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Not sure What to Serve with Chili? From classic cornbread to crunchy toppings, these easy side dish ideas make every chili night better!

A bowl of black bean chili with ground meat, black beans, and tomatoes sits on a white plate next to a slow cooker labeled crockpot. A spoon is in the bowl and another bowl of chili is nearby.


 

Quick Recipe Overview

A white crockpot filled with chili sits on a counter next to two white bowls of chili with black beans, tomatoes, and ground meat, each with a spoon, all placed on a wooden board with a striped towel underneath.

WHAT: Complete side dish ideas including breads, salads, potato recipes, and topping suggestions that complement any chili style perfectly.

WHY: Turn simple chili into a satisfying feast with sides that add texture, freshness, and variety to every bite.

HOW: Mix cornbread or dinner rolls with crisp salads and hearty potato sides, then set out toppings for customization.

Table of Contents

What Side Dishes Go Well With Chili?

When you’re deciding what to serve with chili, the choices can feel endless—and that’s part of the appeal. Whether it’s a pot of Texas chili simmering on the stove, a quick weeknight chili, or a lighter lentil version, the right sides turn a simple bowl into a full, satisfying meal.

After years of hosting chili nights and testing different pairings, I’ve found that the best chili dinners always include three things: something to soak up the sauce, something fresh to cut through the richness, and plenty of toppings so everyone can build their bowl their way.

The real magic comes from contrast. Warm, crusty cornbread paired with cool, tangy slaw keeps every bite interesting and balanced. A generous topping spread does the rest, turning an easy dinner into a relaxed, hands-on meal where everyone, from picky eaters to heat lovers, walks away happy.

Melissa in her kitchen smiling in front of the starting ingredients for the chicken the quinoa salad and skillet chicken on the wood block in front of her

🩷 Melissa

Start with the chili station first. Keep your pot on a trivet or in a slow cooker set to “warm” so it stays hot throughout dinner. Place serving bowls and ladles nearby.

Then arrange toppings in a logical flow from essential to optional. I like to go from left to right: cheese, sour cream, onions, cilantro, crunchy items, then heat-boosters.

Prep all your toppings the night before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chop onions, shred cheese, wash and chop cilantro, slice jalapeños, and portion out sour cream.

On the day of your gathering, simply transfer everything to serving bowls – you’ll save precious time and reduce stress.

The Best Chili Toppings Bar

Let’s start with the fun part – toppings! A well-organized topping bar turns chili night into everyone’s favorite dinner. The key is offering enough variety without overwhelming your counter space. I’ve learned to group toppings by category, which makes it easier for everyone to build their perfect bowl.

Creamy & Cool Toppings

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Diced avocado
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese

Fresh & Bright Add-Ins

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Diced white or red onions
  • Fresh lime wedges
  • Pickled jalapeños

Crunchy Toppings

  • Crushed tortilla chips
  • Oyster crackers
  • Fritos or corn chips
  • Crispy bacon bits

Heat Lovers’ Options

  • Fresh jalapeño slices
  • Hot sauce varieties
  • Diced green chiles
  • Red pepper flakes
Two bowls of chili topped with shredded cheese and oyster crackers sit beside a red pot filled with more chili. Wondering what to serve with chili? A spoon and napkin are placed next to the bowls on a white surface.

Setting Up Your Topping Bar

Creating a topping bar isn’t just about putting out bowls – it’s about organization and presentation. Here’s how to set yours up for success:

Container Tips

Small glass bowls work perfectly for toppings – they let guests see what’s available and are easy to refill. Use ramekins for items that go quickly like cheese and sour cream. Don’t forget serving spoons for each bowl to prevent cross-contamination and make serving easier.

Temperature Management

Keep cold items like sour cream, avocado, and cheese chilled by setting their bowls in larger containers filled with ice. For warm toppings (if you’re offering items like extra beans or queso), use small slow cookers or warming trays.

🌶️ Find every chili recipe for every different taste preference here in my Big Collection of Chili Recipes!

The Perfect Side Dishes for Your Chili

With your topping bar ready to go, it’s time to round out the meal with sides that turn chili from a simple bowl into a complete feast. I’ve learned through years of chili dinners that the best sides aren’t afterthoughts – they’re key players that add their own personality to the table.

Whether you’re reaching for golden cornbread fresh from the oven, crispy potatoes with tender insides, or a tangy slaw that refreshes your palate, these accompaniments make every spoonful of chili even more satisfying.

Golden Cornbread Recipes

Nothing says “chili dinner” quite like warm cornbread, and the variety of styles you can make is impressive. From sweet and fluffy to savory and crusty, there’s a perfect cornbread for every chili recipe.

1
cornbread in a glass pan
Easy Cornbread Recipe
This classic recipe has thousands of five-star reviews for good reason – it comes together in just 5 minutes and bakes up perfectly golden every time. The slightly sweet flavor balances beautifully with spicy chili, and the tender crumb soaks up every drop of sauce. It’s adaptable too; reduce the sugar if you prefer less sweetness, or swap in whole wheat flour for extra nutrition.
Check out this recipe
2
Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread
Cast iron skillet cornbread is special because of that irresistible crispy crust on the bottom. The magic happens when you melt butter in a preheated skillet, creating edges that are golden and crunchy while the center stays tender. This buttermilk version is lightly sweet with a beautiful presentation that makes it perfect for serving guests.
Check out this recipe
3
A round cornbread is partially sliced into wedges on a speckled dish, with two slices placed on separate white plates. A metal serving utensil rests in the dish on a wooden board. A folded cloth lies beneath the dish.
Best Homemade Sweet Cornbread
If you love cornbread on the sweeter side, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s incredibly moist and fluffy with that irresistible golden color, making it perfect alongside milder chili recipes. Try folding in jalapeños and cheddar for a sweet-and-spicy variation, or add fresh corn kernels for extra texture.
Check out this recipe
4
A slice of golden Southern cornbread on a gray plate. The texture looks moist and crumbly. In the background, theres a partial view of another slice and a skillet with more cornbread. A dark cloth napkin is on the left, enhancing this homestyle recipes rustic charm.
Southern Cornbread Recipe
Traditional Southern cornbread lets the natural cornmeal flavor shine through without extra sugar. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with hearty, savory chili recipes like Wendy’s Chili or Cincinnati Chili. The key is using whole milk for the perfect dry-to-moist ratio.
Check out this recipe
5
Sour Cream Cornbread
This recipe creates a slightly denser, more moist cornbread that doesn’t crumble apart. The sour cream replaces some of the oil, giving you bread that’s sweet, moist, and sturdy enough for dunking. It’s make-ahead friendly and actually improves after sitting for a few hours.
Check out this recipe
6
corn muffins in a muffin tin made with best corn muffin recipe.
The Best Corn Muffin Recipe
Individual cornbread muffins are perfect for casual gatherings and game day parties. These rich, buttery muffins have crispy edges and soft centers, making them ideal for serving family-style. They’re also excellent for portion control and freezer-friendly meal prep.
Check out this recipe

Fresh & Crunchy Salads

A crisp salad cuts through chili’s richness and adds brightness to your plate. The cool crunch refreshes your palate between bites, making each spoonful of chili taste as good as the first.

7
crispy deep fried snacks and a lemon with a dish of coleslaw as the center
Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
This creamy, tangy coleslaw is my go-to side for chili night. The sweet and tangy Coleslaw Dressing with celery seeds and Dijon mustard creates the perfect balance, while crisp cabbage and carrots add satisfying crunch. Make it ahead – the flavors actually improve as it sits in the refrigerator.
Check out this recipe
8
clear mixing bowl showing the progress of making a chefs salad.
Chef Salad
When you want to turn chili into a lighter meal, serve it alongside a hearty chef salad loaded with fresh veggies, cheese, and crunchy croutons. The combination creates a well-rounded dinner that feels substantial without being too heavy. Use homemade ranch or your favorite dressing.
Check out this recipe
9
round wooden bowl with arugula salad with golden forks and lemons to the side.
Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula meets bold Parmesan, sweet craisins, and crunchy sliced almonds in this bright, fresh salad. The homemade lemon balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together beautifully, balancing the arugula's distinctive bite with tangy sweetness. This elegant yet effortless side pairs wonderfully with rich chili, making it perfect when you want something light and refreshing to cut through hearty flavors.
Check out this recipe

Hearty Potato Dishes

Potatoes and chili create the ultimate comfort food combination. Whether you’re loading chili on top of baked potatoes or serving roasted potato cubes on the side, these starchy sides turn chili into a truly filling meal.

10
A close-up of a baked potato with a crispy, salted skin, split open and topped with melted butter and chopped parsley, on a wooden board. This delicious dish perfectly demonstrates how to bake a potato. Other baked potatoes and herbs are in the background.
Easy Baked Potato Recipe
Restaurant-quality baked potatoes with crispy, salty skin and fluffy interiors make the perfect foundation for chili. The secret is the double-baking technique – brushing with oil and salt after the initial bake creates that irresistible crispy exterior. Load them up with chili, then top with cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a complete meal in one.
Check out this recipe
11
crispy oven roasted potato cubes on enamel plate on gingham tablecloth
Extra Crispy Roasted Potato Cubes
These three-ingredient potato cubes (potatoes, oil, salt) are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with chili. The key to maximum crispiness is soaking the cut potatoes in hot water for 10-30 minutes before roasting. They’re golden brown on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and disappear fast at dinner.
Check out this recipe
12
A close-up of a plate filled with oven roasted red potatoes, golden brown with seasoning, served on a white dish with black speckles.
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Red potatoes tossed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt create a flavorful side that complements any chili recipe. The high oven temperature ensures crispy edges while keeping the centers tender. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or they’ll steam instead of roast.
Check out this recipe
13
A blue-speckled baking dish filled with cheesy scalloped potatoes, topped with melted cheese. A silver serving spoon rests in the dish, and a blue-striped towel is nearby.
Easy Creamy Cheesy Potatoes
When you want something extra indulgent, these homemade cheesy potatoes deliver comfort in every bite. The rich cheese sauce coats tender potatoes perfectly, creating a side dish that rivals any steakhouse version. Make it ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Check out this recipe

