Chili, a hearty and flavorful dish, is a beloved comfort food, especially during colder months. But the question often arises: What Goes With Chili to make it a complete and satisfying meal? From breads to salads and everything in between, the options are plentiful. This guide explores 15 fantastic side dishes that perfectly complement chili, enhancing your dining experience and offering a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy alongside your favorite bowl of chili.
Sweet Breads to Balance the Spice
One of the most classic pairings for chili is cornbread. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread provide a delightful contrast to the rich and often spicy flavors of chili.
Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread
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This Sweet Jalapeno Cornbread recipe elevates the traditional cornbread by adding a touch of heat from fresh jalapenos. The sweetness remains, but the jalapeno introduces a pleasant kick that harmonizes beautifully with the chili’s spice. Reviewers rave about this cornbread being the “best ever” and a perfect “hand in hand” pairing for hot chili. The subtle sweetness cuts through the richness of the chili, while the jalapeno echoes and enhances the savory notes.
Cornbread Muffins I
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For a convenient and portion-controlled option, Cornbread Muffins I are an excellent choice. These muffins are moist, slightly sweet, and have a wonderful corn flavor. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, they are easy to dunk into a warm bowl of chili. The texture is slightly denser than sliced cornbread, making them ideal for soaking up the chili without falling apart. The recipe includes real pieces of corn, adding to the authentic cornbread taste.
Cheddar Onion Drop Biscuits
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If you’re looking for a savory bread option that still complements chili, Cheddar Onion Drop Biscuits are a fantastic alternative to sweeter cornbreads. These biscuits are flavorful and savory, with the sharpness of cheddar cheese and the subtle bite of onion. Their crumbly yet tender texture makes them perfect for enjoying with a hearty bowl of chili, offering a different flavor profile that is equally satisfying. They are also incredibly versatile, pairing well with chili in the winter or even a salad in the summer.
Fresh and Crunchy Salads for Contrast
To lighten up a chili meal, consider serving a fresh and crunchy salad. The coolness and crispness of a salad provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth and richness of chili.
Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
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Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad offers a delightful crunch and fresh flavors that cut through the heaviness of chili. This salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient side dish for chili night. The combination of broccoli and cauliflower, often with a creamy dressing, provides a cool and refreshing element that balances the warm, spicy chili. Its popularity at gatherings speaks to its crowd-pleasing nature and its ability to complement rich dishes.
Creamy Spiced Coleslaw
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For a tangy and creamy salad, Creamy Spiced Coleslaw is an excellent choice. The crispness of the cabbage and carrots, combined with a creamy and slightly spiced dressing, makes for a refreshing and flavorful side. The tanginess of coleslaw helps to cleanse the palate between bites of chili, while the creamy element still provides a comforting texture alongside the hearty dish. It’s a quick and easy side, perfect for those who want a homemade touch without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Chopped Cashew Salad
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Chopped Cashew Salad brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors to the chili table. The crunch of cashews, combined with fresh vegetables and a flavorful dressing, creates a salad that is both healthy and satisfying. The variety of textures, from the crunchy cashews to the crisp vegetables, adds interest to the meal. It’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your chili dinner, and the cashews provide a bit of protein and healthy fats.
Potato Perfection: Baked, Mashed, and Fried
Potatoes are another versatile side dish that pairs wonderfully with chili. Whether baked, mashed, or fried, potatoes offer a comforting and familiar flavor that complements the richness of chili.
Perfect Baked Potato
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A classic comfort food pairing, a Perfect Baked Potato served alongside chili is a hearty and satisfying meal. The fluffy interior of a baked potato provides a blank canvas for chili, allowing you to customize each bite. Top your baked potato with chili and your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and green onions for a truly indulgent and filling dinner. The simple flavor of a baked potato allows the chili to shine, while adding substance to the meal.
Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes
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For a creamy and flavorful potato option, Red Garlic Mashed Potatoes are an irresistible side. The garlic infused into the mashed potatoes adds depth of flavor that complements chili beautifully. These mashed potatoes are incredibly creamy and flavorful, almost stealing the show. Pairing them with chili creates a comforting and luxurious meal experience, perfect for a cozy night in. The garlic adds a savory note that enhances both the potatoes and the chili.
Loaded Tater Tots
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For a fun and casual side dish, Loaded Tater Tots are a playful pairing with chili. Crispy tater tots baked with cheese sauce and bacon provide a satisfyingly crunchy and cheesy base for a scoop of chili. This is a great option for a game day meal or a family-friendly dinner. The combination of crispy potatoes, melted cheese, bacon, and hearty chili is pure comfort food indulgence.
Baked Zucchini Fries
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If you are looking for a slightly healthier fried option, Baked Zucchini Fries offer a crispy and flavorful vegetable side. These zucchini fries are baked, not fried, making them a lighter choice while still providing a satisfying crunch. Serving them with chili is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your meal, and the crispy texture is a welcome contrast to the softer chili. Reviewers are surprised by how crispy and tasty these baked fries are, even comparing them favorably to restaurant fried zucchini.
Rice and Grains for a Hearty Meal
Adding rice or grains to your chili meal can make it even more substantial and satisfying. These options absorb the flavors of the chili and provide a different textural element.
Ann’s Dirty Rice
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Ann’s Dirty Rice is a flavorful and budget-friendly side that stretches your chili meal further. This rice dish is seasoned and savory, making it a delicious complement to chili. It’s a great way to make a chili dinner more filling without adding a lot of extra cost or effort. Dirty rice is often made with ground meat and vegetables, adding another layer of savory flavor that pairs well with chili. It’s also excellent for meal prepping and can be frozen for future quick meals.
Tex-Mex Inspired Sides
Since chili often has Tex-Mex origins, embracing Tex-Mex inspired sides is a natural and delicious choice.
Classic Pub Style Nachos
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For a fun and interactive side, Classic Pub Style Nachos bring a Tex-Mex flair to your chili dinner. These nachos are easy to customize with your favorite toppings and provide a crunchy and cheesy element that is incredibly satisfying with chili. You can even top the nachos with chili itself for an extra layer of flavor and heartiness. They are perfect for sharing and create a festive and casual dining experience.
Yummy Guacamole
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Cool and creamy Yummy Guacamole offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth and spice of chili. The smooth texture and fresh flavors of guacamole provide a welcome counterpoint to the hearty chili. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping alongside your chili, or as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos served with chili. The coolness and freshness of guacamole help to balance the richness and spiciness of the chili, creating a more rounded and enjoyable meal.
Grilled Vegetables for Summer Chili Nights
Even chili can be enjoyed during warmer months, and grilled vegetables make a perfect seasonal side dish.
Savory Roasted Root Vegetables
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While roasted, Savory Roasted Root Vegetables can easily be adapted for the grill, offering a hearty and healthy side dish. The sweetness of roasted root vegetables like beets, carrots, and potatoes complements the savory chili. Roasting or grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a slightly smoky flavor that enhances the overall meal. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables and add a touch of elegance to your chili dinner.
Sweet Grilled Corn
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Sweet Grilled Corn is the epitome of summer flavors and pairs surprisingly well with chili. The smoky char and sweetness of grilled corn on the cob provide a delicious and seasonal side for chili, especially during barbecues or cookouts. The sweetness of the corn kernels offers a pleasant contrast to the savory chili, and the grilled flavor adds another layer of complexity to the meal. It’s a simple yet flavorful side that is perfect for warm weather chili enjoyment.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect side dish to go with chili is all about balancing flavors and textures. Whether you prefer the sweetness of cornbread, the freshness of coleslaw, or the heartiness of baked potatoes, there are countless delicious options to elevate your chili meal. Explore these 15 suggestions and discover your new favorite chili pairings for a truly satisfying dining experience.
