What To Serve With Chili 15 Best Side Dishes To Eat With Chili Dinners

Jump to Recipe 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!

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

Cornbread
Sweet Potato Fries
Nachos
Grilled Cheese
Mexican Rice
Coleslaw
Onion Rings
Salad
Chips and Guacamole
Tacos
Quesadilla
Baked Potato
Fried Pickles
Fajitas
Potato Skins 📋 Recipe 💬 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:

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

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.
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

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!

Check out this recipe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Super Bowl parties!

Check out this recipe

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!

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📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 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 US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 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)

InstructionsPreheat 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 & pepperArrange 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 cheeseBake 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 NutritionCalories: 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, SeafoodCuisine AmericanAngela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela 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/

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.

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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!)

Check out this recipe

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

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.

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.

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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

Check out this recipe

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!

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Leave A Comment Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It! 5 from 12 reviews

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

Author | Angela

Servings: 8 poppers Calories: 96kcal Prep 5 minutes Cooking 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.comAngela 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/

Love This Recipe?Click On A Star To Rate It!

5 from 12 reviews

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

Author | Angela

Servings: 8 poppers

Calories: 96kcal

Prep 5 minutes

Cooking 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric1x2x3x▢ 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)

Nutrition

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!

Course Appetizer, Appetizers, SeafoodCuisine American

US CustomaryMetric

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!)#

Nutrition#

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!)

Nutrition