A deliciously satisfying bowl of chili can stand alone, but it’s when paired with the perfect side dish that the meal truly comes together. The spicy and savory flavors of chili demand a complement that enhances its boldness.
From refreshing salads to rich and comforting accompaniments, I’ve curated a diverse selection of 41 ultimate best side dishes to serve alongside your favorite bowl of chili, catering to every taste and preference. Whether you crave the classic pairing of cornbread, the simplicity of rice, the heartiness of potatoes, or the homemade charm of artisanal bread, your match awaits in this comprehensive guide.
Potato Sides
When it comes to pairing potatoes with chili, the result is often nothing short of culinary nirvana. The search for the perfect potato accompaniment to this flavorful Mexican staple can be over. Here are some outstanding options to consider, each one capable of elevating a meal into a truly satisfying experience.
Twice Baked Pepper Stuffed Potatoes
The potato bites are bursting with vibrant flavor thanks to the medley of chopped peppers, onions, and pickled jalapenos, which add a tangy kick. Meanwhile, the harmony between sour cream and butter yields an indulgently smooth texture that will leave you craving more. If you’re looking for a satisfying accompaniment, these potato bites pair delightfully with chicken wings.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Elevate your meal game with a simple yet impressive Hasselback potato dish, requiring only a few ingredients and an Air Fryer. The result is a delightful combination of crispy, caramelized exteriors giving way to fluffy, tender insides. To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to use potatoes that lean towards the starchy side, such as Russet or Yukon golds. These varieties will produce a satisfying crunch on the outside while preventing the skin from becoming soggy and unpleasant.
Air Fryer Mashed Potatoes
With mere minutes of preparation required, this innovative approach to mashing potatoes is sure to revolutionize your culinary routine. The process begins by placing baby potatoes in the air fryer basket, where they’re infused with flavor courtesy of a drizzle of oil. After a short air-frying session, the spuds are mashed with butter to create a delectable side dish that pairs beautifully with everything from brisket to a variety of other savory options.
Gouda Smashed Potatoes
These golden potatoes, infused with the richness of oil and the pungency of garlic, are the perfect accompaniment to your favorite chili. The process of baking them twice yields a delectable combination: a creamy Gouda topping that melts in your mouth, and a satisfyingly crispy skin that’s impossible to resist.
Air Fryer Jacket Potatoes
To create these delectable jacket potatoes, simply combine three fundamental components: spuds, oil, and salt, along with the convenience of an Air Fryer in your culinary arsenal. Feel encouraged to push the boundaries by incorporating herbs, spices, or your favorite toppings, allowing for a world of possibilities.
The end result is a harmonious balance of crispiness and fluffiness that pairs seamlessly with your go-to spicy chili, guaranteeing a satisfying meal.
Chili Lime Oven Roasted Sweet Potato Slices
The sweetness of these potato slices is elevated by subtle hints of spice and tangy zing, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that deviate from the typical potato side dish experience. Not only are they a treat for the taste buds, but they’re also an excellent choice for those following vegan, paleo, or gluten-free diets. With their nutritious profile, these sweet slices make a fantastic addition to any cookout, and can even pair nicely with grilled steak.
Garlic Butter Instant Pot Red Potatoes
These tender Garlic Butter potatoes are a breeze to prepare using the Instant Pot for added convenience. Alternatively, you can opt for a covered baking dish and achieve similar results by cooking them in the oven. The addition of stock infuses the potatoes with an unparalleled juiciness that will leave your taste buds craving more. With their soft, fluffy texture and melt-in-your-mouth consistency, it’s no wonder these Garlic Butter potatoes have become a fan favorite.
Healthy Sides for Chili
Seeking a nutritious accompaniment to elevate your beloved chili dish? You’re in luck! I’ve curated a list of eight mouth-wateringly healthy options that will perfectly complement your flavorful entrée.
Air Fryer Parsnip Fries
The delectable root vegetable sticks boast a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, soft, aromatic, and smoky notes, perfectly balanced by the trifecta of flavors from paprika, garlic, and maple syrup. To elevate their nutritional profile while minimizing oil usage, consider employing the trusty Air Fryer for a crispy, yet healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying methods.
Butter Lettuce Salad
When it comes to side dishes, a green salad is an excellent choice for its nutritional value. Take the humble lettuce bowl, for instance, which can be elevated by incorporating ingredients like creamy avocados, spicy radishes, and pungent chives. The result is a harmonious blend that not only delivers a healthy dose of nutrients but also tantalizes the taste buds with each bite.
