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    Home » Recipes » Recipe Roundups

    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · 3 Comments

    What To Serve With Chili

    Jump to Recipe
    Pin image with text showing a bowl of chili..

    My best and favorite suggestions for what to serve with chili at a family get together, pot lucks, cookouts, or any occasion! Whether you cook it with beans or no beans, there are a variety of options that will compliment your favorite chili recipe perfectly!

    Square image of a bowl of chili.

    Chili has a distinct flavor that can be enjoyed all year round!

    When chili is done right, it's a warm and comforting dish. When watching the Superbowl, tailgating, hosting a cook-off, or throwing a backyard party, many people serve their chili with sides, bread, and appetizers in addition to the main dish.

    While chili is filling enough to be served on its own, no meal is complete without a few delectable side dishes to balance things out. Whether it's sweet cornbread or a zesty green salad, there's an unlimited list of options for serving with chili that will impress and delight you, your family, and your guests.

    Jump to:
    • 15+ Best Side Dishes for Chili
    • 1. Cornbread
    • 2. Sweet Potato Fries
    • 3. Nachos
    • 4. Grilled Cheese
    • 5. Mexican Rice
    • 6. Coleslaw
    • 7. Onion Rings
    • 8. Salad
    • 9. Chips and Guacamole
    • 10. Tacos
    • 11. Quesadilla
    • 12. Baked Potato
    • 13. Fried Pickles
    • 14. Fajitas
    • 15. Potato Skins
    • 📋 Recipe
    • What To Serve With Chili: Jalapeno Poppers (+More Great Recipes!)
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric
    • Instructions
    • 💬 Comments

    15+ Best Side Dishes for Chili

    Here are 15 of the best side dishes to serve with chili to elevate an ordinary meal to something special:

    1. Cornbread

    It may look ordinary, but cornbread is incredibly addictive. Cornbread is moist but also has a delicate, crumbly texture and is very versatile and simple to make. It goes really well with soups and stews but can be enjoyed by itself with just a drizzle of honey on top.

    Whether you want a cornbread that is sweet, savory, or even spicy, the options are nearly unlimited. Cornbread is definitely one of the most popular sides to serve with chili.

    Jiffy Jalapeno Cornbread
    This easy Jiffy jalapeno cornbread is a tasty Mexican-inspired cornbread combining the convenience of Jiffy corn muffin mix with jalapenos and more! Mix everything up in one bowl and transfer it into a baking dish or cast-iron skillet for perfect cornbread in no time at all!
    Check out this recipe
    Closeup on the cut Jiffy jalapeno cornbread.

    2. Sweet Potato Fries

    People of all ages love sweet potato fries. They're very tasty as well as a healthier option over French fries, especially if baked. In addition, sweet potato fries are an excellent way to get people to eat more vegetables. You can dip them in garlic aioli or even just plain ketchup.

    3. Nachos

    You can always count on nachos to be a hit, whether you're serving them to guests or just the family for dinner. Nachos can be done simply with queso or with as many toppings as you choose.

    With so many toppings to choose from, nachos make a great side dish to go with chili!

    Nachos Supreme
    Nachos Supreme is an easy snack meal. Add all of your favorite toppings for these nachos supreme that are better than any from Taco Bell! No one complains when I'm dishing up their servings of this ultimate baked beef nachos recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Loaded nachos supreme with nacho toppings.

    4. Grilled Cheese

    A hearty meal of grilled cheese and chili is a fantastic and delicious option if you're searching for something filling. Also, who can resist an excellent crunchy, buttered bread with delightful melted cheese to accompany their chili?

    Grilled cheese can be made with American cheese or any other cheese you prefer. Plus, it's fun to dip it!

    Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
    This air fryer grilled cheese is the most perfectly toasted bread around slices of stretchy, melted cheese! No more using American cheese for that gooey, cheesy center, as the air fryer melts everything evenly! You'll love how beginner-friendly this recipe is, and these delicious grilled cheese sandwiches are ready to serve in just 10 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    wide straight on view of the air fryer grilled cheese sandwiches stacked.

    5. Mexican Rice

    You can serve Mexican Rice as a delicious side with chicken, seafood, steaks, and many other entrees, especially chili. Mexican rice can be made by simply sautéing white rice with other ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, and onions.

    Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
    Restaurant Style Mexican Rice recipe that delivers that authentic flavor is hard to find, but this recipe may just be the best! This rice is so good, you'll be back for more! It has just enough of a hint of spicy, and a deliciously rich tomato flavor too. I'll use any Mexican-inspired dinner night as an excuse to fry this fabulous Mexican rice up!
    Check out this recipe
    Delicious better than restaurant quality Mexican rice is easy to make at home!

