Chili is a popular dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best options for sides to serve with chili.
We will cover everything from vegetables to grains to desserts! So, whether you are making chili for a party or just for your family, you will be able to find the perfect side dish to go with it.
Table of Contents
What vegetables go well with chili?
Some good vegetables to serve with chili are corn, green beans, and carrots. You could also serve a salad or some fruit as a side dish. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that will pair well with the flavors in the chili.
1. Bell Peppers
One great way to serve chili is with bell peppers. Bell peppers are a great side dish because they are healthy and flavorful. They can be roasted or grilled, which gives them a delicious smoky flavor. Or, you can sauté them in a little olive oil for a few minutes until they are soft.
2. Brussels Sprouts
These little cabbages are a great side dish for chili. They can be roasted, sautéed, or even grilled. If you want to get really creative, try roasting them with some bacon and maple syrup.
3. Cabbage Coleslaw
Cabbage coleslaw is the perfect side dish for chili. The cool, crunchy texture of the cabbage pairs perfectly with the spicy chili. Plus, it’s a healthy option that will fill you up without weighing you down.
4. Jalapenos and Cream Cheese
If you’re looking for a slightly decadent side dish to serve with your chili, jalapenos and cream cheese is the perfect option. The spicy jalapenos are balanced out by the creamy cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
5. Baked Beans
Baked beans are another classic side dish that goes great with chili. The beans are cooked in a delicious sauce, and they’re perfect for soaking up all the amazing flavors of the chili.
6. Lettuce Greens
Lettuce greens are a healthy and refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with chili. The mild flavor of the lettuce greens is a great contrast to the spicy chili, and they’re a perfect way to cool down your mouth after eating something hot.
7. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a delicious and fun side dish that goes great with chili. The crispy, fried onions add a wonderful crunch to the dish, and they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
8. Potatoes
Potatoes are a classic side dish to chili. They can be boiled, mashed, or roasted.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Chili and sweet potatoes are a perfect match! The sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the spices in chili. Try roasting them in the oven for a delicious side dish.
What kind of bread goes well with chili?
Bread is a classic side dish to serve with chili. You can’t go wrong with a bowl of warm, fresh bread to soak up all of that delicious chili goodness! There are many different types of breads that would be perfect for pairing with chili, such as baguettes, focaccia, ciabatta, or even a simple slice of white bread.
Baguettes are long, thin loaves of French bread that are traditionally made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
Focaccia is a type of Italian flatbread that is often seasoned with olive oil and herbs. Ciabatta is a white bread that originates from Italy and is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
White bread is a type of bread that is made from refined wheat flour and has a very mild flavor.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, why not try pairing chili with some naan or pita bread? Naan is an Indian flatbread that is typically made from white flour, yogurt, water, sugar, and baking soda. Pita bread is a type of flatbread that is popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
Cornbread
Cornbread is another great option to serve alongside chili. This Southern classic is the perfect complement to a hearty bowl of chili. Cornbread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when soaked in all of that rich chili flavor.
Brown Rice
One of the best side dishes to serve with chili is brown rice. It has a nutty flavor and pairs well with the spicy chili sauce. Plus, it’s a healthy grain that will fill you up without weighing you down.
Sour Cream and Cheese
Another great option for a side dish is sour cream and cheese. This combination is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up the chili sauce.
Fritos
If you’re looking for a crunchy side dish to go with your chili, look no further than Fritos. The salty chips are the perfect way to satisfy your craving while still enjoying all of the flavors of chili.
What To Serve With Chili – Best Side Dishes
1. Bacon Cheddar Cornbread
Bacon Cheddar Cornbread is the perfect way to round out your chili dinner. This cornbread is savory with a hint of sweetness and it’s studded with sharp cheddar cheese and bacon.
It’s easy to make and only takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Serve it warm with a dollop of butter for an extra special treat.
2. Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
These bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers are stuffed with cream cheese and cheddar, then wrapped in bacon and baked until crispy. Serve them as an appetizer or alongside your favorite chili recipe.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish to accompany chili. They’re easy to make and can be roasted in the oven while the chili is cooking.
Simply preheat your oven to 375 degrees F, then slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Then bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned around the edges.
4. Baked potato
Baked potato is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chili. For a fun twist, try loading your baked potato up with all of your favorite toppings.
5. Baked sweet potato
One great side to serve with chili is a baked sweet potato. This recipe from Skinny Taste is simple and healthy, and it will pair well with the spicy flavors of the chili.
Ingredients:
-sweet potatoes
-olive oil or cooking spray
-salt and pepper, to taste
-garlic powder, to taste
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thick wedges. Drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until tender. Serve alongside your chili!
6. Beef tacos
When it comes to chili, there are endless possibilities for what to serve as a side dish. But if you’re looking for something classic and easy, go with tacos.
Beef tacos from Betty Crocker are the perfect accompaniment to any chili meal. They’re simple to make and taste great, plus they provide some much-needed crunchy contrast to the chili’s creamy texture.
7. Spanish rice
For a heartier side dish, try serving your chili with a side of rice. This will help soak up some of the excess moisture from the chili and make it more filling.
Plus, rice is always a great option when you’re feeding a crowd. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making Spanish rice as your side dish.
This rice is cooked with tomatoes, onions, and green peppers for a bit of extra flavor.
8. Beer-Battered Onion Rings
When it comes to chili, there are endless possibilities for toppings and sides. But if you’re looking for something a little different to go with your chili, why not try beer-battered onion rings?
These onion rings are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping into your favorite sauce. Plus, they’re easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
-½ cup of all-purpose flour
-¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
-¾ cup of beer
-One large onion, cut into rings
-Oil for frying
Instructions:
To make the beer batter, mix together the flour, cayenne pepper, and beer until smooth. Place the onion rings into the batter, making sure each ring is well coated.
