What are the best side dishes to serve with chili dinner? Enjoy our bowl of chili on a chili night accompanied by the perfect side dish found in this list.
Looking for your next favorite chili recipe?
This easy beanless low-carb chili recipe is for those who love chili but don't love beans or the carbs that come with them! Full of protein and all the flavors of a traditional chili this easy chili recipe will sure to become a family favorite.
Best side dishes to serve with chili:
Baked potatoes
Large potatoes that are baked until their skin turns crispy, while the inside becomes fluffy and soft. They can be topped with various ingredients like butter, sour cream, cheese, or bacon bits.
Black beans and white rice
A classic combination of tender black beans cooked with flavorful spices and served alongside fluffy white rice. It offers a satisfying and nutritious accompaniment to chili.
Caesar salad
A refreshing salad made with crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing, and garnished with crunchy croutons and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cheesy breadsticks
Long, thin breadsticks that are baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with melted cheese. They are an irresistible combination of chewy bread and gooey cheese.
Cheddar biscuits
Fluffy, buttery biscuits made with cheddar cheese for an extra savory kick. These biscuits are a delightful side to enjoy with chili, adding a touch of cheesy goodness.
Coleslaw
A cold salad made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing. It provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich and spicy flavors of chili.
Cornbread
A moist and slightly sweet bread made with cornmeal. It has a crumbly texture and a golden crust, making it a classic companion to chili. Cornbread has been a chili side dish staple for decades!
Corn on the cob
Fresh ears of sweet corn that are boiled, grilled, or roasted until tender. They can be slathered with butter and sprinkled with salt, offering a deliciously sweet and juicy side dish. Corn is quick and easy to make and is the perfect side for your game day chili!
Corn pudding
A rich and creamy casserole made with sweet corn kernels, eggs, milk, and butter. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a soft, custard-like texture.
Cream Cheese and Chive Deviled Eggs
Cream Cheese and Chive Deviled Eggs are a delightful appetizer that combines the classic charm of deviled eggs with the creaminess and tanginess of cream cheese. Imagine perfectly boiled eggs, halved lengthwise, with their vibrant yellow yolks delicately removed.
Cucumber and tomato salad
A light and refreshing salad consisting of sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. It adds a cool and crisp element to balance the heat of a bowl of chili.
Fruit salad
Fruit salad is a vibrant and refreshing medley of various fruits, carefully prepared and combined to create a colorful and enticing dish. It's a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas that celebrate the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh fruits.
French fries
French fries are a beloved and iconic side dish made from sliced and deep-fried potatoes. They are known for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, creating a delightful contrast of textures.
Garlic bread
Slices of bread that are buttered, seasoned with garlic, and toasted until golden and aromatic. It's a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with a chili dinner.
Green salad with ranch dressing
A fresh medley of mixed greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula, tossed with a creamy and tangy ranch dressing. It provides a light and tangy counterpart to the hearty chili.
Grilled cheese sandwich
Grilled cheese is a classic and comforting sandwich that consists of melted cheese sandwiched between two slices of bread. The combination of melted cheese and toasted bread creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Sous vide grilled vegetables
Assorted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms, that are grilled to perfection. They offer a smoky and charred flavor, enhancing the overall meal. Sous vide fajita vegetables will change the way you make fajitas! Full of flavor, crisp, tender and charred all at the same time.
Guacamole and tortilla chips
A creamy and flavorful dip made from mashed avocados, onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and spices. It's served with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying and zesty accompaniment.
Hot dogs
Hot dogs are a great side dish for your chili night with friends! They add an element of comfort and pair well with the flavors of chili. You can serve hotdogs in buns or on their own, and they can be grilled, boiled, or pan-fried according to your preference.
Jalapeno poppers
Spicy jalapeno peppers stuffed with cheese, breaded, and fried until crispy and make a great easy side dish. They provide a spicy and cheesy kick that complements the robust flavors of chili.
Macaroni and cheese
Elbow macaroni pasta coated in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It's a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs well with the heartiness of chili.
