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What to Serve with Chili: 21 Side Dishes

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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.

A collage of side dishes for chili and recipes for what to serve with chili.
Jump to:

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
Skillet cornbread in a cast iron skillet cut into pie shaped servings. A hand holding a serving knife is taking out a piece of cornbread.

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
Pumpkin cornbread muffins on a white serving platter. An orange and white pumpkin are in the background.

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
A square serving of Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread on a wooden cutting board with corn and cheese oozing out of the bread.

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
Two squares of sweet cornbread stacked on top of each other.

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
A plate of air fryer green beans with a lemon wedge and wooden spoon on the side.

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
Broccoli salad in a bowl with bacon, vegetables, and a spoon.

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
A white bowl with bright green guacamole. A tortilla chip, and lime wedges are in the bowl. A half of an avocado is next to the bowl.

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
Baked potatoes on a wooden cutting board. The potatoes are cut open with a fork reaching for a bite. A jar of salt is in the background.

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
Corn, Black Bean and Avocado Salad

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
Wedges of caramelized brussels sprouts are in a white bowl.

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
A red bowl filled with cauliflower Spanish rice on a marble table. A spoon and skillet sit next to the red bowl.

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
Crispy potato wedges are on a wooden plate with a small bowl of dipping sauce to the side.

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
Zucchini wedges with shredded cheese on a white plate.

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
Cooked jicama that has been sliced into the shape of fries is on a white plate.

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
Caprese tortellini skewers with balsamic glaze on a serving platter. Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a green kitchen towel surround the plate.

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
A dark plate with tater tots drizzled with honey.

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
A loaf of zucchini bread in a loaf pan surrounded by kitchen towels.

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
Hands are pulling apart a biscuit showing the fluffy inside.

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
A loaf of pepper bread is on a dark countertop next to a block of cheese.

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
Two biscuits with cheese and jalapenos are stacked on top of each other.

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
Hands are pulling apart a crescent roll filled with cheese.

Soup & Chili Recipes to Try

If you try any of these recipes or any recipe from Happy Honey Kitchen, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Enjoy!

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