Do-It-Yourself Food Bar
Do you have Labor Day plans? Do you want to have plans but haven’t made them yet? Do you have a bunch of people coming over and have no idea what to do? Or are you just looking forward to a quiet day off with just your family?
Do-It-Yourself Bars are some of my favorite ways to share a meal with family or friends! It works great for parties or potlucks where everyone is contributing. And it allows everyone to create their own plate based on their preferences, allergies, likes, dislikes, etc. And I’m ALL ABOUT THAT!
So here are some my favorites and the items I usually include and/or have people sign up to bring. And, as always, I tell people to bring something they enjoy if it’s not on the list!
**Side Note: This is also a perfect idea for those football parties this fall!**
TACO BAR
If you plan well, people can make their own taco, nachos or taco salad . . . their choice! I often supply the taco meat and chicken and have others bring the fixin’s!
- Ground Beef
- Chicken
- Hard Shell Tacos
- Tortillas
- Tortilla Chips
- Lettuce
- Cheese
- Tomatoes
- Jalapenos
- Cilantro
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Tomato
- Onion
- Sour Cream
- Ranch Dressing
- Beans (Refried, black, or both)
- Rice (Spanish, lime, or both)
SUB SANDWICH BAR
Again, I often supply the meats.
- Roast beef
- Turkey
- Salami
- Variety of Breads (white, wheat, rye, buns, rolls, wraps, etc.)
- Cheddar
- Havarti
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Peppers
- Black Olives
- Jalapeños
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Sprouts
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Dijon
- Italian Dressing
POTATO BAR
I usually supply regular potatoes and sweet potatoes. And I often use the smaller Yukon gold potatoes so people can eat a couple with different “themes”.
- Chili
- Taco Meat
- BBQ pork
- Bacon
- Broccoli
- Cheddar Cheese
- Gorgonzola Cheese
- Cheese Sauce
- Sour Cream
- Ranch Dressing
- Salsa
- Pesto
- Jalapeños
- Chives
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Tomatoes
- Butter
- Brown Sugar
- Cinnamon
HOT DOG BAR
You can grill the dogs and everyone brings the fun stuff!
- Hot Dogs
- Sausages
- Brats
- Buns
- Chili
- Bacon
- Cheddar Cheese
- Provolone
- Cheese Sauce
- Sour Kraut
- Jalapeños
- Relish
- Pickles
- Red Onion
- White Onion
- Mushrooms
- Salsa
- Mustard
- Ketchup
SALAD BAR
This list is endless so you can always choose a particular themed salad (Greek, Harvest, Italian, etc.).
- Iceberg
- Arugula
- Romaine
- Spinach
- Shredded Chicken
- Turkey
- Bacon
- Shrimp
- Cheddar Cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- White Beans
- Chickpeas
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Onions
- Mushrooms
- Boiled Eggs
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Bell Peppers
- Cauliflower
- Avocado
- Artichokes
- Craisins
- Mandarain Oranges
- Grapes
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Croutons
- Wonton Strips
- Sunflower Seeds
- Oyster Crackers
- Walnuts
- Quinoa
- Ranch Dressing
- French Dressing
- Olive Oil/Vinegar
- Sesame Dressing