When it comes to what to serve with chili, there are so many great toppings and side dish options! This collection of recipes includes some of our favorite chili side dishes that go way beyond just cornbread!
Jump to:
- Chili Toppings
- Ang's Tips
- Chili Side Dishes
- 1. Cheesy Cornbread
- 2. Fruit Salad
- 3. Baked Potato
- 4. Bacon Puff Pastry Twists
- 5. Cheddar Bacon Scones
- 6. French Fries
- 7. Homemade Bread Bowls
- 8. Rice and Beans
- 9. Caesar Salad
- 10. Garlic Cheese Bombs
- 11. Breaded Onion Rings
- 12. Grilled Cheese
- 14. Cheesy Breadsticks
- 15. Cinnamon Rolls
- 16. Cheese Quesadillas
- 17. Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- 18. Soft Pretzels
- 19. Stuffed Jalapenos
- 20. Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
- 21. Mac and Cheese
- 22. Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits
- Our Favorite Chili Recipes
- How to Use Chili Leftovers
- More Great Recipes
- 💬 Comments
With its hearty mix of spices and tomato goodness, chili is just good ole comfort food at its best. Sure you could just serve chili by itself, but where's the fun in that? In fact, sometimes the chili side dishes and toppings are the best part!
Whether you're planning a cozy dinner, game day lunch with friends, or just have a chili craving, we've got you covered. Here are more than 20 delicious dishes everyone will love, plus ideas for the best chili toppings, too.
Chili Toppings
Serve your chili with all your favorite toppings such as:
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese or other shredded cheese
- jalapeño slices
- avocado chunks or guacamole
- tortilla chips or tortilla strips
- pickled red onions
- crispy bacon
- hot sauce or chili pepper flakes
- finely diced red onion
- fresh cilantro or green onions
In my house, we often serve chili over pasta, egg noodles, or even mac and cheese!
Ang's Tips
Here are a few tips if you're serving chili for a crowd:
- Place your chili and other hot dishes into crockpots or chafing dishes to stay warm.
- Set out plenty of bowls and spoons, as well as small plates, forks, and knives. Don't forget the napkins.
- Keep extras like cheese and sour cream cold by placing them in a small dish, then set that into a larger bowl filled with ice. (This inflatable serving bar works great for condiments, toppings, and drinks.
- Be prepared with some inexpensive storage containers you can fill with leftovers and send home with guests, or pop into the freezer.
Chili Side Dishes
There are so many great side dish recipes that go with chili, but these are my 20 favorites. You can even mix and match some of them, especially if you're having a chili bar or game day spread.
1. Cheesy Cornbread
Cornbread might be the number one thing you think of when it comes to what to serve with chili. There are as many different ways to make cornbread as there are ways to make chili!
Cheesy Cornbread from Juggling Act Mama:
Homemade cornbread might just be the perfect side dish for any chili dinner. It's a classic!
It's a popular choice for good reason - chili and cornbread were just made to go together!
You can also use this recipe to make cornbread muffins.
More Corn Bread Recipes
- Homemade Cornmeal Muffins from The Typical Mom
- Jalapeno Cornbread from Will Cook for Smiles
- Bacon Corn Bread from Mama Gourmand
2. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a great way to add some freshness and sweetness to your chili supper.
Honey Lime Fruit Salad from Juggling Act Mama:
Fruit salad is the perfect healthy side to go with a hearty meal of chili.
Everyone raves about the amazing taste of our honey lime dressing on this delicious salad.
3. Baked Potato
Baked Potatoes from Juggling Act Mama:
Is it still a side dish if you put your chili on top of it?!
I love serving baked potatoes (or baked sweet potatoes) as part of my chili bar and watching my friends and family load them up in different ways.
4. Bacon Puff Pastry Twists
Chili and bacon go hand-in-hand oftentimes and this recipe is always a winner!
Bacon Puff Pastry Twists from Juggling Act Mama:
If you want to take your tailgating party to the next level, serve your chili with these flaky puff pastry breadsticks wrapped with bacon! It's a super easy side dish that really has the "wow-factor!"
5. Cheddar Bacon Scones
If you love baking bread, this is the recipe for you!
Bacon Cheddar Scones from Juggling Act Mama:
When it comes to the best comfort food, you can't get much better than chili, unless you're serving it with these scratch-made savory cheese and bacon scones.
6. French Fries
What's better than dipping your fries into spicy chili?!
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries from Kristine's Kitchen
Add a fun twist to your chili night with crispy French Fries.
They make the perfect sidekick to a steaming bowl of chili!
More French Fry Recipes
- Oven Baked Curly French Fries from Gluten Free Homestead
- Air Fryer French Fries from Recipes from a Pantry by Bintu
- Zucchini Fries with Parmesan Cheese from The Suburban Soapbox
7. Homemade Bread Bowls
Homemade Bread Bowls from Walking on Sunshine:
Again, this isn't exactly a side dish but it sure is delicious!
Try something new with dinner this week and serve your homemade chili in these easy bread bowls made from frozen bread dough!
8. Rice and Beans
5-Minute Easy Rice and Beans from Two Healthy Kitchens:
This rice with black beans is both super fast and super adaptable - easy to switch up the seasonings based on the flavor profile of your chili! It also relies on pantry staples that are a cinch to keep on hand, so you can throw it together at a moment's notice!