    6. Coleslaw

    A zesty coleslaw is a perfect companion to a hearty and delicious chili, as it can definitely help balance out the flavors of the dish. It's cool and creamy, the perfect side to counteract warm, meaty chili.

    In only a few minutes, you can create your coleslaw at home, and it's very inexpensive.

    Southern Coleslaw
    Southern coleslaw is a classic quick and easy side dish with crunchy veggies that are tossed with a flavorful, creamy dressing! It's the perfect addition to sandwiches, tacos, fried fish, and so much more. This Southern coleslaw isn’t just for the summertime—it’s great for anytime you want a quick, delicious side!
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of Southern coleslaw in a white bowl.

    7. Onion Rings

    Crunchy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser. You can serve them during the Super Bowl with your best chili, and your guests will be very impressed.

    They're a classic crispy snack and a favorite among individuals of all ages.

    Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings
    I'm absolutely loving these Air Fryer Frozen Onion Rings for how incredibly easy and super crispy they turn out in just minutes! The ease of getting as-good-as-deep-fried foods in these air fryers is just amazing. I love the ease of cleanup and both hubby and I love these perfectly crisped onion rings with a big, juicy burger!!
    Check out this recipe
    large square image of crispy air fryer frozen onion rings stacked 8 high with dip on the side.

    8. Salad

    Salads have an infinite number of possibilities and options. When you eat them, you get fresh greens and a guilt-free experience. You can go with plain greens dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, or you can go for a salad loaded with extras.

    Salads are great since they go well with almost everything, even chili.

    Turkey Chef Salad
    This delightful Turkey Chef Salad is a post-holiday take on the classic Chef Salad! Layers of leftover turkey, bacon, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, hard boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, and croutons are set on a generous bed of fresh lettuce! It's the perfect light lunch or dinner meal after all of the rich foods from the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    overhead image of the chef salad in a large white serving bowl on a grey wooden background as the larger featured image

    9. Chips and Guacamole

    Tortilla chips and guacamole are always a great combination. Crispy, salty, and surprisingly easy to make, they pair perfectly with chili. Because everyone loves chips and guacamole, you'll frequently see them at gatherings.

    Guacamole (How To Make The Best Ever Guacamole!)
    This incredibly easy homemade Guacamole is the perfect combination of creamy avocado, lime, fresh cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, and diced red onion that is seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika! Seriously tasty and addictive flavors from wonderfully fresh ingredients!
    Check out this recipe
    large square image with bowl of guacamole and tortilla chips.

    10. Tacos

    Everybody loves tacos because they can be loaded with almost anything from meat to seafood, they can even be vegetarian. Tacos can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and pair well with just about any dish.

    They're wonderful, and they pair perfectly with chili!

    Tacos Dorados
    Tacos Dorados, or 'Golden Tacos' the taco shell is so amazing, that you will never buy hard taco shells again! Get ready to eat more than your fill when you make these crispy tacos.
    Check out this recipe
    Square image of tacos dorados.

    11. Quesadilla

    One of Mexican cuisine's most popular appetizers, the quesadilla is a tortilla stuffed with cheese and sometimes other ingredients before being fried on a griddle or stove. Traditionally, corn tortillas are used.

    However, you can also use flour tortillas if that is what you prefer. They're wonderful with chili and can be served anytime throughout the year.

    Corn Tortilla Quesadillas
    Corn Tortilla Quesadillas combine the wonderful texture of corn tortillas with melted cheese and your favorite quesadilla fillings! Serve them with your favorite salsas, guac, or sour cream for a cheesy snack, appetizer, or quick meal that the whole family will love!
    Check out this recipe
    Corn tortilla quesadillas sliced and served with pico de gallo.

    12. Baked Potato

    The combination of a perfect meal is a big warm bowl of chili with a buttery baked potato on the side. It's impossible to resist a perfectly baked potato with crispy skin and fluffy insides, and dinner is not complete with them.

    You're baked potatoes are also great when topped with ingredients like bacon, sour cream, and chives.

    Smoked Baked Potato
    This super easy Smoked Baked Potato is the ultimate potato side to serve with your smoked chicken, brisket, pork, smoked beef roast, or smoked prime rib! It couldn't be easier to prep your potatoes and let them smoke alongside your fabulous protein for an amazing dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    Large square image of tasty smoked baked potato with butter.

    13. Fried Pickles

    Fried pickles are utterly irresistible. Salty and crispy, you won't be able to stop eating them. They're great as a game-day snack or to pair with chili, but make sure you make plenty because your guest will surely keep coming back for more.