A light, tangy dressing made with mustard and lemon juice adds a refreshing dimension to this salad, making it an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
This fresh take on a traditional salad combines the tangy sweetness of tamarillos with creamy goat cheese, nutty parmesan, and crunchy breadcrumbs to create a truly unique flavor experience. The addition of an oregano-infused vinegar dressing, bursting with the essence of basil and lemon zest, elevates this dish to a perfect accompaniment for summer’s warmest nights.
Grilled Mexican Zucchini Boats
When hosting a cookout, these grilled zucchini recipes will be your new favorite staple. Simply cut the zucchinis in half and massage them with a flavorful Mexican spice blend before grilling them to a charred perfection. To take it to the next level, top them off with a heavenly combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy yogurt, and crumbly feta cheese. This refreshing topping will have your guests raving about this delicious summer side dish.
No Mayo Creamy Cranberry and Walnut Coleslaw
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures as you savor a medley of fresh ingredients – cabbage, carrots, green onions, cranberries, and walnuts. The crowning glory is a creamy and tangy dressing that brings everything together. A crucial component of this harmonious union is the use of maple syrup, which imparts a distinct sweetness that cannot be replicated by honey or other sweeteners. To achieve the perfect consistency, it’s essential to employ full-fat yogurt as the base for the dressing, ensuring a richness and creaminess that will leave you craving more.
Raw Zucchini Carpaccio with Shaved Manchego
Savoring the essence of summer, a harmonious union of zucchini ribbons, shaved Manchego cheese, lemon, and olive oil unfolds as a symphony of refreshing notes. As the salad’s zestiness is tempered by the subtle heat from the chili hints, the citrusy acidity is expertly balanced through the judicious use of both juice and zest, masterfully tying together the flavors in a delightful culinary symphony.
Sweet Potato Beet Salad
Savoring the delightful fusion of roasted vegetables, artisanal cheese, and crisp greens, this salad is elevated by an expertly curated blend of spices and condiments. The sweetness of sweet potatoes is unmistakable, making it a challenging feat to replicate with other ingredients. This delectable side dish pairs exquisitely with pork chops, ensuring a harmonious culinary experience.
Southwest Salad
This flavorful bowl combines the bold taste of the American Southwest. A medley of ingredients including corn, tomatoes, avocado, red onions, and romaine salad come together in perfect harmony. To elevate this dish to new heights, crumbled cheddar cheese and crispy bacon add satisfying texture. But what truly sets this recipe apart is its tangy and spicy dressing, crafted with the bright zing of lime juice, the subtle heat of jalapenos, and the fresh herbal notes of cilantro. It’s a true culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving more.
Bread Sides
To truly experience the ultimate comfort food phenomenon that is chili, it’s essential to indulge in a harmonious fusion of flavors between the spicy, savory, and slightly sweet aspects of this beloved dish. One way to achieve this blissful state is by dipping soft bread slices into the rich, velvety depths of chili, allowing each bite to become an explosion of textures and tastes. For those moments when you crave nothing but the coziest, most satisfying repast, here are some exceptional bread recipes that will elevate your comfort food experience to new heights.
Instant Pot Cornbread
Indulge in the rich flavors of this show-stopping cornbread, expertly crafted with a surprising twist: the subtle sweetness of pumpkin puree and the tangy kick from sharp cheddar cheese. This game-changing combination elevates the classic recipe to new heights, making it the perfect accompaniment to your favorite chili. For an added layer of complexity, consider adding crumbled bacon for a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the velvety smoothness of maple syrup.
Soft Homemade Garlic Knots
Indulge in the tender interior and crunchy exterior of these garlicky bread knots, perfectly seasoned with garlic and herb butter before baking. For an added touch of elegance when serving at your next dinner party, consider sprinkling them with coarse sea salt and topping with dried herbs for a visually appealing arrangement on your table.
Gluten-Free Cornbread
Crafting a cornbread that’s not only gluten-free but also dairy-free and healthier requires some creative substitutions. This particular recipe utilizes cornmeal, almond milk, and coconut oil to achieve just that. By making these swaps, you’ll end up with a cornbread that’s free from common allergens and packed with nutritious ingredients. If you’re looking to reduce your sugar intake, feel free to replace traditional granulated sugar with a suitable alternative like a granulated sweetener. For an added convenience, this recipe can be easily adapted for baking in a muffin tin, resulting in a dozen bite-sized cornbreads perfect for snacking or serving at your next gathering.