Simple Rice & Bean Options

Rice and beans are budget-friendly sides that stretch your chili dinner to feed more people. They’re also great for soaking up chili sauce and adding substance to the meal.

14
white rice in glass bowl
Instant Pot White Rice
Perfect, fluffy rice every single time – that’s what the Instant Pot delivers. This foolproof method works with jasmine, basmati, long grain, or short grain white rice. Serve it plain alongside chili, or use it as a base layer in your bowl before adding the chili on top.
Check out this recipe
15
Flavorful Cilantro Lime Rice made in the Instant Pot with loads of bright lime and cilantro flavor and done in less than 30 minutes.
Cilantro Lime Rice
This Tex-Mex favorite brings bright, fresh flavors that pair perfectly with any chili style. The combination of lime zest, fresh cilantro, and a touch of sugar creates rice that’s anything but boring. It’s done in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot and works beautifully as a base for chili bowls.
Check out this recipe
16
beans-rice-instantpot
Cajun Beans and Rice
While this Cajun beans and rice could be a main dish on its own, serving it alongside a simpler chili creates a hearty, filling meal perfect for feeding a crowd. The seasoned beans and tender rice make an excellent accompaniment that adds substance without overwhelming the chili’s flavors.
Check out this recipe

FAQs for What To Serve With Chili

What are the best toppings for chili?

The “essential three” are shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions. Beyond those, include fresh cilantro, lime wedges, tortilla chips for crunch, and jalapeños for heat. The key is offering variety so everyone can customize their bowl to their taste preferences. Don’t forget hot sauce for those who like extra spice!

How far in advance can I make chili?

Chili actually improves when made ahead! Cook it up to 2 days before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen and meld as it sits. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also freeze chili for up to 3 months in airtight containers – it’s perfect for meal prep

What’s the best way to keep chili warm for a party?

A slow cooker set to “warm” is your best friend for parties! Transfer your fully cooked chili to the slow cooker 30 minutes before guests arrive – this gives it time to reach the perfect serving temperature. The low, steady heat keeps chili hot for hours without scorching or overcooking. If you don’t have a slow cooker, keep chili in a heavy pot on the stovetop over the lowest heat setting, stirring every 15-20 minutes. For outdoor gatherings, consider using a chafing dish with fuel canisters underneath to maintain temperature.

A ladle scoops up hearty chili filled with ground meat, black beans, and vegetables from a white slow cooker. A bowl of chili sits nearby on a striped napkin.

Best Tips for Serving Chili

☞ Make It a Day Ahead: Chili tastes even better the day after you make it. The flavors have time to combine and develop, creating a richer, more complex dish. Make your chili a day ahead, refrigerate it overnight, then gently reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This also means less stress on the day of your gathering.

☞ Keep It Piping Hot: Serve chili piping hot for maximum flavor impact. A slow cooker set to “warm” is perfect for keeping chili at the ideal temperature during parties without risk of scorching. If reheating on the stove, use medium-low heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

☞ Let Guests Customize: Set up a topping bar with cheese, sour cream, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños. Everyone gets exactly what they want, and picky eaters are happy.

☞ Serve Bread Warm: Always serve bread warm with butter at room temperature (it spreads more easily than cold butter). For cornbread, consider cutting it into squares right before serving rather than letting it sit pre-cut, which can dry it out.

☞ Balance Your Plate: Pair spicy chili with cooling sides like coleslaw or sour cream. Match thick chili with lighter sides like salad, and thin chili with heartier options like baked potatoes.

☞ Portion Planning: Use a 6-8 ounce ladle for consistent serving sizes. This helps you gauge how much you’ll need and prevents running out before everyone’s been served. Plan for 1-1.5 cups of chili per person as a main course, less if you’re serving it as part of a larger spread.

Two bowls of chili with ground beef, black beans, and tomatoes sit on a wooden board next to a blue Crockpot filled with more chili. Spoons rest in the bowls and by the Crockpot.

More Side Dish Recipes To Try

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