    Air Fryer Pickles
    Fantastically crispy Air Fryer Pickles are a delicious and healthier way to enjoy this popular fried dill pickle appetizer! The whole family loves the crunchy Panko bread crumb coating on this tangy dill pickle snack! Serve it up with your favorite dipping sauce for a 'better than' deep fried dill pickles treat!
    Check out this recipe
    Air fryer pickles in a picnic basket, being dipped in sauce.

    14. Fajitas

    A fajita is a wonderful grilled meat dish that is served with flour or corn tortillas along with grilled peppers and onions. When served as an accompaniment to a chili bowl, fajitas are much better than they are on their own.

    Fajitas can be elevated when topped with guacamole and pico de gallo.

    Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
    Easy Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas are filled with amazingly tasty, tender pieces of beef! Use your family's favorite fajita veggies like these bell peppers, red and orange bell peppers, onion, jalapeno and cilantro with lime and seasoning for the perfect weeknight dinner!
    Check out this recipe
    These sheet pan steak fajitas are an easy to make family meal!

    15. Potato Skins

    Whether it's game day, birthday, or sleepovers, potato skins are a crowd-pleaser anywhere. Serve these alongside chili, and your guests will undoubtedly enjoy themselves.

    You can even choose any toppings you like and be creative with them. Finally, potato skins are very simple to make.

    Air Fryer Potato Skins
    These air fryer potato skins are an incredibly easy way to make perfectly crispy potato skins at home! Bake your potatoes in advance or use leftover baked potatoes for these fan-favorite appetizers that are perfect as a snack, for entertaining, or for Super Bowl parties!
    Check out this recipe
    Potato skins on a white plate.

    Everything on this list is excellent on its own, but even better when served next to a steaming bowl of chili. Given the robust flavors of chili and the fact that virtually any dish can complement it, there are an plenty of possibilities for side dishes you can consider.

    Chili is an undeniably popular and tasty comfort food, and there are many different ways to prepare it.

    The best thing about chili is that it is not only quick and easy to cook, but it can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Then, all you have to do is heat it and serve it alongside your favorite side dishes.

    We hope with our help, you've come up with the perfect accompaniments for what to eat with chili! If there are any sides that we didn't mention here you like to have with your chili, drop us a comment below and tell us about it!

    Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📋 Recipe

    Square image of a bowl of chili.
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    5 from 12 reviews

    What To Serve With Chili: Jalapeno Poppers (+More Great Recipes!)

    My best and favorite suggestions for what to serve with chili at a family get together, pot lucks, cookouts, or any occasion! Whether you cook it with beans or no beans, there are a variety of options that will compliment your favorite chili recipe perfectly!
    Author | Angela
    Servings: 8 poppers
    Calories: 96kcal
    Prep 5 minutes
    Cooking 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook

    Ingredients
     

    • 3 tablespoon sour cream
    • 4 oz cream cheese (softened, room temperature)
    • 2 teaspoon lemon juice (¼ lemon fresh squeezed)
    • 3 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
    • 1 tablespoon chives
    • each, salt & pepper (to taste)
    • 4 jalapeno peppers (sliced in half lengthwise, remove the seeds if desired)
    • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
    • parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
    • lemon zest (optional garnish)

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C) and coat your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil.
    • Combine sour cream, cream cheese, lemon juice, bacon, chives, and salt & pepper in a small to medium bowl.
      3 tablespoon sour cream, 4 oz cream cheese, 2 teaspoon lemon juice, 3 slices bacon, 1 tablespoon chives, each, salt & pepper
    • Arrange sliced jalapeno halves in your baking dish. Divide filling mixture evenly between jalapeno halves, spooning the mixture into each pepper. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the filled poppers.
      4 jalapeno peppers, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
    • Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top of the filling is golden on the edges and the jalapenos have reached your desired level of tenderness.
    • Garnish with chopped parsley and/or lemon zest (if desired). Serve immediately.
      parsley, lemon zest

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal (5%) | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g (4%) | Fat: 9g (14%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg (8%) | Sodium: 114mg (5%) | Potassium: 63mg (2%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 1g (1%) | Vitamin A: 318IU (6%) | Vitamin C: 9mg (11%) | Calcium: 28mg (3%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
    chili side dishes, jalapeno poppers, what to serve with chili
    Course Appetizer, Appetizers, Seafood
    Cuisine American
    author profile photo
    Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

    Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

    bakeitwithlove.com/about/
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Johnny says

      October 14, 2022 at 12:20 am

      What about rice or spaghetti. M even fritos n Doritos

      Reply
    2. Robert says

      September 24, 2022 at 4:00 pm

      If you don’t have cinnamon rolls in the top 2, have you even lived?

      Reply
      • Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says

        September 24, 2022 at 9:03 pm

        Sounds delicious as a great dessert idea!

        Reply

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