If you’re looking for the best party foods for large groups then these 17 build your own food bar ideas are for you!
17 Fun Build Your Own Food Bar Ideas for Parties
1. Taco Bar
Put together a fun build-your-own taco bar with hard taco shells, soft tortillas, and even bags of tortilla chips for walking tacos.
Then prepare a bunch of different toppings such as seasoned ground beef, cooked chicken, fresh salsas, chopped vegetables, sour cream, and guacamole, and let your guests build their own perfect tacos!
Source: Bai
Related: 35+ Easy Baby Shower Treats Table Ideas
2. Nacho Bar
This awesome nacho bar idea combines savory & sweet onto one table.
On the left side you have the cheesy savory nacho toppings to create the perfect cheesy Mexican dinner and on the right is the sweet section with all of the best sweet toppings like chocolate, candies, and syrups.
Source: Moms and Munchkins
3. Candy Bar
Fill a bunch of containers with candy and serve them with some funny signs for a cute graduation party snack.
Source: Print for Smile
Related: 35 Easy Individual Desserts for a Crowd
4. Fall Crostini Bar
Here’s a fun way to serve appetizers – give your party guests an option to DIY their perfect crostini.
The best part about this appetizer idea is that all of these crostini toppings can be made ahead of time so that you can fully enjoy every minute of your party.
Source: Delicious Table
Related: 30+ Best Appetizers & Finger Foods For Wedding Reception
5. Popcorn Bar
A popcorn bar is a unique and fun way to display a variety of different popcorn flavors and snacks. It makes a great party food for boy birthday parties and game day get-togethers.
Source: A Worthey Read
Related: 30 Mini Appetizers in Plastic Cups Recipes
6. Build Your Own Burger Bar
There’s nothing more fun than seeing your party guests build their own perfect burgers complete with sauces and fries.
Prepare a bunch of fun burger toppings and sauces in little jars or muffin tin and let everyone assemble their own burger along with a hot beef patty straight off the BBQ.
Source: Moms and Munchkins
Related: 45 Best Super Bowl Party Food Recipes for Game Day
7. Donut Wall
This donut wall is the perfect dessert centerpiece for your wedding, baby shower, family gathering, or birthday party.
Source: WeddingByEli
8. Pasta Bar
Here’s a great food bar idea that’s budget-friendly and super easy to arrange – a pasta bar!
Simply cook a few different kinds of pasta and sauces and serve them in bowls for your guests to put together their favorite combinations.
This post also shares a tip on how to prevent the pasta from sticking together as well as a free printable sign!
Source: Somewhat Simple
9. DIY Smores Bar
A DIY smores bar with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows is so easy to put together and serves as the perfect dessert to end a summer BBQ.
Source: Play Party Plan
10. Loaded Chips Bar
Serve up some perfectly crispy potatoes and tasty toppings as a main dish or a side dish for any party.
Source: Urban Bliss Life
Related: 35 Lil Pumpkin Baby Shower Food Ideas
11. Hot Dog Bar
Hot dogs are a great party food as they are cheap to make and great for filling hungry bellies. This fun hot dog bar guide will give you free printables for your party as well as tips on how to stay on a budget.
Source: Angie Holden
Related: 13 Easy Recipes for Using Leftover Hot Dog Buns
12. Bagel and Mimosas Bar
Serve up this brunch or breakfast food bar at a baby shower, bridal shower, or birthday brunch. You only need to buy a few simple ingredients for this easy food bar and mimosa bar and it’s great for when you need to set up a bar for just a few people.
Source: Salty Canary
13. Breakfast Bar
A breakfast bar is a great way to feed a hungry crowd. Since everyone likes to have breakfast at different times it’s easier to set everything up and let people help themselves when they are ready to eat.
Source: Busy Creating Memories
Related: 21 Easy Breakfast Ideas for Potluck
14. Mashed Potato Bar
A crockpot is a great tool for keeping your food hot all night long. Prepare a big batch of mashed potatoes in your crockpot and serve it straight from the crockpot along with various toppings and sauces.
Source: The Magical Slow Cooker
15. Mini Cheesecakes Bar
Set up a fun mini cheesecake bar and let everyone pick their own toppings from an assortment of fresh fruit, chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, and various nuts and jams.
Source: Plowing Through Life
16. Coffee Bar
A coffee bar is a great easy way to host a breakfast party at home. It’s very easy to set up with store-bought or homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee and various creams.
Source: Fantabulosity
17. Eton Mess Bar
Let your guests mix together fruit, whipped cream, and meringue to create a delicious and festive crowd-pleasing dessert.
Source: Art of Natural Living
More fun food stations for parties:
Salad bar
Waffle bar
Pizza bar
Hot chocolate bar
Pancake bar
Baked potato bar
Which one of these fun food bars is your favorite? Let me know in the comments and enjoy!
PIN this to your PARTY FOOD Pinterest board for later.