How to Set up a Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar
Whether you’re hosting game day or an awards-show watch party, spice up your gathering with a chili board, a charcuterie-style arrangement that revolves around the soul-satisfying goodness of warm chili.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/editorial/profiles/editors/Heather-Baird/Heather-Baird_editorial-profile.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.suffix/1555419323396.jpeg)
Savory, spicy and comforting, there’s nothing better than a big pot of chili on a cold day. We’ve given this humble dish a charcuterie board-style makeover with all the toppings and chili fixings. While it’s perfect for any time of the year, this board will truly shine when temperatures drop, making it a warming choice for gatherings such as game day or cozy evenings with friends.
![Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Beauty-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822909299.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
1. Choose an Extra-Large Platter
Select a generously sized wooden board or platter, or use a large, shallow beverage tub as we have here. Strategically arrange larger serveware on it to hold and corral ingredients. Place a sizable pot at the center to hold the chili. Use a pot with a lid to ensure your chili stays warm throughout the event.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-1.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822909620.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
2. Include Cracker Options
Start filling your board with an assortment of crackers on one end. Saltines, oyster crackers and cheese crackers are expected companions to a hot bowl of chili, and they offer a satisfying crunch.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822909714.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
3. Add Corn-Based Sides
On the opposite end of the board, delight your guests with a variety of corn-y accompaniments (ha!). Offer corn muffins in cupcake wrappers for easy handling. These can be purchased, made from scratch or semi-homemade using a muffin mix. Serve them alongside tortilla chips and crunchy corn chips. All complement the robust, savory flavors of chili.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822909827.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
4. Include Fresh Toppings
The freshness factor is important with a hearty main such as chili. Serve chopped green onions and red onions in small bowls placed near the chili pot. Include a bowl of sour cream to cool down the heat of spicy chili, which some guests will appreciate more than others.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822908426.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
5. Offer Colorful Fixings
Where toppings are concerned, the sky’s the limit. Add finely shredded sharp cheddar, sliced black olives and creamy avocado. Pro Tip: Toss avocado chunks in lime juice to maintain their green color and to prevent them from browning.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-5.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822908544.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
6. Hot Dogs? Yes!
For the ultimate chili board experience, offer grilled hot dogs in buns. Guests can dress them up with chili and other fixings. Offer a bowl of store-bought slaw and relish as hot dog condiments — a fun twist to traditional chili pairings.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-6.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822908666.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
7. Add the Chili Last
Whether store-bought or homemade, keep a pot of chili on the stovetop so it’s hot and ready to serve. Let it be the final addition to your board. Assemble all the sides and toppings first, saving the chili for the last moment to ensure it is piping hot for your guests.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-7.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822908758.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
8. Include a Veggie Option
Consider your vegetarian guests by offering a bowl of all-bean vegetarian chili. With an abundance of delicious vegetarian toppings and sides on the board, even meat enthusiasts won't miss the traditional pot of meat chili.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-8.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822908877.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
9. Curate the Perfect Bowl
Ensure easy access to bowls, plates and silverware. Place these items buffet-style next to the arrangement, with silverware standing upright and plenty of napkins nearby. Encourage guests to explore the variety on this bountiful chili board. With countless combinations to discover, they'll be coming back for seconds and thirds.
![](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Step-9.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.411.suffix/1704822909023.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
![Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar Charcuterie-Style Chili Bar](http://hgtvhome.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/hgtv/fullset/2024/1/4/1/Original_Heather-Baird_Chili-Board_Beauty-2.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.924.suffix/1704822909478.jpeg)
Heather Baird SprinkleBakes.com
30 Game-Day Party Food Ideas 51 Photos
Keep football fans fueled up during the big game with these recipes for mouthwatering dips, sliders and more.