Build-Your-Own Week of Meals

Build-Your-Own meals are perfect. They're easy for the cook - they can accommodate the Vegan & Omnivore at the same table. They can also provide a satisfying meal for a variety of special diets - not to mention picky palates.

If you're hosting a potluck, you can provide the "base" (pasta, potatoes, bread, - you choose white, whole wheat or Gluten Free  - this recipe will be the one in the title link) and ask your guests to each bring a topping. 

These are also a great way to dress up leftovers, simply add the leftover items, whether they're veggies, sauces, or meats, to your Build-Your-Own Bar.  Or use those little jars of sauces and dressings in the door of the fridge. I'm giving several ideas for toppings, with the idea that you'll choose those that appeal to you & your guests.

I took inspiration for this post from the menu of our local public high school. They repeat the same Build-Your-Own Meals every week, all year!

Of course, if you don't want to have these meals every day all in the same week, you can work them into your Vertical Meal Plan.

 

Fill Your Own Tortillas (see link for lots of ideas for this one)

Stuff Your Own Potatoes

In addition to Slow-Cooker Baked Potatoes,
Topping Ideas:
Chili con Carne
Vegan Chili
Shredded Cheddar
Sour Cream
Butter
Vegan Buttery Spread
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Bacon
Vegan Bacon-y Bits
Salsa
Hummus
Ranch Dressing
Vegan Cheeze Sauce
Guilt Free Spinach Artichoke Dip (a favorite of mine : )

Build Your Own Rice Bowl

There are SOO many variations on rice, that you might want to also have an ethnic theme to simplify things a bit (Chinese, Indian, Mexican, etc).

A while back, I had a family of children at the house, and although they had a reputation for being "picky" they made & devoured more than one serving of this. (I found that having fruit and fun veggies - like baby corn - increased their interest). You can really tailor the toppings to your audience here.

Topping ideas:
Asian Peanut Sauce
Spaghetti Sauce
Salsa
Baby Corn
Raisins
Raw Carrots
Diced Apple
Broccoli
Celery
Olives
Diced Chicken
Shredded Cheese
Shrimp
Any sort of saucy cooked bean dish
Chopped Salted Peanuts
Shredded Napa Cabbage

Pasta Bar

Pasta (a choice of shapes can add fun)
Spaghetti Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
Vegan Cheezy Sauce
Asian Peanut Sauce
Greek Tahini Sauce
Sliced Almonds
Mushrooms
Broccoli
Parmesan (Dairy or Vegan)
Olives
Corn
Red Bell Peppers
Tomatoes
Peas
Loose-Cooked Hamburger or Sausage
Vegan Burger Crumbles
Copycat Skyline Black Beans & Rice
Lentil Soup

Build Your Own Burger

Black Bean Burgers
Hamburgers
Oven Fries
Vegan Burgers
Zippy Sweet Potato Baked Fries
Potato Chips
Onion
Tomato
Lettuce
Bread or Buns of your choice
Pickles
Ketchup
Mustard
Mayo (of your choice)

Personal Pizza Night

(sometimes I do this one on my homemade Naan that I keep in the freezer- you can use white or whole wheat)

Provide personal-sized discs of dough, and let diners top their own before baking (above link is traditional, scroll down for gluten free)

Gluten-Free Crusts
Olives
Mushrooms
Onions
Bell Peppers
Corn
Capers
Pepperoni
Cheese (Shredded Mozzarella, Feta, Vegan, etc according to your family's taste)
Pizza Sauce
Refried Beans (if offering Refried beans, you might want to offer other Mexican food inspired toppings, like Salsa, Cheddar (Dairy or Vegan) Shredded Lettuce & Tomato)
Sausage
Feta
Pickled Pepper Slices
Pineapple

Sandwich Bar

 

 

Homemade Yeast Bread
Pita Bread
Naan
Gluten Free Bread if needed
Baba Ganoush
Hummus
Red Pepper Walnut Dip
Olive Spread or Tapenade
Lettuce
Tomato
Cucumbers
Sprouts
Bell Peppers
Cold Cuts
Sliced Cheeses
Chips
Pickles

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