What’s better than having a mug of hot chocolate? Having a BIG BATCH of hot chocolate ready to be adorned with marshmallows, whipped cream, and peppermint galore! Today I’m sharing my favorite hot chocolate recipe to serve a crowd, plus my suggestions for setting up the most festive (and delicious) hot chocolate bar!

two mugs with santa and mrs. claus on them full of hot chocolate with toppings surrounding them on a hot chocolate bar

Why You’ll Love This Hot Chocolate Bar

I pride myself on my hot chocolate recipe because it is oh-so-creamy, so rich and decadent, so delightfully cozy that it’s like a warm blanket! This recipe makes a whole heaping batch so you can keep it warm on the stove and everyone can serve themselves.

Once your guests have a mug of this heavenly hot cocoa, it’s time to hit up the bar! Set a festive table with bowls full of toppings and mix-ins that’ll delight everyone. Then, let your guests go wild! It’s always so fun to set up a DIY drink bar at a party.

Not only am I going to share my special cocoa recipe today – I’m also sharing my suggestions for setting up the best hot chocolate bar seen south of the North Pole. Let’s dive in!

More Big Batch Drinks

a santa mug full of hot chocolate and topped with whipped cream, and crushed peppermint

Ingredients

Start with the most important part – the creamy, dreamy hot chocolate. You don’t need many ingredients to make this beverage taste like the silky dessert of your dreams, just the ones below!

How To Make This Hot Chocolate Recipe

adding milk and condensed milk to the crock pot

Step 1: Mix Over Heat

Mix the milk, evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla, chocolate chips, and kosher salt in a 6-quart crock pot. After about 30-60 minutes, stir the mixture together with a whisk to fully incorporate the melted chocolate.

adding heavy cream and chocolate to the crock pot

Step 2: Keep Warm

Heat the hot chocolate on low for 2-3 hours, and then turn it down to keep it warm while your guests enjoy the party.

adding vanilla and kosher salt to the crock pot

Hot Chocolate Bar Ideas

There are so many ways to set up a fun (and delicious!) hot chocolate bar, but it mostly depends on your preferences. I’m going to share my favorite toppings and suggestions and hopefully, they’ll inspire you.

Mint! I love including candy canes and crushed mint candy so people can use them as toppings or to rim their mugs. You can have a small plate covered in chocolate syrup for people to dip their mug rim in it, followed by crushed mint candy.
Speaking of mint, peppermint bark would be a tasty snack alongside your hot chocolate, or you could pop it in your drink to melt as you sip.
Marshmallows, of course! Small, medium, large, specialty-shaped, chocolate-covered, etc. Any and all marshmallows are welcome.
Whipped cream is the most essential topping in my opinion! Is there anything better than sipping your creamy hot choc and coming away with a whipped cream mustache?
Top your whipped cream tower with everything from sprinkles and mini chocolate chips to mini Reese’s cups and chopped Andes mint chocolates.
If you have a taste for spice, make a Mexican hot chocolate by adding chili and cayenne powder.
In the mood for different warming spices? Mix in seasonings like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.
Leave some caramel sauce on the table to drizzle into your hot chocolate! Extra points if you have salted caramel sauce.
And finally, for a little extra warmth and fun – alcohol! Whiskey, bourbon, and Kahlua are some options to get you started.

bowls of mushrooms, cookies, peppermint bark, peppermint candy, candy canes, and whipped cream to add to the hot chocolate bar

FAQs

What can I use in hot chocolate to make it even creamier?

I’m all about creamy hot chocolate! A simple change you can make is to add half and half. So for example in this recipe, instead of using 6 cups of whole milk, you can use 3 cups of whole milk and 3 cups of half and half.

How do I serve hot chocolate without making a mess?

I recommend using a ladle to easily pour it into your mug without it spilling everywhere. If you want to get really precise, use a ladle and funnel it into your mug! When it comes down to it though, there’ll probably be a few drips here and there so keep a dish towel on hand to wipe it up as you go.

What’s the difference between hot chocolate and hot cocoa?

Technically hot chocolate refers to a drink made of melted chocolate and hot cocoa refers to one made with cocoa powder. However, most people use them interchangeably.

What should I do with leftover hot chocolate?

Store it in an airtight container like a bottle or a mason jar for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop and enjoy!

More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love

If you make a Big Batch Hot Chocolate Bar, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!

I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!