One of my best memories of Fall was when my mom would make a big pot of chili and some cornbread for dinner. It became a Halloween tradition: grab a hearty bowl of chili before heading outside to trick or treat. I’ve continued that tradition whenever my friends and I hit up a pumpkin patch or visit a corn maze. Chilly and starving, chili really hits the spot.
Now that it’s October, Fall is fully upon us and my schedule’s filling up quick. Chili is an easy go-to for busy nights when there’s a chill in the air. Whether I’m having some friends over to check out some of the new tv premieres or to watch our fave Halloween-themed movies, or I just want something easy and delicious between errands, it’s there. I recently found out I’m not alone–October is National Chili Month and Progresso wanted me to try out some of their new chilis! (I was psyched to see they had a vegetarian option in addition to their beef/pork and chicken chilis. Something for everyon!) I took them up on their suggestion to class up my normal chili spread, and came up with this quick and delicious chili bar. (I made the little label sticks out of bamboo skewers and images of the chili from the Progresso website printed onto cardstock. Took me two minutes and made it so everyone knows what kind of chili they’re getting!)
Chili bars are a fun and easy way to dress up a pre-made chili and make sure everyone’s getting what they want. Just put out some of the items listed below along with some bowls, utensils, and napkins, and let people grab and go! Keep the chili in a crock pot or buffet warmers if everyone won’t be eating at the same time.
Looking for items to add to your chili bar? Consider:
- avocado
- bacon bits
- banana peppers
- cilantro
- corn bread
- corn chips
- green onion
- guacamole
- hot sauce
- jalapeno
- lime wedges
- onion
- red and green peppers
- salsa
- shredded cheddar cheese
- sour cream
- tomatoes
Want to try out some chili for yourself? Progresso’s letting me give away a prize pack with chili and stew, a fancy ladle, and a cooler chair so you’ll be set for gamedays and tailgates! Just visit progresso.com/gameday, and then leave a comment here with your fave recipe. I’ll pick a winner on Thursday, October 8th!
Don’t want to wait to win? Grab yourself a $1 off coupon now!
What’s your favorite way to prep chili? Do you have any Fall food traditions?
The Buffalo Chicken Dip looks tasty! You’re Chili bar looks amazing, what a good idea. I need something quick since i forgot all about food for tonight’s Monday Night Football game, I can totally pull something like this off last minute.
I make a simple Chicken pumpkin chili in the crock pot that I really enjoy. Also I think doing a Chili bar is a great idea for our Super Bowl party!! I’m super excited for February now!!
All that chili is making me super hungry. I can’t wait to get cooking. I’d have to say that the Chicken Chili Nachos are my fav recipe so far. Can’t wait to try them 😀
All these images and recipes are making me hungry… I used to bring chili to work for lunch all the time, but just realized I haven’t in quite a while. TIME TO CHANGE THAT.
Also, my mom has a great recipe for white chicken chili. I don’t know it off the top of my head, but I’ll have to get it from her! It’s delish.
The Chicken Stew Biscuit Cups look great – and swapping in some chili would work too.
Ummm…chicken stew biscuit cups?! You had me at biscuit.
Chili Tachos oh my. Tater tots!
The Chili Tachos sound the best! Can’t get enough tater tots! Seems like a great dish for football and hockey season too 🙂
Wow I’ve never wanted chili at breakfast time before… But those veggie chili boats can sail into my mouth any time of the day :3
I would love to try the black beans, chicken, and rice!
Yup. I’d totally mod their Chicken Chili Nachos recipe to make fast Chilaquiles over Juanita’s tortilla chips, garnished with minced red onion, avocado, and shredded Manchego cheese.
I want to make the Enchilada Soup.