What to Serve with Chili
If you’re wondering what to serve with chili, these 27 easy side dishes, breads, and desserts will help you turn a simple pot of chili into a complete meal.
Chili is one of those easy, go-to meals—especially when you need something hearty, filling, and family-friendly. If you don’t already have a favorite recipe, you can check out my go-to chili recipe here. It’s easy, tastes great and is actually Whole 30 approved as well. A bonus!
But once the chili is simmering, the next question is always the same… what should you serve with it?
Whether you want something light, comforting, or a little sweet to balance things out, here are some easy ideas that pair perfectly with chili.
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What Types of Chili Do These Sides Go With?
Before we start, know that these side dishes work well with all kinds of chili, including:
- Classic ground beef chili
- Turkey chili
- White chicken chili
- Vegetarian chili
- Spicy chili
- Slow cooker chili
- Instant Pot chili
No matter which type of chili you’re making, these sides will help round out the meal.
Best Breads to Serve with Chili
Soups are made for a side of bread, and chili is no exception! Here are some bread options to serve with chili.
- Cornbread – A classic side that pairs perfectly with hearty chili. (I highly recommend this cornbread box mix that tastes better than any homemade recipe I have ever tried!)
- Biscuits – Fluffy and buttery, great for soaking up every last bite. Canned or fresh, it’s an easy bread option.
- Garlic Bread – Crispy, savory, and always a crowd favorite. Buy a frozen box from the store or make your own!
- Not Too Sweet Fruit Muffins – A sweeter fruit muffin can be a good addition to your chili meal. These low sugar blueberry muffins are an option kids and adults would like with their chili.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft and simple, perfect for keeping things easy.
- Homemade Bread – You can never go wrong with homemade bread as a side for any meal! Sally’s Baking Addiction has my favorite bread recipe.
- Sausage Cheese Puffs – If you want a savory bread option, try making these easy sausage and cheese bites.
Light Side Dishes for Chili
Since chili is a filling meal, sometimes you want a lighter side to go with it. Here are some easy options.
- Side Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to a rich bowl of chili.
- Coleslaw – Cool and creamy, especially good with spicy chili.
- Roasted Vegetables – Simple, healthy, and easy to prep ahead.
- Fruit Salad – A light, refreshing option that balances heavier flavors and easy to make with whatever fruit you have on hand.
- Apple Snickers Salad – This sweet salad has only 5 ingredients and is a hit every time I make it. The sweetness is a good complement to spicy chili.
- Potato Salad – If you want potato flavor, you can always serve a bowl of old-fashioned potato salad. This recipe is my Great-Grandma’s and has directions for feeding anywhere from 5 to 50!
Comfort Food Side Dishes for Chili
While chili is a comfort food in and of itself, there are a lot of cozy sides to serve with chili.
- Baked Potatoes – A hearty pairing that turns chili into a full meal. Here’s how I make perfect baked potatoes that keep my kids happy when we are eating chili.
- Mac and Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and always a hit with kids and adults. Make it from scratch or a box!
- Rice – A simple way to stretch your chili and make it extra filling. If you need ideas, here are some easy meals to serve with rice.
- Grilled Cheese – Warm, melty, and perfect for dipping. No recipe necessary!
- Quesadillas – Easy, cheesy, and great for a Tex-Mex style meal.
- Nachos – Add chips, cheese, and toppings for a fun twist on chili night.
- Cheesy Potato Casserole – There is something about cheese and potatoes that together make the ultimate comfort food. This potato casserole is easy to mix together and bake in the oven while the chili simmers.
Best Desserts to Serve with Chili
If you’re serving chili for dinner, don’t forget dessert! Something sweet is the perfect way to balance a hearty, savory meal.
- Gooey Brownies – These are my family’s absolute favorite brownies. Once you make these one-bowl brownies once, you will never go back to a boxed brownie mix again.
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispies – While regular rice krispie treats are good, these peanut butter rice krispies topped with chocolate are a great ending to any meal.
- Cake Mix Cookies – Quick and simple, these easy cookies are made with only 5 ingredients.
- No-Bake Chocolate Cookies – Great for when you want something easy without turning on the oven. You can never go wrong with these no bake oatmeal cookies!
- Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake – While your chili simmers, you can mix up this easy Nothing Bundt cake copycat recipe. The sweet cream cheese frosting is the perfect ending to your meal!
- Frozen Peanut Butter Pie – Cool off after your chili with this easy, frozen peanut butter pie. A great make-ahead dessert recipe.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Pie – The subtle mint flavor in this no bake pudding pie makes it a great dessert option after spicy chili.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Serve with Chili
Popular chili toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, crushed crackers, corn chips (like tortilla chips or fritos), and avocado.
Some of the best sides for chili include cornbread, biscuits, side salads, baked potatoes, and mac and cheese. But ultimately the best side to serve is one that you enjoy!
Cornbread is the most popular choice, but biscuits, garlic bread, and dinner rolls also pair well with chili.
Yes! A sweet dessert like brownies, cookies, or no-bake treats is the perfect way to balance a savory chili meal.
Yes, chili freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3-6 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, in the microwave or in a slow cooker on low.
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