Brown Butter Maple Beer Bread
Indulge in the sweet harmony of maple syrup and beer as you bite into a brown butter bread that’s both light and airy on the inside and satisfyingly crispy on the outside. This match-made-in-heaven combination is the perfect addition to your favorite chili recipe, elevating it from ordinary to extraordinary.
What sets this bread apart is its simplicity – requiring no yeast or kneading, you can whip up a batch in no time at all, making it the ultimate solution for a quick and delicious accompaniment to your next meal.
Honey Butter Rolls
Indulge in these tender, golden brown tiny breads that pair perfectly with your stews and chilis. The crowning glory is the rich honey butter topping they receive post-baking, infusing each bite with a subtle sweetness. If sweet isn’t your thing, simply omit the honey and lavish them with butter instead – the choice is yours.
Jalapeno Cheese Bread
This delectable bread combines the bold flavors of jalapenos and cheddar, imbuing it with a spicy kick that pairs divinely with any Mexican-inspired dish. The heat from the peppers is tempered by the richness of the cheddar, creating a delightful harmony of tastes. For added depth and savory satisfaction, consider incorporating diced bacon into the dough, yielding bite-sized morsels packed with protein to keep you going.
Garlic Parmesan Knots
Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, cheesy delight that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. These knots – essentially mini pizzas in disguise – boast a soft interior wrapped in a crispy shell topped with the savory tang of Parmesan cheese. To add an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle dried herbs on top before baking is complete. And the best part? This recipe relies on store-bought pizza dough, making it a stress-free option for your next impromptu gathering or last-minute dinner party.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Indulge in the tender, flaky goodness of these mouthwatering biscuits, perfectly suited as a breakfast, lunch, or dinner companion. Rich in buttery flavor, they provide an excellent foundation for any meal. For added depth of flavor, consider incorporating cheese or herbs into the dough to create a savory delight.
Crusty French Baguette
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty loaf that yields effortlessly to pressure, revealing an airy interior that’s simply divine. This rustic bread recipe is the perfect companion for your favorite soups, stews, and chilies – it’s a match made in heaven! What sets this bread apart is its ease of preparation, requiring minimal waiting time and maximum reward. The result is a deliciously crispy exterior giving way to an incredibly light interior that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Garlic Naan
While novice bakers might feel intimidated by the prospect of making naan from scratch, rest assured that this recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to follow. The end result is well worth the effort – a batch of delicious, garlicky butter-slathered bread rounds that are sure to vanish quickly.
Rice Sides for Chili
For those who enthusiastically pair their meals with a reliable side of rice, here’s a collection of recipes that harmonize with your go-to chili dishes.
Instant Pot Brown Rice
Offering a delectable and reliable option for hosting large gatherings, this dish requires only three essential ingredients. The added bonus? It’s prepared effortlessly in the Instant Pot, eliminating any uncertainty. Feel free to personalize with your go-to add-ins and seasonings, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your taste.
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
This basmati rice dish is revitalized by its blend of herby and citrusy notes, making it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. To elevate the flavor profile even further, consider introducing warm spices like cumin or cinnamon, which will not only enhance the taste but also take your meal to new heights.
Fiesta Saffron Rice
This show-stopping saffron rice recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your special occasion dinners, guaranteed to leave your guests clamoring for the recipe. The combination of caramelized onions, crunchy bell peppers, tender peas, and aromatic saffron-infused rice creates a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. With only 10 minutes of prep time required, this easy side dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Oven-Cooked Rice
For those who haven’t yet mastered the art of oven-cooked rice, this technique is sure to revolutionize your culinary routine. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple. All you need are basic ingredients like uncooked rice, boiling water, and a pinch of salt and butter for added flavor. Say goodbye to stovetop cooking and hello to perfectly cooked rice with the help of one trusty baking dish and a piece of foil.
Turmeric Rice
Experience the versatility of turmeric rice as you pair it with Indian curries, chili con carne, or any other bold-flavored dishes. The robust earthiness of turmeric harmonizes beautifully with the sweetness of caramelized onions and pungency of sautéed garlic, while the subtle bay leaf adds a depth that complements the dish’s overall aroma.
