A Different Twist On Bars

As you may know, you can have a bar other than for a bar of drinks. This article is all about different types of food bars. Maybe this list just might spark some interest for the holidays. The coronavirus has us all scared. You cannot dine in a restaurant. Who wants to get drive-thru or take out on Christmas, even if possible? Food bars are a wonderful way to serve a large crowd. Food bars are good if you are on a budget. With a little examination of the below food bars, maybe one could go grocery shopping early to beat the lengthy check-out lines or empty shelves. You could even look for holiday coupons to save some money.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have loved ones dine at your house worry-free? Eat, drink and be merry. Heck, get together in your pajamas! You can be yourself instead of being in some stuffy atmosphere.

There are a few drinks that are included to accompany the food.

Different bars can include:

Baked potato bar.

Wrap up russets individually with aluminum foil. Place in a Crock-Pot. Cook on HIGH for 5 hours. Keep the russets warm and ready to serve.

Lunch meat sandwich bar.

Have a selection of lunch meat, cheese and bread for people to choose from. For example, salami, pepperoni, mozzarella, provolone, Italian bread, white bread, etc.

Burger bar

Similar to the lunch meat sandwich bar.

Chili bar.

Have the basic chili prepared and have various toppings available, such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, pasta, jalapenos, diced tomatoes, etc. Use your imagination and creativity. As for seasoning, I use McCormick’s Mild Chili seasoning. Do not use Regular as it tastes awful.

Taco bar

This food bar is easier. The toppings may be anything imaginable! The trick is the taco seasoning. I prefer McCormick’s taco seasoning.

Salad bar

The sky's the limit with a salad bar. This is a frugal food bar for sure. Can you only afford a few bags of shredded lettuce? A few heads of lettuce? Shop at a farmer’s market, if possible. Have ingredients you can afford, green bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, mushrooms, etc. Have a selection of dressings, oil and vinegar, Italian, ranch, catalina, blue cheese, etc.

Pop/Cola/Soda

Fill up an big igloo cooler with ice and then fill with cans of drinks to keep cool.

Cocktail/Mocktail bar

Search online for some good recipes.

Coffee bar

Ask a few friends if they would let you use their coffee makers or Keurings. Have a few flavored coffees available. Have sugar and Sweet n Low. Have flavored creamer available. If you want to crank it up a bit, have coffee syrup available.

Waffle/Pancake bar

Have breakfast for dinner. You can even buy packaged microwavable waffles/pancakes for $1.00 a box at Dollar Tree. Save yourself the hassle of a messy kitchen. Have the basics ready, such as butter, pancake syrup (cheaper than maple syrup), different kinds of fruit, peanut butter, Nutella, jam, jelly, chocolate chips, etc.

Pasta bar

Have a big bowl with a few pounds of pasta in it. Have people place their pasta on plates, then choose their toppings, such as parmesan romano, mushrooms, pepperoni, salami, black olives, etc. Have different sauces available, such as marinara, meat, vodka, alfredo, etc.

In Opinion

These days, going out to dine is mainly impossible. Why not entertain at your place the safe way and the frugal way? If you are bored, why not give food bars a chance? I do not have a favorite. I like all of them! How about you?