What To Serve With Chili

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Here are my top 30+ ideas for What To Serve With Chili! Plus, I’ve added 20 bonus chili topping ideas! When it comes to hearty and comforting meals, chili undoubtedly reigns supreme. Its rich, spicy, and savory flavors make it a go-to dish for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in, especially during football season. But what else do you eat with chili?

 

Let’s Start With Chili Toppings

Here’s a list of 20 common chili toppings you can use to enhance the flavor and texture of your favorite chili recipe:

1. Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
2. Sour Cream
3. Guacamole
4. Mexican Street Corn Guacamole
5. Chopped Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Parsley or Basil
6. Sliced Fresh Tomatoes
7. Diced Avocado or Avocado Slices
8. Diced Red or Green Bell Peppers
9. Sliced Jalapeños
10. Sliced Green Onions
11. Chopped Red Onions
12. Lime Wedges
13. Sliced Black Olives
14. Shredded Lettuce
15. Hot Sauce
16. Pico de Gallo
17. Crumbled Bacon
18. Crushed Tortilla Chips
19. Cornbread Croutons
20. Saltine Crackers

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique chili masterpiece! And always be sure to add more chili powder as needed!

What Makes the Best Side Dishes for Chili

The best side dishes for chili make the whole meal feel a little more complete. Since chili is hearty, rich, and packed with bold flavors, I like pairing it with something that brings a little balance and variety to the plate.

• Balances the flavors: Chili has plenty of bold seasoning, so a side with fresh, mild, or slightly sweet flavors can help balance everything out.
• Adds a different texture: A bowl of chili is soft and saucy, so adding something crisp, crunchy, creamy, or fluffy makes each bite more interesting.
• Complements the chili: The best sides fit naturally with the flavors already in the bowl. Think ingredients that pair well with beans, meat, tomatoes, spices, and cheese.
• Makes the meal more filling: Sometimes a bowl of chili needs a little extra to make it feel like a full dinner. A hearty side can add more substance to the meal without taking away from the chili.
• Fits the occasion: For a simple weeknight dinner, I like keeping the sides easy and fuss-free. When I’m serving chili for game day or a casual get-together, it’s fun to have a few shareable options everyone can grab.

Which Side Dishes for Chili Should You Serve?

Chili is one of those cozy meals that always feels better with a few good sides on the table. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chili when you want to round out the meal.

Bread and Baked Favorites

Warm bread is always a good idea with chili. These sides are perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili and making the meal feel extra cozy.

• Cornbread – A classic pairing that belongs at any chili dinner.
• Homemade Crescent Rolls – Soft, buttery, and easy to serve with a warm bowl of chili.
• Biscuits – Fluffy, comforting, and great for dunking.
• Garlic Bread – A savory option that brings plenty of garlic flavor to the table.

Fresh and Crisp Sides

A fresh side can bring some balance to a hearty chili dinner. These options add crisp textures and lighter flavors to the meal.

• Coleslaw – Cool, crunchy, and refreshing next to a warm bowl of chili.
• Green Salad – A simple way to add fresh vegetables to your plate.
• Cucumber Salad – Crisp and refreshing, especially for a lighter chili dinner.
• Fruit Salad – A naturally sweet option that adds a fresh contrast to the meal.
• Broccoli Salad – Crunchy, creamy, and packed with fresh flavor.

Crispy and Crunchy Favorites

Chili is soft and saucy, so I love adding something crispy to the table. These are especially fun for casual dinners, game days, and gatherings.

• Homemade Kettle Chips – A crunchy side that’s easy to grab between bites.
• French Fries – A classic choice for anyone who loves a crispy side.
• Sweet Potato Fries – A slightly sweet option that pairs nicely with savory chili.
• Pickles – Crisp and tangy for a quick bite between spoonfuls.

Comfort Food Sides

Sometimes a bowl of chili calls for something extra hearty. These comforting sides can make dinner feel more filling and satisfying.

• Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Rich and comforting with plenty of garlic flavor.
• Baked Potato – A simple option that works especially well with hearty chili.
• Potato Salad – A creamy, filling side that works well for casual gatherings.
• Rice– An easy staple that can make a bowl of chili go a little further.

Corn Favorites

Corn is a natural match for chili, bringing a little sweetness to the meal. These options are great for adding a pop of color and a familiar favorite to the table.

• Corn Casserole – Warm, soft, and comforting.
• Corn on the Cob – A simple choice that feels right at home at a casual chili dinner.

Fun Sides for Sharing

When you’re serving chili to family or friends, I like having a few easy-to-share options on the table. These sides make the meal feel more casual and give everyone something to snack on.