Best Sides for Chili
To elevate your chili game and impress your guests, consider the following mouthwatering side dish recipes that pair perfectly with your favorite ground beef dishes. By incorporating one of these options into your meal, you’ll not only complement your chili but also create an unforgettable culinary experience.
Crispy Corn Fritters
In just a few simple steps, you can create delectable corn fritters using a pre-mixed pancake batter, eggs, beer, and a surprise ingredient – corn. The result is a delightful contrast of textures: crispy on the outside and delightfully soft and fluffy within. These mouthwatering treats pair perfectly with protein-rich dishes, making them an excellent accompaniment to any meal.
Classic Corn Casserole
When it comes to pairing a flavorful chili with its perfect accompaniment, there’s no better choice than a warm, comforting side dish loaded with fresh corn. This delectable recipe combines the simplicity of a store-bought corn muffin mix with the natural sweetness of creamed and whole corn, resulting in a creamy, pudding-like delight that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Its ease of preparation and affordability only add to its charm, making it an ideal addition to any Mexican-inspired meal.
3-Ingredient Candied Jalapenos
Satisfy your cravings for spicy delights with these mouth-watering candied jalapenos. A simple combination of sugar, water, and fresh jalapenos yields a sweet and syrupy condiment that complements any meal perfectly. For those who prefer a milder heat, you can leave the seeds intact, but if you’re looking to tone down the intensity, simply remove them before cooking. With this easy recipe, you’ll be enjoying the perfect balance of spicy and sweet in no time.
Sweet Potato Rolls with Maple Bacon Glaze
Indulge in the delightful fusion of warm spices and comforting textures as this recipe combines the velvety smoothness of honey, the richness of butter, and the unmistakable aroma of two generous teaspoons of cinnamon. The sweet spot lies in following the exact measurement, as it’s the key to unlocking a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. Imagine tender sweet potatoes enveloped by a soft, yet crispy exterior, perfectly balanced with the sweet and smoky essence of maple-glazed bacon.
Cinnamon Paprika Sweet Potato Fries
Indulge in the harmonious union of sweet potato and cinnamon once more, but this time elevated by the rich depth of smoky paprika and transformed into crispy French fries. This recipe offers a wholesome and oven-baked take on the classic snack, free from guilt and perfect for satisfying your cravings as a standalone treat or complementary side dish to any meat-based meal.
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
In a remarkably quick cooking process that takes under 15 minutes from start to finish, you can create tender and aromatic sautéed Brussels sprouts that will complement your favorite chili perfectly. The essence of these mini cabbages is elevated by the pungency of garlic and the brightness of lemon notes, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors. To take it to the next level, I recommend liberally sprinkling with Parmesan cheese just before serving, allowing its nutty goodness to meld with the other ingredients.
Keto Cornbread Chaffles
Crafted with a trifecta of wholesome ingredients – corn extract, cheese, and eggs – these keto-friendly chaffles boast an unmistakable cornbread flavor without the carbohydrate burden. The best part? They’re shaped like waffles, ensuring a visually appealing presentation that’s sure to impress.
Cheese Cauliflower Rice
This rich cauliflower dish is elevated by a medley of creamy ingredients, including cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mayo, which collectively create a sumptuous, velvety texture. The flavors meld together seamlessly, making for a truly satisfying bake. If you prefer a quicker approach, you can always steam the ‘rice’ and then rapidly melt the cheese in the microwave, resulting in a delightful, cheesy topping.
Sauteed Mushrooms
The rich flavors of sautéed mushrooms in garlic and butter are a perfect accompaniment to many meat-based dishes, including chili. In fact, adding these earthy delights can elevate the overall experience of enjoying your favorite hearty entrée. One key technique is to let the mushrooms develop a deep brown color before deglazing the pan with broth – this step alone can significantly enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Cornbread Pudding
Indulge in the rich flavor of this cornbread, expertly paired with your favorite chili. Characterized by its indulgent texture, this delectable treat transcends traditional bread-like consistency, instead bearing a striking resemblance to a light and airy soufflé. To elevate the dish further, feel free to experiment with chopped vegetables or crispy bacon for added crunch and depth.
Savory Cornbread Pudding
Indulge in the warmth of this comforting cornbread pudding, infused with spicy, cheesy goodness that perfectly complements chili con carne. While this straightforward recipe serves as a solid foundation, don’t be afraid to add your own signature herbs and spices to give it an extra layer of personality.
