What to Serve with Chili: 21 Side Dishes
Chili and soup season is my favorite time of year, but I always wonder what to serve with chili or what to serve with soup to make it a complete meal. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What sides go with chili?” This recipe roundup of chili side dishes answers the question what to eat with chili with plenty of delicious options.
Cornbread is an obvious choice (and my favorite)! Cornbread and chili are a match made in culinary heaven. I have a variety of the best cornbread recipes below, but if you’re wondering what to serve with chili besides cornbread? I’m here to help with that too!
If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian chili recipe, you’ll love my 3 Bean Chili with Beer. Or if a chicken chili recipe is calling your name, try my Buffalo Chicken Chili.
What to Serve with Chili
1. Skillet Cornbread
One of the best sides for chili is classic cornbread. This recipe is perfect for sharing at cookouts, potlucks, holidays and family parties.
Sweet Skillet Cornbread with Honey Butter
This sweet cast iron skillet cornbread is made with lots of butter, honey and buttermilk and served with silky whipped honey butter!
Check out this recipe
2. Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
A cornbread recipe that screams fall! Perfect for lovers of all things pumpkin.
Pumpkin Cornbread Muffins
A pumpkin cornbread muffin recipe that’s easy, moist, and tastes like fall with cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree!
Check out this recipe
3. Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
This simple cornbread recipe made from scratch will have you asking what to eat with cornbread! Any chili or soup will be a perfect pairing with this recipe.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
An easy homemade cornbread that delivers a big flavor. It’s cheesy, spicy, has fresh corn, and can be made ahead and frozen. It comes together in 15 minutes and bakes to a golden top.
Check out this recipe
4. Sweet Cornbread Recipe
When I think of chili side dishes, this sweet cornbread recipe comes to mind. You can’t go wrong with this favorite.
Sweet Cornbread Recipe
Our Favorite Sweet Cornbread is sweet, moist and tender. Grab the EASY RECIPE for tonight’s dinner!
Check out this recipe
Healthy Sides for Chili
5. Air Fryer Green Beans
What vegetable goes with chili, you ask? These simple and quick green beans are one of my favorite sides with chili.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Air Fryer Green Beans are a healthy side dish for entertaining or for an easy weeknight dinner. Air fry fresh green beans in 10 minutes!
Check out this recipe
6. Broccoli Salad
This broccoli salad will add a pop of freshness to your chili dinner.
Healthy Broccoli Salad
This Healthy Broccoli Salad is full of fun textures, fresh veggies and protein, is a great balance of sweet and earthy, and smoky flavors.
Check out this recipe
7. Guacamole
This cooling guacamole is perfect to serve with a spicy chili. Pass the chips!
Homemade Guacamole (Chipotle Copycat)
Make the best homemade guacamole recipe (a Chipotle copycat) in just 5 minutes! It’s the ultimate guide for how to make guacamole, keep it from turning brown, nutrition, tips, and more.
Check out this recipe
8. Baked Potatoes
Baked potatoes are a classic side to go with chili or to put your chili inside of! Chili loaded baked potatoes are always a fun twist on chili night!
Baked Potatoes Without Foil
Can you make baked potatoes without foil? Absolutely! Crisp and soft at the same time, these oven-baked potatoes make the perfect easy side dish.
Check out this recipe
9. Corn, Black Bean & Avocado Salad
Colorful and crisp – this salad will complete your chili dinner.
Corn, Black Bean and Avocado Salad
A canned corn, black bean, avocado quinoa salad that is healthy, packed with flavor, and on the table in just 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe
10. Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
These delicious brussels sprouts are a quick and healthy side for chili.
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts make the perfect vegetable side dish. Learn to cook crispy Brussels sprouts on the stovetop quickly.
Check out this recipe
11. Cauliflower Spanish Rice
The Tex-Mex flavors in this Spanish rice will compliment any bowl of Texas chili. One of the best low carb sides for chili!
Cauliflower Spanish Rice with Salsa
Cauliflower Spanish Rice is the perfect low-carb side dish for Tex-Mex recipes. Keto Mexican rice is flavorful and quick and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
Finger Foods That Go with Chili
12. Crispy Potato Wedges
Serve these as a side with chili or make loaded chili fries!
Crispy Potato Wedges
These crispy potato wedges with parmesan cheese are roasted to perfection and served with a lemon aioli dipping sauce for a tasty side dish!
Check out this recipe
13. Roasted Zucchini Bites with Cheese
A fun way to eat your veggies, yes please!
Roasted Zucchini Bites with Cheese
Zucchini is a great source for fiber while garlic boosts the immune system & black pepper has anti-bacterial properties.
Check out this recipe
14. Jicama Fries
Looking for a low carb side for chili? Look no further with this jicama recipe.
Jicama Fries (Easy Low Carb French Fries)
Discover how easy it is to make keto fries using jicama. And take them up a notch by seasoning the low carb French fries before baking.
Check out this recipe
15. Caprese Tortellini Skewers
Looking for finger foods that go with chili? These skewers are always a crowd pleaser.
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze
Caprese Tortellini Skewers with Balsamic Glaze are an easy no-bake appetizer. Caprese skewers with tortellini make the best party appetizers.
Check out this recipe
16. Tater Tots
Make this flavorful side dish for a chili bar! Chili loaded tater tots sound like a kid-approved dinner idea!
Hot Honey Butter Tater Tots
Our hot honey butter tater tots are knock your socks off good! Better still, they are ridiculously easy to make and perfect for a crowd.
Check out this recipe
What to Serve with Chili Besides Cornbread?
17. Cheesy Zucchini Bread
If you’re looking for what to serve with soup, look no further. Dunk this easy, cheesy bread in your bowl and enjoy.
Cheesy Zucchini Bread (Quick Bread)
Cheesy Zucchini Bread made with healthy zucchini, shredded cheddar cheese, and chives is a delicious and easy savory quick bread loved by the whole family.
Check out this recipe
18. Green Chile Cheddar Butter Swimming Biscuits
These biscuits are my favorite when thinking about what to serve with white chicken chili!
Green Chile Cheddar Butter Swimming Biscuits
You NEED to make these Green Chile Cheddar Butter Swimming Biscuits! No kneading or pastry cutter required.
Check out this recipe
19. Peppery Cheese Bread
Make this quick peppery cheese bread to dunk in your bowl. This loaf has a unique flavor that you’ll love.
Quick Peppery Cheese Bread
This Quick Peppery Cheese Bread is yeast free and gluten free. Full of savory cheese and black pepper. Pairs perfectly with a bowl of comforting soup.
Check out this recipe
20. Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
You’ll love these as an appetizer for chili and then want another one with your meal.
Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
These drop Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits are so easy to make, this is one of my favorite recipes for a quick side or appetizer.
Check out this recipe
21. Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls
Adding cheese to anything makes it better, right? You will love dipping these crescent rolls into a warm, cozy bowl of soup or chili.
Easy Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls
Cheesy Garlic Crescent Rolls made in the air fryer will instantly become your favorite! These Pillsbury crescents are stuffed with cheese and then topped with a yummy garlic butter. They make a quick and easy appetizer or side dish that the whole family will devour!
Check out this recipe
Soup & Chili Recipes to Try: