There are new trends taking shape every day. Whether they’re for regular meals or for grandiose receptions, a myriad of techniques, tricks and tips are available to you. One trend that’s caught our eye this month is the food bar! There are many kinds of bars that let you customize your suppers and parties while making them dynamic.
Ideas for food bar meals
Sandwich Bar
Source : What’s Gaby Cooking
The sandwich: a classic that never goes out of style that everybody loves! So why not make a sandwich bar so that everyone can make them according to their own taste. Get out the good bread, the fancy cheese, some veggies, meat and while you’re at it, why not try making your own mayo? The possibilities are endless.
Here are a few recipe suggestions to try for your next sandwich bar:
Smoked salmon sandwich with herb and lemon cream cheese
Open-faced Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwiches
Various toppings are also great for a sandwich bar!
Creamy Chicken Salad for Sandwiches
If you’re looking for original ideas, try the banh mi thit, a Vietnamese sandwich! These two easy recipes are perfect for just that:
Banh Mi Vietnamese-Style Chicken Sandwiches
Grilled Lemongrass Pork Banh Mi
Source : Fraîchement pressé
Veggie options are great additions to a sandwich bar.
Here are a few that are sure to convince you:
Cucumber, Tomato and Avocado Sandwich
For more recipe ideas to add to your sandwich bar, read These 60 Best Sandwich Recipes.
Looking for ways to make lunch prep easier? This article on sandwich bars is perfect for you!
Wrap bar
Want to be a little different? Go for a wrap bar! Serve pitas, tortillas and a variety of meat on a big table and invite guests to personalize their plates. Wrap bars are great for Mexican night. Here are a few recipes that’ll inspire you:
Lettuce Wraps with Shrimp and Thaï Lime Sauce
Greek Veggie, Chicken & Cheese Wrap
Like all sandwiches, there are a lot of choices for vegetarians, too. See for yourself:
Roasted Eggplant Wrap with Sundried Tomato Spread
Kale, Sweet Potato, Caramelized Onions and Black Bean wraps
Burgers
Source : SAQ
This list of the 22 Best Burger Recipes is perfect for your next barbecue! Everyone can choose their own patty, bun and condiments. As well, a burger bar can be gorgeous if you add your own personal touch.
Here are a few other recipes just as delicious as the originals!
BurCurried Chicken Burgers with Fresh Herbs, Apple and Ginger
Have vegetarian guests? No sweat! Here are a few meatless burger recipes.
20 Best Veggie Burgers Recipes
For more recipe ideas for your burger bar, get some inspiration from this burger bar article.
Tacos
Food bars are an original way to serve tacos to your guests! Here are a few recipes to check out:
Vegetarian Sweet Potato Tacos with Onion Sour Cream
Fish Tacos with Avocado Mayonnaise
For other Mexican recipe ideas to try bar-style, our article, Mexican cuisine: discover tacos! is at your disposal.
Grilled Cheese
Source : CasaTV
Grilled cheese sandwiches are ideal for bar-style service. Just put the buns, cheese and other toppings on the service table. Then add a baking sheet or hot pan next to the ingredients to grill everything.
Need inspiration for toppings your friends and family will love on their grilled cheese sandwiches? This recipe selection should help!
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich
Caramelized Onion Apple Grilled Cheese
Grilled Strawberry & Goat Cheese Sandwich
Pizza
Source : Recettes du Québec
For a quiet family dinner or a party with friends, a pizza bar is an excellent idea. To prepare a perfect pizza bar, see this Do It Yourself Pizza Bar article!
Try our all-dressed or tuna, veggie and bacon pizza!
Since a pizza bar doesn’t require much prep, why not make your own pizza dough or pizza sauce?
Want to offer options people won’t expect? These two recipes will certainly do that!
Dried Prunes, Ham and Sharp Cheddar Pizza
Tomato, Bocconcini and Basil Pizza
You can also suggest your guests choose something else for the dough, like pita, for example. This quick bagel pizza will inspire you.
There are several other options to serve meals bar-style. Pasta and sushi are great bar food. Whether served already prepared in bowls or as separate ingredients so that guests can create their own dishes, everyone loves enjoying a meal served in a unique way.
Essentials for preparing food bars
Source : Simple Bites
Our article, Hosting a large group without a hassle will be a big help to preparing your next bar-style meal.
Planning the prep side of a food bar isn’t that complicated. Just choose the kind of bar you’d like, then the appropriate ingredients. Make sure that your table is big enough for all the ingredients and everything will be fine. Of course, you can decorate the service table or create a theme for your bar. Before starting the feast, make sure to properly explain to your guests all the options they have and to provide enough utensils. For other tricks, read this.
What you’ll need
Depending on the type of food bar you choose, the ingredients you’ll need will vary. However, for a sandwich, burger or wrap bar, the amounts will be similar. Here is a helpful template:
Bread
Count two slices of bread per person. It might also be interesting to offer different kinds of bread.
Cold cuts
For six people, we suggest you estimate half a pound of meat per person per kind. Choose at least three different kinds.
Cheese
It’s a good idea to offer more than one kind of cheese. The combination of cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella generally makes people happy! Just as for cold cuts, a half a pound of cheese per person is fine.
A variety of veggies
Don’t forget the veggies! Lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers and avocados are always a hit. Don’t be shy to get creative. There’s a lot that can take a sandwich, burger or wrap to the next level.
Condiments and sauces
Mayo and mustard are the obvious choices, but a bar-style meal is the perfect excuse to try new sauces. Why not make your own Big Mac sauce or even barbecue sauce?
Original ideas for a food bar
It’s not just meals that can be served up bar-style. By reading different blogs, you’ll see a ton of different kinds. From a drink bar to a dessert bar to a themed bar, you’ll find something to delight your guests. There are many sources of inspiration at your fingertips, so don’t hesitate to find a bar style for your style by checking out Pinterest pins.
Now that you know more about food bars, what theme will you come up with for your next meal with friends? Will you be tempted by a burger bar or a pizza bar? Don’t hesitate to send us your questions and comments or send us your tips!
