Chilli for a crowd: how to make less boring

[OMGitsnotgood]

Chilli is often suggested on here for feeding a group. I always think 'nah, boring' and usually avoid (I love chilli but we have it often at home and at other gatherings)

However, I'm catering for a group of c.20 shortly where given various dietary requirements and logistics (not everyone can sit at a table and I suspect many will stand chatting anyway), I came to the conclusion that chilli is the best option, and the group agrees, so I'm not looking for alternative suggestions this time.

I've got as far as:
one large slow cooker of chilli con carne
one smaller but still largish slow cooker of vegetable chilli
Rice (I'll make a few dishes of oven cooked rice, with timings spread out a bit so that it covers a longer eating period)
Sliced baguettes, using a variety of baguettes - or maybe garlic bread - or large bowls of garlic croutons to sprinkle on the top?
Bowls of grated cheddar to sprinkle (I know the group well and the vegetarians eat all cheeses!)

I won't make a salad, which I would if seated, because it would have to all go in one bowl.

Maybe what I've listed above is ok but I know there are always amazing suggestions from you all so thought it worth a try.

Thank you

I like Tsatsiki or green tomato salsa with mine.
Potato wedges
taco shells or tortilla chips
Sliced avocado or of course guacamole.

I love chilli 😄

Tortilla chips, lots of guacamole, tomato salsa, sour cream, refried beans.

You could do jacket potatoes instead of rice (less faff with timing rice dishes). Or indeed as well as

Garlic bread slices , baguette slices

I would still do a salad, personally. But then I love a good salad

I'd probably go with one carb and then a toppings bar: sour cream, cheese, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, chilli sauces, tortilla chips, refried beans

Love chilli but the sides make it:

salsa
sour cream
guacamole
coriander
jalapenos/fresh chilli
cheese
taco shells
wraps
rice

Jacket potatoes instead of rice as a choice also a great shout

Possibly seasoned potato wedges, home made guacamole, jalapeños, chilli sauce for those that like the spice. If you don't already do so, add cinnamon and a bit of cocoa powder to the chilli. Adds a lovely taste

Ooh and the sour cream

Make the chilli vegan, really easy with soya mince.
Heat through lots of wraps.
Serve rice/soured cream, guacamole, salsa.
Make big tray of tortillla chips, salsa,grated cheese baked in oven. Bowl of jalapeños and shredded iceberg lettuce.
make margaritas.

I also like the addition of the sides like the guac and salsa. Pico de Gallo would be great as well; it's really fresh and zingy, plus easy to make in a larger quantity.

slow roasted red/yellow peppers and cherry tomatoes. Can be done a few hours in advance, then whoever wants them can add them to their meal when it's served up

Yoghurt or sour cream with garlic & herbs stirred in

Guacamole, or (easy version) mashed avocado with a bit of spice. To keep it from going brown add lime juice and cover with clingfilm touching the whole surface - you want to avoid air contact.

Padron peppers

Tortilla chips

Pico de gallo/fresh tomato salsa

There’s a black bean and corn and avocado salad which would be great - look up Cowboy Caviar for one version

Microwave rice can be surprisingly good and will make things easy too.

I use chipotle chilli and add a bit of cocoa towards the end of cooking.

Jamie Oliver has a version made from beef brisket rather than mince which is a bit more special. I think it’s in his comfort food book and can share if you’d like.

I!d make this with cornbread, fresh salsa and guacamole. Possibly a Mexican slaw for some salad.

Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, jalapaeno peppers. Yum!

Pork chilli verde to be a bit different?

Personally in this scenario I always just make a vegetable chilli and don't bother with the meat one. It's less faff and everyone really loves it. Then do a table with bowls of soured cream, grated cheese, guacamole, salsa and garlic bread. If some people are standing I would serve it with rice and not jacket spuds, it will be easier for them to eat.

I’d make the beef chilli with cubed brisket (or similar cut) rather than mince, which always makes it feel a bit more fancy. I agree with adding lots of fun toppings like guacamole, sour cream, coriander etc so that people can customise.

I would also do this

Basically unconstructed nachos!

Sounds great! I'd just add some guacamole and sour cream, maybe some tortillas.

I do a Davinia pork and sweet potato chilli that's a little bit different than a beef one and a veggie one and all the sides!
This is our second year of hosting chilli and cheer for around 20!

I like this Hairy Bikers recipe. The tortillas and cheese are baked on top of the chilli.

www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/the-hairy-bikers-chilli-with-nachos-and-cheese

I always add chopped red and green peppers to mi e to add freshness. Serve with potato wedges/ rice/ baked spud , guacamole, sour cream or yoghurt and a chopped salad without lettuce- tomatoes, cucumber , red onion. Maybe some coleslaw too and grated cheese and plain tortilla crisps.

This is the correct answer!

Of course it sounds boring, you have no sides!
I would go with tortilla chips and wraps rather than rice and bread. Literally never seen chili and baguette.

This recipe is amazing. It serves LOADS of people- definitely more than the 12 it says. I usually get more than 12 portions using 600-750g of each meat.
The squash and apple toppings make it feel more of an 'occasion' dish.

Tortilla chips with melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream and salsa

Lime wedges for squeezing!