Looking for a fun way to feed a crowd? This Loaded Pub Chips Bar is a deliciously creative feast that turns your home into everyone's favorite neighborhood bar!
I remember the first time I had pub chips. I was in college, at a bar that we frequented because they had $1.75 PBR, and I was starving. Pub chips sounded amazing. I loved chips! But little did I know what exactly to expect...
A GINORMOUS plate arrived. It was overflowing with crispy potatoes, and a mountain of ground beef, scallions, bacon, tomatoes, more bacon (I really did love this bar), cheddar cheese, and a generous dollop of sour cream on top.
Pub chips are classic pub fare, but you don't have to head to the pub to enjoy these. They're so fun to make at home and enjoy over a few pints with friends!
Loaded Pub Chips Bar
Creating a loaded pub chips bar is the perfect solution to feeding a crowd. It's a great way to satisfy picky eaters, friends on various diets, friends who have dietary restrictions, and also friends who want full-on no-holds-barred comfort food. There's truly something for everyone here!
Pub Chips
The yummy goodness starts with thinly sliced potatoes. I use the #2 setting on my mandolin to achieve even slices.
The Blend: Mushrooms and Beef
Unlike traditional pub chips, I decided to lighten these up a bit. We don't eat a lot of beef in our house, and when we do, I like to blend a little bit of beef with a healthy serving of finely chopped mushrooms. When chopped to the same consistency as beef, and cooked properly, mushrooms mimic meat and totally blend in.
Mushrooms are low in sodium and rich in umami (the “fifth” taste), so blending mushrooms with meat helps add a bunch of flavor without added sodium!
See how well the finely chopped mushrooms blend right in with the ground beef? Love how it adds bulk with benefits to any dish!
All the Fixings
Okay, so you've got your base of crispy pub chips and the meaty blend of mushrooms and ground beef. Now it's time to choose your fixings.
You'll want to choose a variety of different kinds of fixings to please the whole gang. Here are a few ideas of what I like to serve, to get you started:
- chopped bacon
- chopped tomatoes
- sliced or chopped black olives
- shredded cheese or shredded non-dairy "cheese" options
- sliced radishes
- diced red or green bell peppers
Don't forget the sauces & creamy toppings! I like to offer:
- fresh pico de gallo or other red salsa
- queso dip
- guacamole
- sour cream
- creamy avocado dressing
What other toppings or fixings would you include that aren't on this list?
More Entertaining Recipes
Loaded Pub Chips Bar Recipe
Loaded Pub Chips Bar
Ingredients
- 3 large baking potatoes, thinly and evenly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 pint cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover two baking sheets with foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Place sliced potatoes in a single layer, covering the foiled baking sheets. You may have enough slices for a third baking sheet; if so, set those aside and bake them according to the same instructions after the first set are baked.
- Bake at 425 degrees for about 15-18 minutes or until potatoes are nice and crispy without being burnt. I like to rotate pans halfway through the baking time for even baking.
- While potatoes are baking, prepare a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ground beef, and mushrooms. Stir and cook until the meat is fully cooked, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Add taco seasoning once meat is cooked, and stir to coat the blended mixture evenly. Remove from heat and place in a bowl until you're ready to serve.
- To prepare the Loaded Pub Chips bar, place the crispy potatoes in a serving platter or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place your choice of fixings in separate bowls. I like to gather them together in one place, like on a rimmed baking sheet. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
PIN IT:
Bill Johnson says
An amazing idea Marlynn. I will try this.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Bill!
Hillary Harper says
Definitely pinning this recipe! I am always looking for fun ideas for a weekend happy hour with friends :)
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thank you, Hillary!
Mary says
Ok I absolutely love this for 2 reasons! The mushrooms and beef together = genius! Second making the homemade chips. I've been on a kick to eliminate vegetable, canola, and soy oils from our diet, and guess what? They're in ALL store-bought chips. I can totally get behind making my own with these. I'm pinning this to try out with the fam this summer.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Homemade options are always great for that reason! You can eliminate all of the undesirable ingredients! Thank you, Mary!
Erin @ Platings and Pairngs says
Love this idea Marlynn! What a fun station to set up for tailgating or backyard BBQs!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks so much, Erin! :)
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says
This is SUCH a good idea, and it'd be perfect for entertaining! I love serving food that has some DIY aspect to it. Also, the customizable aspect makes it ideal for kids, who can be as picky or adventurous as they like.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
You can add whatever toppings you want to accommodate everyone! It's definitely great for picky eaters! Thank you, Catherine! :)
Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake says
Those pub chips look excellent! Any tips on how to make them super thin without a mandolin?
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Hi Rebecca! You could try to slice them thinly with a regular sharp knife (just be extra careful!), or some food processors come with vegetable slicing inserts.
Waz says
Love the idea of dressing up chips! It's the perfect party snack, and everyone loves an Instagrammable pretty bar spread. ;) Also, your photos are gorgeous as always!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks so much, Waz! I appreciate that! :)
Savita says
Saving this for sure! Such a great post for chips bar. Thanks for sharing!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks, Savita! :)
Adriana Lopez Martin says
Perfect party food and besides who doesn't love good potato chips and then served on a nacho style way with so many good and tasty toppings this is a winner for me, yummy!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
I agree! You can't go wrong with potato chips! Thanks, Adriana!
Tania | Fit Foodie Nutter says
What a beautiful and delicious feast! I just want to pull out a chair and sit down at the table! Gorgeous styling and photography too.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks for the nice comment, Tania! :)
Pech says
Such a great bar to offer at a get together!! This looks great and I would probably have one bowl with just mushrooms and onions for vegetarians!
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
That's a great idea! It's nice to accommodate everyone! :) Thank you, Pech!
Sarah Newman says
Totally salivating here!!! This looks absolutely divine and the photos are gorgeous! Next time I need comfort food I'm going for this :D
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Thanks so much, Sarah! :)
Sheila says
OMG! I am so happy to stumble upon this recipe. I am looking for food ideas for our upcoming get together and I think this is simply perfect. This spread is simply amazing.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife says
Yay! I'm glad you liked the post! Thank you, Sheila!