What To Serve With Chili: Our 15 Best Side Dish And Topping Ideas
Discover the perfect pairings for your chili supper.
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Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Chili is a comforting dish on its own, but it can be made even more comforting when served with the right side dishes. If you're wondering what to serve with chili, we're here with plenty of ideas. These delicious toppings and side dish recipes will take chili night to the next level.
No matter how you make your chili or what recipe you use, these are our best side dish and topping ideas that will pair perfectly with your pot of homemade chili.
Related: 35 Hearty Chili Recipes That'll Warm You Right Up
Southern Skillet Cornbread
Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
In our opinion, cornbread pairs perfectly with almost any dinner and chili is no exception. This classic skillet cornbread will help scoop up every last drop or can be crumbled on top of a bowlful of chili.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A bowl of chili and a grilled cheese is perhaps one of the most comforting dinner duos of all time. They're easy to make while your chili simmers.
Chopped Salad
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A fresh chopped salad will balance out the hearty chili. If your chili is heavy on meat, you can always omit the ham from the salad and focus on the veggies.
Guacamole
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
A dollop of homemade guacamole will add brightness and freshness to any bowl of chili. Plus, it can also be scooped up with the chips you serve on the side.
Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
While classic cornbread is great, if you want something a little more special to serve with your chili, this jalapeño cheddar version is just the recipe you need. Of course it's still made in a cast-iron skillet.
Microwave Baked Potato
Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Whether you want to spoon the chili on top of a baked potato or simply leave it on the side, you can't go wrong with this classic side dish. Plus, it can be made in the microwave so there's no need to turn on the oven.
Broccoli Cornbread
Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Jasmine Smith; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
What if we told you the secret to this moist and fluffy cornbread is actually cottage cheese? Just trust us on this one and we bet you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Cheese Sauce
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you serve your chili with tortilla chips, this cheese sauce will elevate the meal by being drizzled on top of both chips and bowls filled with chili.
Cornbread Salad
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
If you're entertaining and are looking for an elevated side dish to serve with chili, look no further. This layered cornbread salad just may outshine the main dish.
Fried Mashed Potato Balls
Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley
These poppable bites of mashed potatoes will likely begin to disappear before the bowlfuls of chili make it to the table.
Corn-And-Tomato Salad
VICTOR PROTASIO; FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN; PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINE KEELY
This salad gets more tender and flavorful as it sits, so it's a great make ahead option so you can keep it in the fridge until you're ready to serve while you focus on the chili.
Cornbread Muffins
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Buttermilk and a little bit of sugar help these muffins stay tender and moist while baking. The sugar adds just a touch of sweetness and helps the muffins achieve their golden brown color.
Mexican Corn
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Stylist: Caleb Clarke
This classic Mexican corn, also known as elote, comes together in just 20 minutes. Even though it comes together quickly, there's no shortage of flavor thanks to Cotija cheese, lime zest, and more.
Hot Potlikker Cornbread
Greg Dupree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
Collard greens and potlikker add even more comforting flavor to this take on hot water cornbread. Since they're closer to the size of fritters, they're golden brown and crispy on every side.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Roll-Ups
Southern Living
Both kids and adults will love this fun take on a classic grilled cheese that makes dipping even easier.
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Read the original article on Southern Living.
