There is nothing better and more comforting than a big ol’ bowl of chili on a chilly day! While chili is a meal in itself having a few side dishes to serve with chili will make it feel like a complete meal!

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Chili is a popular dish in many parts of the world, especially in the United States where it’s often associated with Tex-Mex cuisine. A hearty and filling meal that is perfect for cold weather or for a satisfying dinner after a long day.
Chili can be customized to suit individual tastes, with some people preferring it extra spicy while others like it milder. I like mine spicy but with kids I usually go with mild. It is also highly customizable for a variety of diets including vegetarian and don’t worry I’ve included a few sides for special diets as well!
Overall, chili is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or for feeding a crowd at a party or gathering.
What to Serve with Chili?
You’re probably wondering what you could serve with chili and I’ve got you covered. I love making my smoked chili and serving it with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, diced raw onion, tortilla or corn chips and fresh chopped cilantro but I also love adding a side dish as well.

There are so many great side dishes to serve with chili such as cornbread, corn chips, Mexican corn and many more! These recipes are also great side dishes for white chicken chili as well!
If you’re wondering what goes with chili, here are some of the best side dishes to serve with chili!
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Over the Top Chili (Smoked Chili)
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Sides Dishes to Serve with Chili
Serve these delicious side dishes with your favorite chili recipe or try my amazing smoked chili recipes!
Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread
Enjoy the old-fashioned classic once again! Rustic Gluten-Free Cornbread that's vegan and allergy-free. Baked right in your grandma's seasoned cast iron skillet, this cornbread recipe will bring back all the comfort and good feels!
Easy Mexican Street Corn (Elotes) Recipe
This easy Mexican street corn recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your chili!
Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls and chili are a classic Midwest combo! These soft cinnamon rolls taste just like Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, and they pair perfectly with savory chili!
Spicy Jalapeno Poppers
These spicy jalapeño poppers make for the perfect side to your chili. They’re super easy to put together and a total crowd pleaser too.
Homemade Margaritas
Serve up a delicious and refreshing homemade margarita with your Tex Mex chili. Fresh lime juice and a bit of orange rounds out this classic cocktail.
Homemade Crispy Onion Rings
This recipe will give you the best homemade crispy onion rings ever!! The recipe below ensures that your onion rings are perfectly crispy every single time and never turns soggy.
Whole Grain Cornbread
This simple whole grain cornbread has all that delicious cornbread flavor, with a little extra nutrition. Sweet and buttery, you won't even be able to tell this cornbread recipe uses 100% whole wheat flour.
Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits (45 Min!)
These delicious, flaky, garlicky cheddar biscuits are the perfect side to any meal. You just need 45 minutes, start to finish!
Instant Pot Baked Potatoes | A Taste of Madness
Top your easy Instant Pot Baked Potatoes with delicious chili! Making your potatoes in the instant pot is so much quicker and simpler to make, and is ready in no time!
Southern Cornbread
This easy southern cornbread recipe is baked in a cast iron skillet and is savory with a hint of sweetness. It's perfect as a side dish with a bowl of chili or in a traditional cornbread dressing.
Final Thoughts on What Goes with Chili
So there you have it! A list of delicious and easy side dishes to serve with chili. Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just looking for a comforting meal on a chilly night, these options are sure to satisfy.
From cornbread to potato chips, from guacamole to sour cream, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy every bite!
I have been meaning to try cinnamon rolls with chili. Sweet and savory sounds like an intriguing combo!
Wow, so many great ideas for sides!!!! Put a few on my list for the next round of chili 😉
I just had chili! Wish I had some of these sides. I was salivating by the end of the post.
So many great ideas. I make chili a lot in my Instant Pot. I love the idea of putting into a baked potato. The cornbread and biscuits look so yummy. And those margaritas are so festive! I like my chili over rice (how I remember having when lived in UK) or cauliflower rice OR Cincinnati style over spaghetti.
Cincinnati style chili is amazing! I’ve never tried it over rice but I’ll have to do that soon!
I absolutely love chili so these side dish ideas will come in handy!