If you’re looking for the best party foods for large groups then these 17 build your own food bar ideas are for you!

food bar ideas for parties

 
Are you tired of serving the same old boring appetizers, snacks, and meals at your parties? 
 
Want to impress your guests with something unique and fun? 
 
Look no further than these 17 build-your-own food bars! 
 
Food bars are a great way to entertain your guests and let them customize their own creations. With a bit of prep work, you can sit back and relax while your guests have a blast building their own plates.
 
food bar ideas for parties-
 

17 Fun Build Your Own Food Bar Ideas for Parties

From taco bars to hot dog bars and several; fun dessert bar ideas, I’ve got you covered with these inexpensive food bar ideas for parties. 
 
Serve these food bars for parties at a baby shower, bridal shower, wedding reception, birthday party, graduation party, or family BBQ, and prepare for all your guests to be super impressed!
 
Each food bar idea comes with a full tutorial on how to create it, so let’s get started and make your next party a hit!
 

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!

taco bar

Source: Bai

taco bar sign

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

taco bar sign printable

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. 

nacho-party-2m

Source: Moms and Munchkins

 

free-nacho-bar-sign

free nacho bar sign

 

3. Candy Bar

Fill a bunch of containers with candy and serve them with some funny signs for a cute graduation party snack.

candy-bar

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.

Fall-Crostini-Bar-with-chalkboard-720x960

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.

Popcorn-Bar-Idea-1

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.

burger-bar

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.

donut wall

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!

pasta bar

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.

diy-smores-bar-ideas-2-of-15-650x975

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.

Pub-Chips-Bar-Full

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.

hot-dog-bar

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.

bagel-and-mimosa-bar

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.

breakfast-bar

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.

mashed-potato-bar-8-of-9

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.

mini cheesecake bar

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.

coffee-bar

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.

Eton_Mess_Bar_12

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

food-bars-for-parties

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.

build your own food bar ideas