• Quesadillas – Cheesy, crispy, and easy to cut into pieces for sharing.
• Chips and Salsa – A simple snack that can be enjoyed before dinner or alongside the chili.
• Pretzel Dogs – A fun choice for game day or a casual gathering.

Tips for Choosing What to Serve With Chili

You don’t need a table full of side dishes to make chili dinner feel complete. A few well-chosen options are usually all you need.

• Balance the meal: Chili is already hearty, so adding something fresh or light can help round everything out.
• Mix up the textures: Pair the soft, saucy texture of chili with something crisp or crunchy for a little contrast.
• Keep the menu simple: Try choosing one warm side and one fresh or cool side. It’s an easy way to create variety without making dinner feel overwhelming.
• Think about the occasion: For a weeknight meal, keep things simple and fuss-free. Hosting friends or family? Add a few easy-to-share options that everyone can enjoy. For summer gatherings, fresh sides can keep the meal feeling light and seasonal.

The Full List of What to Serve With Chili (30+ Chili Side Dish Ideas!)

Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here’s a list of over 30 different side dishes you can serve with a big bowl of chili:

Cornbread: A classic choice, cornbread is a perfect match for soaking up the chili juices. You can make this from a store-bought mix, but I hope you try my homemade cornbread recipe.

Corn Casserole: Cornbread’s buttery, creamier cousin…corn casserole is another fantastic side dish for chili.

Onion Rings: Contrast your thick and creamy chili with crispy onion rings.

Homemade Kettle Chips: Serve a bowl of crispy kettle chips for dipping or crumbling over the chili.

Baked Potato: A baked potato topped with sour cream, chives, and cheese can be a hearty side. Take it easy and make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes!

Sweet Potato Fries: My air fryer version still delivers that sweet and savory flavor combo we love in sweet potatoes.

French Fries: Try my air fryer french fries or doctored up frozen fries with garlic butter!

Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds a sweet contrast to the spicy chili. Many people actually include corn IN their chili, so it’s definitely the perfect side dish.

Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw is a cool, refreshing side dish that provides contrast to the heat of the chili.

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread or garlic knots are a tasty accompaniment.

Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, fruit, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of chili.

Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting and indulgent side.

Homemade Crescent Rolls – This no-knead recipe with knock the socks off your guests, especially when served with your famous chili!

Cucumber Salad: A cucumber salad with dill and vinegar is a great way to provide a refreshing contrast.

Quesadillas: Cheesy quesadillas with a side of salsa and guacamole are a hit with chili.

Chips and Salsa: A selection of tortilla chips and various salsas can be a great appetizer or delicious side dish.

Biscuits: Flaky biscuits make for a comforting side dish and a fun twist if you don’t have cornbread. If you’re in a hurry, take help from the store and try my garlic and herb Pull-Apart Biscuits.

Potato Salad: A classic potato salad with a creamy dressing can be a satisfying side.

Pretzel Dogs: Chili and hot dogs are basically a married couple. Add in the salty pretzel and you’ve got a match made in heaven.

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus can add a healthy touch to your meal.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic are a comforting choice.

Pickles: These can add a zesty and tangy element to your chili meal.

Broccoli Salad: Crunchy and cold broccoli salad compliments chili by providing a contrast in texture and offering a cooling effect.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can be a light and fruity side option.

Rice: White rice or brown rice is a great side dish that compliments chili nicely.

Homemade Bread Bowls: Give your chili a creative presentation by serving it in a homemade bread bowl! It can make a boring bowl of chili feel special and can be a great option for parties.

What Main Dishes to Serve With Chili Sides

These chili side dishes can easily fit into other casual meals too. Here are a few simple pairings to help you put together a well-rounded spread for family dinners, cookouts, or gatherings.

• Chicken Parmesan Burgers→ Coleslaw + potato salad + pickles
• Blue Cheese Burger → Onion rings + homemade kettle chips + fruit salad
• Honey BBQ Chicken → Corn casserole + roasted vegetables + garlic bread
• Crockpot Pulled Pork → Coleslaw + baked potato + corn on the cob
• Balsamic Grilled Chicken → Green salad + rice + roasted vegetables

Choose a combination of these side dishes based on your preferences and the occasion, and you’ll have a delicious and satisfying chili meal. Want to have a real crowd pleaser? Set up a chili bar for your next chili night and offer a variety of different toppings and side dishes to complement your main dish – CHILI!

If you make these recipes, I would really appreciate it if you would give them a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.