More Rice and Beans
- Black Bean Corn Salad with Rice from Salt & Lavender
- Spanish Rice | Mexican Rice from Flavor Mosaic
- Cilantro Lime White Rice from Moore or Less Cooking
9. Caesar Salad
Green salads are another delicious way to add freshness to an otherwise heavy meal.
Caesar Salad from Juggling Act Mama:
This fresh salad with creamy Caesar dressing makes a great side dish for chili. The best part is that it only takes a few minutes to whip it up. It's a great way to counterbalance a hearty bowl of chili.
More Salad Recipes
- Creamy Cucumber Salad with Sour Cream from Wholesome Yum
- Southwest Chopped Salad from Juggling Act Mama
- Brussels Sprouts Salad from Wendy Polosi
10. Garlic Cheese Bombs
Garlic Cheese Bombs from Juggling Act Mama:
These mozzarella stuffed rolls are brushed with butter and Italian seasoning and baked until golden brown.
I love cheese and these are one of my all-time favorite finger foods!
More Breads, Rolls & Biscuits
- Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Swirl Bread Loaf from Piper Cooks
- Texas Roadhouse Rolls from Juggling Act Mama
- Garlic Knots from Noshing with the Nolands
11. Breaded Onion Rings
Onion Rings from Juggling Act Mama:
Like French fries, onion rings make a great dippable side dish for chili - especially on game day! Forget the potato chips and make a big batch of these instead.
You could also try these Easy Onions Strings from Miss in The Kitchen to add a little crunch on top of your chili!
12. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese and tomato soup pair perfectly, so why not try it with chili?
Avocado Grilled Cheese from Juggling Act Mama:
The next time you make your favorite chili, whip up these simple grilled cheese sandwiches with avocado. It's the perfect way to help balance out a bowl of spicy chili.
14. Cheesy Breadsticks
Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks from Valerie's Kitchen:
Grab some pizza dough and make these deliciously cheesy breadsticks - one of the best side dishes to go with a big bowl of chili!
These Italian breadsticks are delicious, too.
15. Cinnamon Rolls
Easy Cinnamon Rolls from Scratch from Sally's Baking Recipes:
Now this one threw me for a loop, but did you know that many restaurants serve cinnamon rolls with their chili?!? It might seem like the odd couple, but it's actually a perfect pairing!
16. Cheese Quesadillas
Like grilled cheese, quesadillas are deliciously dippable with any kind of chili!
Cheese Quesadillas from The Recipe Rebel:
Melty mozzarella cheese quesadillas with peppers and chili powder make for tasty sides the whole family will gobble up.
17. Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread
There's a definite theme here of bread and cheese, but it's not without merit!
Cheesy Air Fryer Garlic Bread from The Belly Rules the Mind:
This crispy and perfectly toasted air fryer garlic bread is perfect as a side with a hot bowl of soup or chili.
This easy air fryer recipe takes less than 5 minutes!
More Garlic Bread Recipes
- Calabrian Chili Garlic Bread from Flavorful Eats
- Baguette Garlic Bread from Wholesome Family Recipes
- Texas Toast Garlic Bread from Savor the Best
18. Soft Pretzels
Homemade Soft Pretzels from The Stay at Home Chef:
There's something about carbs and chili that just make the perfect match.
If you're building a chili bar, you can't go wrong with soft pretzels, or these delicious pretzel bites!
19. Stuffed Jalapenos
Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos from Juggling Act Mama:
Double down on the spice with these jalapeno poppers with seasoned cheddar and cream cheese filling - so good!
I think they're better than regular jalapeno poppers.
20. Tater Tot Appetizer Cups
Tater Tot Appetizer Cups from The Feathered Nester:
Not only are these crunchy two-bite snacks a crowd favorite, but they are also incredibly easy to make.
You could even add a spoonful of chili to make these tater tot chili cups!
21. Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese from Juggling Act Mama:
Serving mac and cheese alongside chili creates a comforting dish. Trust me, combining creamy, rich pasta with hearty chili is an incredibly satisfying meal. (Also check out our baked Italian Mac and Cheese.)
22. Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits
Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits from Juggling Act Mama:
These biscuits are the perfect combination of cheddar cheese and flecks of jalapeno peppers. They're not too spicy, and they pair perfectly with a yummy bowl of chili.
Our Favorite Chili Recipes
Looking for a new chili recipe to try next time? Check out these delicious recipes:
- instant pot ground beef chili - easy 1 hour recipe.
- sweet and spicy chili (aka chili con carne) - with barbecue sauce - don't knock it until you try it!
- chicken chili - super easy slow cooker recipe!
- leftover turkey chili - ideal for after Thanksgiving.
- vegan chili - with beans, pasta, and tomatoes.
- crockpot chuck wagon chili - brown sugar and Mexican beer make this one stand out.
- pumpkin chicken chili - hearty chili that's perfect for Fall, trust me!
- white chicken chili - ready in just 30 minutes!
How to Use Chili Leftovers
If you have leftover chili, try one of these easy recipes!
- chili tater tot casserole - easy weeknight meal.
- rice and chili stuffed bell peppers - with lots of cheese!
- corn muffin chili cups - delicious snack or easy dinner.
- cheesy potato skins with chili - awesome game-day snack.
- chili pot pie - with a cornbread crust.
More Great Recipes
- Crispy Fried Pickles from Spend with Pennies
- Baked Chili Dogs from The Cookie Rookie
- Homemade Tater Tots from Damn Delicious
Shelley says
What great ideas! I adore making a big pot of cozy chili on cold winter days, but it's so nice to have a little something extra to offer alongside. These are terrific inspiration!