Mexican rice
A flavorful rice dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, spices, and sometimes mixed with vegetables. It adds a savory and aromatic element to the meal as an appetizer or side.
Mexican street corn
Grilled corn on the cob coated with a mixture of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. It's a popular street food known for its smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and various toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapenos. They provide a crunchy, cheesy, and customizable side option.
Onion rings
Slices of onion coated in a crispy batter and deep-fried until golden brown. They offer a crispy and savory accompaniment to chili. Or you can make air fryer onion rings.
Pico de Gallo
A fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, lime juice, and seasonings. It adds a bright and tangy flavor to complement the robustness of chili.
Potato skins
Potato skins are a savory and crispy appetizer that starts with baked or fried potato halves. The potato skins have a satisfyingly crisp exterior that gives way to a tender and fluffy interior.
Quesadillas
Tortillas filled with melted cheese and often other ingredients like grilled vegetables, chicken, or beef. They are cooked until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, resulting in a deliciously cheesy and satisfying side dish.
Refried beans
Cooked pinto or black beans that are mashed and fried with onions, garlic, and spices. They have a creamy and savory consistency, making them a popular side dish in Mexican cuisine.
Rice pilaf
Fragrant rice dish cooked with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and various herbs and spices. It adds a fluffy and flavorful component to the meal.
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts that are seasoned, drizzled with oil, and roasted until caramelized and crispy on the outside. They offer a nutty and savory taste that complements chili. Another delicious option would be my sheet pan smashed Brussels sprouts.
Sautéed mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms cooked in butter or oil until tender and golden. They provide a rich and earthy flavor that pairs well with the heartiness of chili.
Steamed broccoli
Tender broccoli florets that are steamed until they become bright green and slightly crunchy. They add a nutritious and vibrant element to the meal.
Stuffed bell peppers
Bell peppers hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, ground meat, cheese, and other ingredients. They are baked until tender and offer a flavorful and colorful side dish.
Sweet potato fries
Thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are baked or fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They provide a slightly sweet and satisfying alternative to regular fries.
Tortilla soup
A flavorful soup made with a tomato-based broth, shredded chicken, vegetables, and tortilla strips. It offers a warm and comforting option to enjoy alongside chili.
FAQ's and Tips
Transform your leftover chili into a mouthwatering plate of chili nachos. Simply spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon the chili over the chips, and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finish with your favorite toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, guacamole, and sour cream. The result is a delicious and satisfying snack or appetizer.
Give your leftover chili a new life by using it to make the best stuffed bell peppers. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Fill each pepper with a generous portion of chili and place them in a baking dish. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. For an extra touch, top the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking. This creates a flavorful and wholesome meal.
Bell peppers: Whether they are red, green, or yellow, bell peppers add a sweet and crisp element to chili. They also provide vibrant colors to the dish.
Onions: Onions are a staple in chili recipes as they add a savory and aromatic flavor. They can be diced or sliced and cooked alongside the meat or added as a topping.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are often included in chili recipes as they contribute acidity and richness to the dish. You can use fresh tomatoes, or canned diced tomatoes and they will go with chili.
There are various types of meat that can be used in chili, depending on personal preference and regional variations. Here are some common meats used in chili recipes including beef chili and white chicken chili:
Ground Beef: Ground beef is a popular choice for chili, providing a hearty and rich flavor. It's commonly used in classic chili con carne recipes.
Ground Turkey: Ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. It adds a mild flavor and works well in lighter or healthier versions of chili.
Steak: Cubed or diced beef steak can be used to add tenderness and a meaty texture to chili. It's a great option for those who enjoy chunks of meat in their chili.
Pork: Pork can be used in chili, either as ground pork or diced pork shoulder or tenderloin. It adds a slightly sweet and rich flavor.
White Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken can be a delicious and lighter option for chili. It pairs well with a variety of spices and seasonings.
Sausage: Different types of sausages, such as spicy or smoked sausages, can be sliced or crumbled and added to
I am Sarah Mock. Welcome!
Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 15 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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