, and shredded coconut are popular options! Think outside the box with sprinkles and dried cranberries, too!
10. Ice Cream Sundae
10. Ice Cream SundaeOffer assorted ice cream flavors, chocolate and fruit toppings, whipped cream, marshmallow fluff, cut up fruit, and of course sprinkles for the kids!
11. Pie
11. PieYou might want to have mini-sized individual pies or regular pies. (Or both?!) French silk pie, peanut butter pie, lemon, pumpkin, and apple are all popular flavors! You could even have caramel syrup available, along with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream, too.
12. Hot Chocolate
12. Hot Chocolate Different flavors of hot chocolate would be fun, and mix-ins could include chocolate chips, peppermint, caramel, and more! Top with whipped cream, drizzled chocolate syrup, chocolate shavings or sprinkles!
13. Taco
13. TacoOffer white and yellow corn taco shells, different flavors of hamburger and ground turkey, and different types of shredded cheese. Have limes on hand, cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, black olives, different types of lettuce, and more!
14. Pizza
You could either offer different pizzas OR have a bar filled with toppings where people create their own to bake, depending on what your event set-up is like.
15. Omelet
15. OmeletOmelet bars are so fun and healthy! Try offering toppings like different types of shredded cheese, different veggies, and a few salsa options, too! Don’t forget the salt and pepper!
16. Coffee
Bold, blonde, and flavored coffees are fun options, along with stir-ins like dark chocolate bits and different flavored coffee creamers!
17. Shish Kebab
Of course, this option would work if there is a grill nearby for people to grill their own, OR you could have a buffet of already prepared kebabs, too. Shrimp, steak, onions, green peppers, and cherry tomatoes are popular options.
18. Cupcake
You could have people decorate their own cupcakes or take from an assortment of already frosted and decorated ones, it’s up to you!
19. Sub Sandwich
19. Sub SandwichTry offering different pieces of bread, meats, assorted slices of cheese, and both spinach and lettuce. Along with the veggie toppings, don’t forget mayo, mustard, and salt and pepper!
20. Smoothie
Serve up smoothies as a fun treat. You could have different flavors of protein powder, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, spinach, yogurt, and more!
21. Pasta
21. PastaDifferent shapes of pasta would be fun! Offer pesto, marinara, and Alfredo sauce. Add mix-ins like mushrooms and spinach! Don’t forget Parmesan cheese to top it off!
22. Nacho
Offer different types of tortilla chips, and even Doritos, too! You could offer both ground beef and ground turkey taco meat, sour cream, assorted shredded cheese options, limes, cilantro, and assorted salsas, too! Don’t forget jalapeños and hot sauce for those who like it spicy!!
23. Fondue
For this option, you could go with sweet or savory depending if you want a chocolate fondue or a cheese fondue!
24. Donut
24. DonutThis is a quick and easy buffet option that is sure to please! You could make your own donuts or buy premade ones if you have a big group or are in a rush! You could offer little bags of donut holes, too!
25. Bagel
25. BagelAssorted cream cheeses and toppings are popular for this bar option! Don’t forget the different flavors of bagels, too, like cinnamon and blueberry!
What is your favorite food bar idea?
