15+ of the Best Side Dishes for Chili
Need help finding the best side dish for chili? I’ve got you covered! This list has more than 15 perfect pairings for your next big batch of chili!
A big pot of chili is one of the best fall dinner recipes to enjoy! I love to have a chili night while the leaves turn and my favorite football team scores. But what do you serve with a big bowl of chili? Honestly, this is not an easy question to answer! Luckily, I put together a list to help you find the perfect side dish for your favorite chili recipe.
These side dishes do not take the place of your traditional chili toppings like green onions, homemade croutons, jalapenos, bacon, sour cream and melted cheese or easy chili sides like tortilla chips, potato chips or soft pretzels!
These side dishes go above and beyond your typical accompaniments to tickle your taste buds and compliment the flavor of your chili.
I know you’ll find the perfect chili side dish recipe in the list below. Enjoy!
PS- If you need a chili recipe that goes above and beyond the classic ground beef and beans, try this awesome Steak Chili Recipe or my White Chicken Chili!
Sweet Corn Spoon Bread (Extra Moist Corn Bread)
Cornbread is a tried-and-true side that goes perfectly with chili. Its slightly sweet, buttery taste and soft texture bring out the savory, spicy flavors in the chili. Plus, it’s great for soaking up all that delicious sauce! The crumbly, moist pieces make every bite extra satisfying, and a touch of honey on top adds a little something special. Cornbread or spoonbread is a cozy, comforting match that gives your chili meal a warm, Southern twist. To add a bit of heat, try adding pimiento peppers or green chilies to your cornbread batter! You can also convert this recipe into cornbread muffins.
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Greek Salad with Homemade Dressing
A crisp, refreshing salad like this Greek salad adds a bright contrast to chili’s hearty richness. Choose a mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness, or try a Mexican-inspired salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and a hint of lime. The cool crunch balances out the warmth and spiciness of the chili and gives a great way to add vegetables to your meal.
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Tangy Vinegar Coleslaw
Coleslaw’s tangy crunch is the perfect foil for chili. Whether you prefer a creamy or vinegar-based slaw, the combination of shredded cabbage and carrots provides a cooling contrast that cuts through chili's richness. The acidity in coleslaw also complements the spices in chili, refreshing the palate between each bite.
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Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the bold, savory flavors of chili. The fries’ natural sweetness and crispy texture offer a delightful contrast to chili’s deep, spicy notes, and they also bring a hearty, warming element to your meal. I think they pair specially well with Chili con Carne!
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Garlic Bread
Nothing soaks up chili quite like garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce, adding a crunchy exterior and soft interior of the bread pairs super well with the chili’s texture. The butter garlic flavor enhances the savory notes in the chili, adding flavor to each bite!
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Baked Potato Casserole
A baked potato is always a great side dish for chili, so this baked potato casserole is even better! Loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions, baked potato casserole is a comfort food classic that makes a substantial pairing for chili. Its creamy, cheesy layers complement chili’s meaty, spicy profile, while the potato adds a hearty, satisfying base. This combination provides a cozy, warming meal ideal for a cold day, and bakes in the oven while your chili simmers.
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Smoked Jalapeno Poppers
I know many of you like to smoke your chili, so why not make your sides on the smoker too? Stuffed with cream cheese or cheddar and wrapped in bacon, smoked jalapeño poppers add a smoky, spicy element that pairs seamlessly with chili. These poppers offer a burst of flavor that enhances chili's heat and complexity, while the creamy filling inside the jalapeños tempers the spice, creating a balanced, flavor-packed bite.
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Smoked Hasselback Baked Potatoes
The same thing applies for these baked potatoes on the smoker! A smoked baked potato brings earthy, smoky undertones that perfectly enhance chili’s flavors. The tender, fluffy interior is ideal for loading with chili, cheese, and other toppings, while the smoky skin adds a unique twist. It’s a hearty, satisfying side that can be customized to complement any style of chili.
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Corn on the Cob
I think corn on the cob pairs well with all types of chili, but especially chicken or turkey chili! You can grill, smoke, boil or bake it, making it an easy snack to pair with chili.
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Grilled Cheese
A basic grilled cheese sandwich is a wonderful pairing for chili, especially beef chili! Cut it in triangles to make it easy to dip into your chili
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Yeast Rolls
Soft, fluffy yeast rolls are a perfect chili side that adds a little bit of buttery sweetness to balance the spice. They’re made with simple ingredients and great for soaking up all the extra chili sauce, and their pillowy texture makes every bite more satisfying. Just warm them up, maybe add a pat of cinnamon butter, and let these rolls work their magic alongside a bowl of chili. They’re simple but oh-so-comforting!
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Zucchini Chips
Crispy air fryer zucchini chips make a light, crunchy side that’s a great match for chili’s rich flavors. Lightly seasoned, they add a fresh veggie crunch without being too heavy. The air fryer gives them that perfect crisp without tons of oil, making them a healthier side option. They’re great for dipping or snacking on between spoonfuls of chili!
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French Fries
Golden, crispy French fries provide a salty, crunchy chili side dish option. They’re perfect for dipping, and their neutral flavor allows chili’s spices to shine. French fries offer an enjoyable contrast to chili’s saucy, spicy character, especially when seasoned with a bit of paprika and salt! Throw them in the air fryer or oven for an easy side dish option.
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Pork Nachos
Nachos with cheese, jalapeno peppers and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro provide a fun, crunchy companion to chili. The crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese create a complementary texture, and if you add toppings like sour cream and guacamole, they add cool creaminess to balance the spice. I really love that nachos and chili share toppings so you don't have to buy a bunch of extra ingredients! You can even scoop the chili right onto the nachos for a creative twist!
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Cheesy Corn Casserole
Corn casserole, with its slightly sweet, buttery flavor, is a comforting and mild side dish that complements chili’s intense flavors. The corn’s natural sweetness and soft texture create a pleasant contrast, while also adding a touch of Southern charm to the meal. It’s a great choice if you want a lighter, subtly sweet side.
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For dessert, consider checking out the over 100 dessert recipes I have here on Blackberry Babe! They are each quick and easy, perfect for an easy soup like chili. Enjoy!
