The Ultimate Guide to DIY Food Bars

I recently attended a beautiful bridal shower (in honor of my cousin) thrown by two of my fabulous aunts. All three courses of the meal were set up “bar” style allowing guests to customize their food to suit their individual tastes. We started with a delicious crostini bar featuring bruschetta and cheeses, then enjoyed a pasta bar, and finished the evening off with a strawberry shortcake bar. The food was delicious!

We love DIY food bars for several reasons, mostly because the food presentation is simple and easy to do, but also looks so appealing! On top of that, the preparation can be done ahead of your event, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. And lastly, your guests do some of the “cooking”. (Just kidding!) But in all seriousness, a bar gets the guests involved in a fun and relaxed way.

In addition to the ideas mentioned above, we’ve collected several fun bar themes and included a list of all the toppings you need to make it easy for you to include a food bar at your next event! 

Breakfast/Brunch

Bagel Bar

Order fresh bagels and add a few toppings for one a super simple breakfast event!

Topping Ideas: a variety of cream cheeses, Nutella, jams, peanut butter, honey, fresh berries, smoked salmon, red onion, fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers and capers

Waffle or Pancake Bar

Don’t want to get up before dawn to make waffles or pancakes? Make them a day or 2 ahead and reheat right before your event. (You can even make them up to 2 months ahead and freeze them!) Include sweet and savory options for toppings.

Topping Ideas: Whipped cream, butter, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, maple syrup, a variety of fruit syrups and jams, honey, chocolate sauce, peanut butter, Nutella, berries, bananas, peaches, nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, coconut, granola, fried chicken, sausage, bacon, a variety of cheeses.

Crepe Bar

You’ll really impress your guests with crepes. They can be made up to a couple days ahead of time and can be served at room temperature.

Topping Ideas: Whipped cream, honey, Nutella, jams, fresh berries, peaches, sliced bananas, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar, nuts, coconut, sweet and savory jams, cheeses (brie, goat, cream, Boursin) fresh herbs, sautéed vegetables (mushroom, peppers, spinach, onions), ham, bacon, crème fraiche

Yogurt Parfait Bar

A yogurt bar is a light, healthy option to add to a breakfast or brunch menu that may be otherwise stacked with carbs and sugar.

Along with a base of plain and vanilla yogurt, your toppings could include: granola, nuts, raisins, other dried fruit, fresh berries, bananas, peaches and honey.

Mimosa Bar

Orange juice mimosas are so last year. Take it to the next level!

What you need: Champagne, a variety of juices (mango, peach, passion fruit, grapefruit, pineapple, strawberry kiwi, pomegranate), fruit garnishes (berries, pineapple, pomegranate, peaches).

Pro tip: Check your local dollar store for beautiful glass bottles and champagne glasses.

Lunch and Dinner

Crostini Bar

Technically this is an appetizer, but add a few bottles of wine and a crostini bar is perfect for a girl’s night in celebrating your guest of honor.

Items to include: Soft cheese (burrata, brie, goat, Boursin) hummus, olive tapenade, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red pepper, olives, caramelized onions, dried fruit (fig, craisins, dates), fresh fruit (sliced apples and pears) sweet or savory jams, nuts, cured meats, pesto and other spreads (Click on the photo above for delicious spread ideas and recipes!)

Nacho or Taco Bar

Who doesn’t love a good taco or two? Cook your meats ahead of time and reheat closer to your event.

Meats (chicken, pork, steak, beef), black beans, refried beans, tomato, corn, onion, lettuce, jalapenos, avocado, guacamole, olives, a variety of salsas and hot sauces, sour cream, lime

Gourmet Sandwich Bar

Showers are all about the mini-sandwich, right? Let guests create their own!

Rolls and croissants, sliced meats, sliced cheeses, chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, mayonnaise, a variety of mustards, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, jalapenos, banana peppers, pickles

Dessert

Ice Cream Sundae Bar

The good ole faithful ice cream sundae never disappoints. Scoop and refreeze ice cream days ahead of your event so that it’s easy for guests to build their sundae.

Toppings: Hot fudge, caramel sauce, strawberry sauce, sprinkles, crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, assorted candy bars (chopped), mini marshmallows, strawberries, whipped cream, cherries, nuts

Fondue Bar

You can’t go wrong when you serve chocolate!

Dipping items: strawberries, bananas, pineapple, apples, pound cake, brownie squares, pretzels, large marshmallows, Rice Krispie Treats, cheesecake, sugar wafers, vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies

 

No-Bake Cheesecake Bar

A cool dessert for hot summer days! Cheesecake filling can be made a few days ahead of time and refrigerated until the day of your event.

“Crust” (Crushed graham crackers and crushed chocolate cookies) no-bake cheesecake filling, fresh fruit (berries, kiwi, peaches), chocolate, caramel sauce, toasted coconut

Berry Shortcake Bar

A delicious dessert, perfect for entertaining!

Along with a shortbread or cake base, you’ll need lots of whipped cream and fresh berries. To that you can add: coconut, chocolate chips, caramel and chocolate sauce, and other fruits.

Get Inspired

We hope this list has given you some great ideas for your next baby or bridal shower. You can include a single bar in your event, or go all out and plan the whole event around food bars. Either way, we’re sure that it will be a hit with your guests!

For more ideas and recipes, check out our Pinterest Board: Best Food Bars!