You’ve got a big pot of chili, filling the kitchen with that irresistible, spicy aroma. But the big question is “What should you serve with it?”. Yes, chili is a star on its own, but how about matching it with the perfect side dish? Isn't it more like a superstar? From something crunchy, cheesy, or a little on the lighter side, these 19 side dishes for chili have got you covered. Scroll down to check the options below:
Jump to:
- 1. Baked Potatoes
- 2. Hasselback Potatoes
- 3. Scalloped Potatoes
- 4. Cheesy Garlic & Herb Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- 5. Classic Cornbread
- 6. Butter-Swim Biscuits
- 7. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- 8. Classic Coleslaw
- 9. Swiss Chard Slaw with Creamy Avocado Dressing
- 10. Cinnamon Rolls
- 11. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
- 12. Grilled Corn On The Cob
- 13. Guacamole
- 14. Challah Rolls
- 15. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 16. Classic Pico De Gallo
- 17. Pigs In A Blanket
- 18. Steak Fries
- 19. Chicken Quesadillas
- 19 Side Dishes for Chili
1. Baked Potatoes
There’s nothing like a baked potato done right—crispy skin, fluffy inside, and ready to be loaded with butter, sour cream, and whatever else you love. Forget microwaving it; the oven is the way to go. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
2. Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback potatoes look fancy but are way easier than they seem. Just a few careful slices and boom—you’ve got crispy edges, a soft center, and endless topping possibilities. They’re basically the cooler, better-dressed cousin of a baked potato.
3. Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of potatoes, creamy sauce, and cheese? Yeah, you really can’t go wrong here. It’s the kind of side dish that makes you forget what the main dish even was. Bonus: It smells amazing while baking.
4. Cheesy Garlic & Herb Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are great, but have you tried smashing sweet potatoes? They’re caramelized, buttery, and just a little crispy around the edges. Plus, they go with literally anything, especially with Chili!
5. Classic Cornbread
Cornbread is that side dish that just makes every main dish better. You can have it sweet or savory, buttery or plain—there’s no wrong way to eat it as a side for Chili.
6. Butter-Swim Biscuits
These Butter biscuits are soft, buttery, and basically begging to be smothered in honey or jam. Perfect for your Hot Chili! They come together quickly, so you can have warm, homemade biscuits in no time—no fancy baking skills required.
7. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
You know those cheesy, garlicky biscuits from Red Lobster that you can’t stop eating? Yeah, these taste just like them. Maybe even better. And now you don’t have to pretend you’re only at Red Lobster for the seafood.
8. Classic Coleslaw
Coleslaw isn’t just best for BBQs—it’s also perfect with Chili. This version is fresh, and a little sour. You can buy it at the store, but trust me, it’s worth making from scratch.
9. Swiss Chard Slaw with Creamy Avocado Dressing
This isn’t your average coleslaw. Swiss chard brings the crunch, and that creamy avocado dressing? Perfection! Honestly, I find it way more exciting than plain old slaw.
10. Cinnamon Rolls
It might sound weird at first, but trust me—cinnamon rolls and chili are a match made in food heaven. The sweet, gooey rolls balance out the bold, savory flavors of chili in the best way. It’s a Midwest classic for a reason! Once you try it, you’ll never go back.
11. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Green beans might not be the first thing you think of with chili, but hear me out—these crispy, cheesy beans add the perfect crunch to balance out all that warm, saucy chili. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to make. A little parm, a quick roast, and boom—your chili night just got better.
12. Grilled Corn On The Cob
Cornbread and chili? Classic. But grilled corn? Even better. This smoky, buttery corn pairs perfectly with the flavors of chili, and let’s be honest, it’s just fun to eat. Slather it with butter, sprinkle some seasoning, and enjoy eating it. It’s kinda messy, but totally worth it.
13. Guacamole
I know, guac and chili might not seem like a thing, I was also hesitant at first, but now I love it!. The creamy avocado cools things down when your chili is a little too spicy. Grab some chips, and thank me later.
14. Challah Rolls
If you love a good bread-to-chili ratio, challah rolls are where it’s at. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up every last bit of chili in your bowl. Rip, dip, repeat. Just try not to eat the whole batch before your chili’s even ready.
15. Sweet Potato Casserole
This one might surprise you, but that sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon? Oh yeah, it totally works with chili. The sweet and savory combo hits just right, and if you’re into contrasts, this is the side you didn’t know you needed.
16. Classic Pico De Gallo
Chili already has strong flavors, so why not partner it with fresh Pico? The fresh tomatoes, lime, and cilantro brighten everything up. Plus, it’s basically salsa, so if you have chips around, you’re already winning!
17. Pigs In A Blanket
Chili and hot dogs are a classic duo, so why not take it up a bit? Pigs in a blanket are like bite-sized chili companions—flaky, buttery, and perfect for dunking. No spoon? No problem, eat it with your hands.
18. Steak Fries
Who needs a spoon when you have thick, crispy steak fries to partner with your chili? These fries are sturdy enough to handle all that saucy chili, and you know what? Chili cheese fries just make sense!
19. Chicken Quesadillas
Chili and quesadillas? Yep, it works. A crispy tortilla stuffed with melty cheese and seasoned chicken makes the perfect side to a big bowl of chili. Dunk it, top it, or eat it on the side—either way, it’s a win!
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19 Side Dishes for Chili
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- 1. Baked Potatoes
- 2. Hasselback Potatoes
- 3. Scalloped Potatoes
- 4. Cheesy Garlic & Herb Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- 5. Classic Cornbread
- 6. Butter-Swim Biscuits
- 7. Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- 8. Classic Coleslaw
- 9. Swiss Chard Slaw with Creamy Avocado Dressing
- 10. Cinnamon Rolls
- 11. Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
- 12. Grilled Corn On The Cob
- 13. Guacamole
- 14. Challah Rolls
- 15. Sweet Potato Casserole
- 16. Classic Pico De Gallo
- 17. Pigs In A Blanket
- 18. Steak Fries
- 19. Chicken Quesadillas
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