Chili. It’s the hearty, flavorful dish that warms you up on a cold day, brings people together at gatherings, and is a game-day staple. Whether you’re making a classic beef chili, a spicy vegetarian version, or a creamy white chicken chili, the question always arises: what side dishes perfectly complement chili?
While chili is delicious on its own, the right side dishes can elevate your meal from satisfying to spectacular. This guide is your go-to resource for discovering the best Chili Side Dishes To Serve With Chili, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. We’ll explore classic pairings, unexpected delights, and even delve into the realm of chili toppings to create your ultimate chili feast.
close up of bowl of no bean chili
Level Up Your Chili Bowl: Must-Have Chili Toppings
Before we dive into side dishes, let’s not forget the power of toppings! A well-chosen selection of toppings can add layers of flavor and texture to your chili, making each bowl uniquely satisfying. Here are some essential chili toppings to consider:
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a melty, cheesy goodness.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a cool and creamy contrast to the chili’s spice.
- Guacamole or Avocado: Creamy and rich, offering healthy fats and a fresh flavor.
- Cilantro, Parsley, or Basil: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and add aromatic notes.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and acidity.
- Onions (Red or Green): Provide a sharp, pungent bite and textural crunch.
- Jalapeños: Sliced or diced for those who love extra heat.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds zest and acidity, cutting through the richness.
- Black Olives: Salty and briny, adding a unique flavor dimension.
- Lettuce: Shredded lettuce offers a cool, crisp element.
- Hot Sauce: For customizable heat levels.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh and vibrant salsa for a zesty topping.
- Crumbled Bacon: Smoky and savory, adding a crispy, meaty element.
- Tortilla Chips: Crushed or whole for a crunchy, salty bite.
- Cornbread Croutons: Adds a sweet and crumbly texture, repurposing leftover cornbread.
- Saltine Crackers: Classic and simple for scooping up chili.
Mix and match these toppings to find your perfect chili combination!
Over 30 Fantastic Side Dishes to Serve with Chili
Now, let’s explore the world of chili side dishes. These pairings will transform your chili meal into a complete and satisfying dining experience.
Bread & Grains: The Comforting Companions
- Cornbread: The quintessential chili side dish. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture is perfect for soaking up chili. Try a classic recipe or add cheese or jalapeños for extra flavor.
Cornbread in cast iron skillet and serving plate
- Corn Casserole: A creamier, sweeter take on cornbread. Its soft texture and buttery flavor are a delightful contrast to spicy chili.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread or garlic knots offer a savory, aromatic side that complements the richness of chili.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are another excellent bread option, offering a buttery and soft texture. Consider adding herbs or cheese to your biscuit dough.
- Homemade Crescent Rolls: Soft and buttery crescent rolls are a crowd-pleaser and pair wonderfully with chili.
- Rice: Simple white rice or brown rice provides a neutral base that soaks up chili beautifully. Buttered rice adds extra flavor.
- Homemade Bread Bowls: For a fun and impressive presentation, serve your chili in homemade bread bowls. Edible bowls add a unique touch to any chili night.
Potato Power: Hearty and Satisfying Sides
- Baked Potato: A loaded baked potato, topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and chives, is a hearty and customizable side dish. Air fryer baked potatoes are a quicker option.
Baked potato with butter and scallions
- Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory contrast to chili. Air frying them ensures crispiness.
- French Fries: Classic french fries, especially air fryer versions or garlic butter fries, are a fun and unexpected side that kids and adults will love.
air fryer french fries on plate with ketchup
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting and luxurious side dish that adds richness to your chili meal.
- Potato Salad: A classic potato salad, whether creamy or vinegar-based, provides a cool and tangy counterpoint to the warmth of chili.
- Homemade Kettle Chips: Crispy kettle chips are perfect for dipping into chili or crumbling on top for added texture.
Fresh & Light: Balancing the Richness
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool and refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of chili.
classic coleslaw
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a healthy and refreshing contrast to the hearty chili. Consider adding fruit like pears for extra flavor.
- Broccoli Salad: Crunchy broccoli salad with a creamy dressing is another excellent way to add freshness and texture to your chili meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with dill and vinegar provides a light and tangy counterpoint.
- Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet and juicy contrast to the savory chili.
Fun & Unexpected Sides
- Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings offer a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that pairs surprisingly well with chili.
onion rings stack min
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side dish that’s loved by all ages.
- Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas, served with salsa or guacamole, offer a Tex-Mex twist and are a fun and interactive side.
chicken quesadilla triangles with shredded lettuce and lime wedge
- Chips and Salsa: A classic appetizer that also works as a great side dish, offering a crunchy and flavorful element.
- Pretzel Dogs: Pretzel dogs add a fun, salty, and savory element, especially if you dip them in chili!
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful side.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds a sweet and juicy element that complements chili, especially if your chili already contains corn.
- Pickles: Pickles offer a tangy and zesty crunch that can cut through the richness of chili.
Set Up a Chili Bar for the Ultimate Experience
For your next chili night, consider setting up a chili bar! Offer a variety of toppings and side dishes, allowing everyone to customize their perfect chili meal. This is a fantastic way to cater to different tastes and preferences and makes chili night even more fun and interactive.
No matter which chili side dishes you choose, remember the goal is to create a balanced and delicious meal. Experiment with different pairings and discover your own favorite combinations to serve with your amazing chili!
