I absolutely love food bars. Build my own burrito, ice cream sundae, pizza…you name it – sign me up! They are perfect for entertaining or just a regular weeknight dinner that kids will love. Hear me out, here are my top arguments for food bars:
- Not only are they fun to involve your guests, but they make hosting a meal so much easier. You just have to create all the components and leave the final steps to your guests.
- You can accommodate all food preferences, allergies, etc. In the days when it seems like everyone is gluten-free or avoiding something, this can really help keep you sane for your next party.
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Brunch Food Bar Ideas
1. Mimosa Bar
A mimosa bar is perfect for a brunch themed baby or bridal shower. How cute is this setup too with the juice carafes and polka dot backdrop? (via Smarty Had a Party)
2. Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar
For a bit more unique alcoholic beverage bar for your brunch party, go with a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar. I also find that people have very distinct preferences about their Bloody Marys so this idea ensures you can make everybody happy. (via Foodiecrush)
3. Waffle Bar
I love the idea of serving this waffle bar (or any of these food bar ideas for that matter) on butcher paper. Then, you can doodle and label all the toppings for a fun, casual look. Don’t forget, a waffle bar doesn’t have to be limited to a before noon party because everybody loves breakfast for dinner! (via Fizzy Party)
4. Bagel Bar
While I do tend to be a bit of a traditionalist with bagels and love my classic cream cheese, my husband loves to mix up the toppings and make a breakfast bagel sandwich. His favorite? Smoked salmon. Leave out a variety of options from sweet to savory for everyone to create their own bagel masterpiece. (via Oh Happy Day)
5. Self-Serve Yogurt Bar
This is another one of the food bar ideas that would be perfect for a baby or bridal shower where you want to serve food, but just something light. A self-serve yogurt bar is great with toppings like berries, granola, honey, and nuts. (via Hostess with the Mostess)
Fun Party Food Bar Ideas
6. Hot Dog Bar
I love a good hot dog – a 100% all beef hot dog that is. If this build your own hot dog food bar doesn’t look like summer, I don’t know what does! It certainly has me in the mood for a summer BBQ. (via I Heart Nap Time)
7. Nacho Bar
Who doesn’t love nachos and this food bar can be a great option if you have people with gluten or dairy allergies. Simply include corn chips and then can skip the cheese and other dairy ingredients. Want to make it even easier? Buy pre-made guacamole and chopped vegetables. I personally love buying the frozen fajita vegetables at our grocery store – they are super inexpensive and already prepared for you. Think frozen vegetables are less nutritious? That is a total myth! (via Fantabulosity)
8. Baked Potato Bar
A loaded baked potato or sweet potato is a favorite in our house and will be a bit hit at your next casual party. Want to make it even easier? You can cook your baked potatoes in the crockpot. This way you don’t have to stress. You can prepare all your toppings ahead of time and actually enjoy your own party! (via Moneywise Moms)
9. Build Your Own Burger Bar
I love the idea to have a build your own burger bar with slider size burgers. That way you can mix things up and try different toppings on each one instead of being limited to just one large burger. (via Swanky Chic Fete)
10. Make Your Own Cheesecake Bar
This is such a cute dessert idea for parties: a make your own (no-bake) cheesecake bar! Just make the filling and put out fun toppings (kind of like the ones you see at frozen yogurt shops) and you’re done! (via Wine & Glue)
11. Brownie Bar
Similar to above, if you aren’t a huge fan of cheesecake, opt for an adorable brownie bar like this one! This is an even more kid friendly option that they will certainly be rushing to the front of the line for. Love her cute printable toppers seen in the photo? She’s sharing them for free in the blog post! (via Printable Crush)
Food Bar Ideas For Your Wedding
Chicken or beef? Forget the fancy plated wedding meals that cost way more than they should. Opt for a fun casual food bar that your guests will love. It gets everyone mingling and having fun instead of stuck at their tables.
12. Taco Bar
This photo is basically like a blueprint for an awesome taco bar you can easily recreate! (via Wedding Chicks)
13. Dessert Bar
Having just one massive wedding cake is another wedding tradition that I can do without. Mix things up and have a dessert bar with all your favorite treats: Pie, cupcakes, cake…nothing is off limits. (via Kara’s Party Ideas)
14. S’mores Bar
A summer BBQ is just not complete without a s’more, and I adore this s’more bar setup! That graham cracker garland – c’mon, too cute!! Don’t have wire hangers or sick of all the work? Buy these s’more sticks that you will get tons of use out of every summer. This is definitely a purchase you’ll be thinking, “Why didn’t I buy this sooner?”
Kid-Friendly Food Bar Ideas
Let’s face it – kids can be picky. But even the pickiest kid will be running for these kid-friendly food bar ideas.
15. Build Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Ice cream sundae bars are a tried and true classic that all kids love. (via About a Mom)
16. Build Your Own Pizza Bar
This is genius! Build your own mini pizzas using Rhodes rolls will soon be your kid’s favorite Friday night meal. All their friends will be raving to their moms about them too, so be prepared to share. (via Double the Batch)
17. Popcorn Bar
This DIY Popcorn Bar is perfect for family movie night. Create the perfect salty & sweet treat that kid’s will look forward to every time. (via Family Fresh Meals)
18. Hot Cocoa Bar
Is anything more cozy on a cold winter night than a cup of hot cocoa. This hot chocolate bar will be the perfect addition to your holiday party next year. The adults can even spike their hot chocolate 😉 (via Hawthorne & Main)
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Which of these food bar ideas are you excited to try?
