DIY Nacho Bar for Your Next Party or Family Gathering

If you have read many of my posts, you probably know that I am always looking for meals to serve at our family gatherings that do not keep us away from time with the family. We found another winner this weekend! Try this DIY nacho bar for your next party or family gathering.

I cannot tell you how many times over the years we have had parties or family gatherings, and someone (or a few) end up stuck in the kitchen away from all of the festivities! Last year, I felt like we were missing out on precious family time. Family members always helped in the kitchen, but it was just a lot of work on everyone.

I put out a survey to Facebook friends and got so many great ideas to try. If you want to see all of the ideas, you can read it here – “How to Host Family Gatherings Without Missing Your Family.”

For Mothers’ Day, we had a Loaded Baked Potato Bar. We all enjoyed it so much! We thought we would change it up for Fathers’ Day and have a DIY Nacho Bar – we enjoyed it just as much, if not more.

It was super easy with little mess and easy clean-up! We will definitely do this again!

How to Prepare for a DIY Nacho Bar

When having a DIY nacho bar, the options are almost endless. Find out what your family likes, make a shopping list, and then lay out all of the options. Everyone adds their favorite toppings, and no one has to pick anything off of their plate.

Nacho Bar Basics

• Start off with good Tortilla Chips.
• Have taco meat options available (Seasoned with Taco Seasoning):
  • Ground Beef
  • Shredded Chicken
  • Pork
  • Breakfast Sausage
  • Venison
  • Other Variety of Proteins

Once we had the meat and the refried beans cooked, we used this 3 section crock pot to keep them warm and a small crock pot for the sausage.

• Top with your choice of cheeses
  • Shredded Cheese (We love cheddar.)
  • Velveeta Cheese Dip (Regular or Blanco – With or Without Sausage)
  • Cheese Sauce
  • Choose your own cheeses.

Other Nacho Bar Ideas/Nacho Toppings

This is where you can really get creative. This is also the part where everyone can make their own nachos into their own nacho creation!

• Beans
  • Refried Beans
  • Pinto Beans
  • Black Beans
• Sour Cream
• Salsa (Store Bought or Homemade – See my favorite easy Salsa Recipe here.)
• Hot Sauce
• Pico De Gallo
• Black Olives
• Green Onions
• Fresh Diced Jalapenos
• Pickled Jalapenos
• Cilantro
• Fresh Avocados
• Guacamole

Setting up the DIY Nacho Bar

This is the most simple process! It works best when you set it up in an assembly line formation. Everyone goes through the line adding items to the top of the chips, creating their own nacho masterpiece. Be careful though – sometimes they turn out bigger than you planned!

Set up the Nacho Bar in this order:

• Plates (Paper Plates work well in casual settings.)
• Tortilla Chips
• Taco Meat Options
• Beans
• Cheese
• Other Nacho Toppings
• Lots of Napkins!

Our Favorite Items for a Nacho Bar

I have been accused of buying kitchen “gadgets” or items and never using them, which I guess is almost true. I have had this 3 section crock pot for several years and finally used it this weekend. It was very handy and will be used more often now!

The one I have is no longer sold. The one pictured below is better anyway.

I got tired of not having matching bowls for sauces and toppings, so I actually ordered these in my Walmart+ order Sunday morning. Great purchase!

Click here for the link to the 3 Pot Crock Pot.

Here is the link for the square bowls.

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Others Enjoying the Nacho Bar

Because we are a “dog” family, almost every time we get together at my parents’ house, we all bring our fur babies. Here is a look at some of them trying to sneak a nacho.

Related Post

Church Ladies Favorite Potluck Recipes (Main Meals)

Until next week…

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“Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.” Psalms 98:4