A giant cauldron of chili set the stage as the main attraction at my son’s two-year-old birthday party. Organizing a chili party is almost as easy as it is delicious. That is why I will share my tips on how to throw a similar bash that practically serves itself!
Big Pot O’ Love
Nothing warms your insides or your spirits like a piping hot bowl of chili. With limitless possibilities of ingredients, you can really key into your guests tastes by creating your own chili sensation, from mild to wild! Plus, chili is an easy recipe to adjust to the number of party guests, too!
If your guest’s tastes are too diverse to settle on one recipe, try serving several variations like Chili con Carne, Wisconsin-style Chili (with noodles), or White Chicken Chili. A build-your-own Chili Bar offers customization to your guests.
Consider offering these add-ons to please your crowd:
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Tabasco sauce
- Cheddar cheese
- Oyster crackers
- Corn chips
The Make-Ahead Main Dish
When it’s time to party, the last thing you want to be doing is slaving in the kitchen. Make your big-batch of chili the day before the party. All the prepping, chopping, and mess is out of the way so you can be a gracious and relaxed hostess.
You can let chili warm in a crock-pot or on the stovetop in a large soup pot on a low setting. Just make sure to leave yourself enough time for the chili to warm before you plan on serving.
Side Order
Luckily, in our family, the first question after receiving the party invite is, “What should I bring?” Have this list handy to enlist the help of volunteers to make the prep for your chili party even more care free.
Great chili sides:
- Corn bread with flavored butter
- Raw vegetables with a light ranch dip
- Pizza dip and breadsticks
- Wisconsin cheese curds
- Apples with caramel dip
- Brownie bites
And for a Beverage …
Somehow beer and chili have always gone hand-in-hand. It just wouldn’t seem right to serve chili with any other beverage (unless you are serving chili to minors, then I suggest apple cider). Many beer manufacturers offer quirky seasonal brews that offer brisk refreshment to a fiery tongue and invoke the spirit of autumn.
Suggested chili refreshments:
- Dogfish Indian Brown Ale
- Sam Adams Oktoberfest
- Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown
- Goose Island Harvest Ale
No matter what the reason to gather, make your next celebration a chili party!
