Fajita bars are a fun and interactive way to serve Mexican food at a party or gathering. With stacks of warm tortillas, sizzling meats and vegetables, and bountiful toppings, fajita bars allow guests to build their own customized fajita creations. But what should you serve alongside the main fajita station to round out the menu? Here are some key elements to consider including with your fajita bar:
Sides
Fajitas are typically served with simple side dishes that complement the flavors without overpowering them. Here are some classic fajita bar side options:
- Rice – Spanish rice, cilantro lime rice, or Mexican rice are flavorful options.
- Beans – Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans.
- Chips and salsa – Corn or flour tortilla chips with salsa options like pico de gallo, salsa verde, roasted salsa, etc.
- Guacamole – Freshly made guacamole adds creaminess.
- Salad – A simple green salad or something like jicama slaw.
- Cheese – Shredded cheeses like cheddar, queso fresco, cotija.
Drinks
Offering festive drink options can help make your fajita bar feel like a real fiesta. Consider serving:
- Margaritas – Classic lime margaritas are perfect with fajitas.
- Mexican beer – Options like Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, Dos Equis.
- Jarritos – Mexican soda flavors like mandarin, lime, pineapple.
- Horchata – Sweet creamy rice milk drink.
- Jamaica – Hibiscus flower agua fresca.
- Mexican hot chocolate – Warm, spiced, and sweet.
Desserts
End your fajita fiesta on a sweet note with these desserts:
- Churros – Fried dough dusted in cinnamon and sugar.
- Tres leches cake – Sponge cake soaked in three milks.
- Flan – Silky caramel custard.
- Bunuelos – Crispy fried pastries dusted in cinnamon and sugar.
- Arroz con leche – Creamy rice pudding.
- Mexican wedding cookies – Buttery, powdered sugar coated cookies.
Other Tips
- Set out small plates, napkins, and forks so guests can easily build and eat their fajitas.
- Keep the fajita bar area tidy by having a dedicated waste basket nearby.
- Consider festive decor touches like strings of lights, paper flowers, or colorful tablecloths.
- Have a fajita bar team member periodically refresh the food to ensure everything is hot and stocked.
- Offer condiments like diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauces for customizing.
- Be sure to have vegetarian and gluten-free options for guests with dietary needs.
Sample Fajita Bar Menu
Here is an example fajita bar menu for inspiration:
| Fajita Bar | Sides & Toppings | Drinks |
|---|---|---|
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Having a meatless fajita option like sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions, etc. is also recommended to accommodate vegetarian guests.
Fajita Bar Setup
To create a seamless fajita bar, keep these tips in mind:
- Set up the fajita bar on a long table or row of adjoining tables.
- Use sterno warmers or chafing dishes to keep the meats and vegetables hot.
- Place the tortillas in a basket covered with a cloth napkin to keep them warm and steamy.
- Arrange the toppings in serving bowls, with serving utensils for each item.
- Have a separate table for beverages, chips, salsa, and any other sides.
- Make sure there is enough room for guests to easily move along filling their plates.
A self-serve fajita bar with multiple meats, toppings, and tortilla options allows guests to fully customize their fajita experience. Just be sure to have plenty of everything to satisfy a crowd!
Fajita Bar Food Safety Tips
When handling food for a fajita bar, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Keep hot foods like meats and vegetables at or above 140°F in chafing dishes.
- Keep perishable cold foods like guacamole and salsa chilled at 40°F or below.
- Provide serving utensils for each dish and instruct guests to use them to minimize cross-contamination.
- Frequently replace serving utensils that have fallen into food with clean utensils.
- Discard any perishable foods sitting out for over 2 hours.
- Wash hands thoroughly before prepping any foods.
Following proper food handling and storage methods will keep your fajita bar fare delicious and safe to eat.
Make Your Fajita Bar Festive
A few simple touches can really make your fajita bar festive:
- Play upbeat Mexican music like mariachi, salsa, or cumbia.
- Add Mexican paper banners, tissue paper flowers, strings of lights.
- Set out fun glassware like margarita glasses with salt rims.
- Provide festive paper napkins, plates, serving pieces.
- Have guests make their own paper flower crowns or lucha libre masks.
- Infuse the environment with the wonderful smells of fresh chiles, warm tortillas, and seasoned meats.
With delicious food, drinks, music, and decor, your fajita bar will be a hit with guests! The festive DIY style of assembling their own creations encourages interaction and fun for a memorable party experience.
Conclusion
A fajita bar is a fun, interactive way to serve great Mexican food. The key is having tasty meat and veggie fillings, warm tortillas, flavorful accompaniments, and festive drinks. Round out the menu with traditional sides, chips and salsa, guacamole, and Mexican desserts. Keep the food properly heated or chilled for safety. Then add music, decorations, and bright garnishes for an authentically festive fajita fiesta your guests will love!