In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion rings to the hot oil and fry for about two minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
9. Chicken and cheese Quesadilla
Ingredients:
-Tortillas
-Shredded chicken
-Cheese
-Chili
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the tortillas on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle each tortilla with chicken, cheese, and chili. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Chicken Fajita
These chicken fajitas are the perfect healthy and delicious side dish to serve with your chili! They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and SO tasty.
Ingredients:
-chicken breasts, thinly sliced
-red bell pepper, thinly sliced
-yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
-orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
-onion, thinly sliced
-lime juice
-extra virgin olive oil
-sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine chicken breasts, bell peppers, onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Add chicken and vegetables to skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before using). Grill for about 12-15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are slightly charred.
11. Chips and Guacamole
One of my favorite things to serve with chili is chips and guacamole. Chips are the perfect vessel for scooping up all that delicious chili, and guacamole is always a crowd pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make at home so you can customize it however you like.
12. Chips and Queso
If you want a classic chili side, look no further than chips and queso. This dish is simple to make and can be tailored to your liking.
Add jalapenos for a spicy twist or keep it mild with just cheese and tortilla chips. Serve this dish with a big bowl of chili and watch it disappear!
13. Coleslaw
One of the best side dishes to serve with chili is coleslaw. Coleslaw is a simple dish made with shredded cabbage and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for soaking up the spicy flavors of chili.
14. Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
If you’re looking for a perfect side dish to serve with your chili, look no further than these Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries from Cookie and Kate. They’re healthy, delicious, and so easy to make!
Ingredients:
-sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin fries
-olive oil or avocado oil
-sea salt
-freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sweet potato fries in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Spread fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking time, or until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
15. Crispy Onion Rings
These crispy onion rings are the perfect side dish for your next chili night! They’re easy to make and taste delicious. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any extra onions you have lying around. Give them a try today!
16. Pita Chips
If you’re looking for a fun and easy side dish to serve with your chili, pita chips are a great option! All you need is a package of pita bread and some olive oil.
Simply brush the olive oil on the pitas, then bake them in the oven at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Once they’re crispy, cut them into wedges and serve with your chili.
17. Crispy Oven Baked Potato Skins
The perfect side to a big bowl of chili are these crispy oven baked potato skins! Filled with cheese, bacon and green onions, they’re the ultimate comfort food. Serve them up with a big dollop of sour cream on top and you’ll be in heaven!
18. Fresh Salad
Ingredients:
-Salad greens (I used a mix of romaine and red leaf lettuce)
-Half a red onion, diced
-A few handfuls of cherry tomatoes, halved
-Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
Directions:
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for later.
I always like to keep things simple when it comes to side dishes, and this Everyday Salad from Gimme Some Oven is one of my favorites. It’s easy to throw together and goes with just about anything.
19. Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This classic sandwich pairs well with chili because the grilled cheese is savory and the chili is spicy.
20. Ground beef nachos
Ground beef nachos are a great way to get your protein and vegetables in one dish. Serve them with refried beans, sour cream, and salsa for a complete meal.
21. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and pizza
They are all classic American dishes that are commonly served with chili. But there are plenty of other great side dishes that can be enjoyed with this popular dish.
22. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
This Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread from A Cozy Kitchen is the perfect side dish for chili! It’s cheesy, spicy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s really easy to make. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients:
-¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
-½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
-¾ cup (187ml) buttermilk*
-â…“ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
-² large eggs (100g), beaten lightly
-½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
-â…” cup (130g) all-purpose flour
-² teaspoons baking powder
-¼ teaspoon baking soda
-pinch of salt
-½ cup (57g) finely grated cheddar cheese
-12–14 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter and flour an eight-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the cheddar cheese and jalapeños.
Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow bread to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving warm.
23. Jalapeno Popper French Bread
If you’re looking for the perfect side dish to accompany your chili, look no further than this Jalapeno Popper French Bread from The Stay At Home Chef.
This delicious bread is stuffed with jalapenos, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, making it the perfect pairing for a hearty bowl of chili. Serve this bread warm with a side of ranch dressing for dipping and you’ll have everyone begging for more.
24. Margaritas
Chili and margaritas are a match made in heaven! This easy recipe for frozen margaritas from Gimme Some Oven is the perfect complement to a bowl of chili.
Simply combine tequila, lime juice, Triple Sec, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Garnish with lime slices and serve immediately.
Related: 37 Unique and Delicious Tequila Cocktails to Shake Up Your Next Party
25. Olive Garden Breadsticks
These breadsticks are the perfect complement to chili. They’re soft and fluffy on the inside with a crispy outer crust that’s coated in garlic butter.
26. Shredded Cheese
One of the best things to serve with chili is shredded cheese. The cheese will help to balance out the heat from the chili and add some extra flavor as well. Plus, it’s a pretty easy side dish to put together. Just grab a bowl of shredded cheese and set it on the table next to the chili.
27. Soft Pretzels
These are the BEST soft pretzels I have ever had! They are so easy to make and taste just like the ones you get at the mall. Serve them with a side of mustard for dipping and your guests will be in heaven!
Conclusion
So there you have it, some of the best side dishes to serve with chili. With so many delicious options to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect dish to accompany your next chili dinner. So get cooking and enjoy!
What to Serve with Chili: Coleslaw recipe
This coleslaw recipe is the perfect side dish for chili. It's quick and easy to make, and it goes great with any kind of chili recipe. Whether you're making a classic beef chili or something a little more exotic, this coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment. So give it a try next time you're whipping up a batch of chili! You won't be disappointed.
Ingredients
- Cabbage, shredded
- Carrots, grated
- Mayonnaise
- White vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 183Total Fat 17gSaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 9mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 2g
