When it comes to serving up a hearty and satisfying meal, chili is often the star of the show. However, for many of us, a single bowl of chili can leave us feeling somewhat unsatisfied. Relying on just one dish to fill our stomachs can be a recipe for disappointment, especially when we’re expecting a more filling and substantial experience.
Cornbread
Beyond the obvious pairing of chili and cornbread, there’s a reason why this side dish has become a staple in many households. Its light and fluffy texture provides a sweet contrast to the bold flavors of chili-based meals, making it an ideal accompaniment for dinner. Additionally, its cooling properties come in handy when dealing with spicy food.
If you’re eager to try out this classic recipe, don’t hesitate to give it a shot – you can even use muffin cups to create individual cornbread muffins and make the process more manageable.
Cauliflower Salad
Fresh from the world of nutritious side dishes, one option stands out as an excellent pairing for chili: cauliflower salad. While salads are a staple accompaniment to many meals, cauliflower brings a unique twist to this classic combination. Not only is it rich in essential nutrients, making it an ideal choice for maintaining a balanced diet, but it also provides relief from the fiery sensation of consuming spicy foods.
This recipe excels by incorporating celery and hazelnuts, which add a satisfying crunch, while the subtle spiciness in the sauce seamlessly ties everything together with the chili.
Avocado Rice
While many people opt for traditional white or brown rice as a side dish for chili, there’s another type that stands out from the rest: avocado rice. This nutritious and healthy option not only pairs well with the flavors of the chili but also helps to neutralize its spicy kick. With its creamy texture and subtle flavor, avocado rice is an excellent choice to serve alongside your favorite chili recipe.
Mashed Potatoes
Taking into account their diverse shapes and sizes, as well as the numerous cooking methods available, it’s no surprise that potatoes have become a staple in many cuisines around the world. When it comes to serving potatoes alongside a hearty bowl of chili, one of the most popular options is undoubtedly mashed potatoes. Some individuals even use this versatile side dish to mop up the flavorful juices left behind at the bottom of the bowl, making it an ideal accompaniment to their chili.
For those looking to recreate this comforting combination, we recommend trying out our recipe for creamy mashed potatoes that pair perfectly with a warm and satisfying bowl of chili.
Loaded Nachos
Juxtapose the heat of chili by indulging in a plate of loaded nachos. Nachos offer versatility, allowing you to enjoy them plain or topped with an array of ingredients such as sour cream and guacamole. This recipe for loaded nachos incorporates all the essentials: jalapenos, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, savory beef, and more – feel free to customize according to your preferences.
Onion Rings
Among the many delightful accompaniments that pair perfectly with a warm bowl of vegetarian chili are crispy and crunchy onion rings. They offer a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor, making them an excellent addition to this comforting meal. For those who want to try their hand at creating these tasty treats at home, follow this straightforward recipe, which yields delicious results without requiring much effort or expertise.
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Offering a balance to the richness of classic chili is essential, which is why serving a side dish packed with fruit and vegetables is an excellent choice. One option that stands out as a fantastic accompaniment to this hearty dish is vegetarian stuffed peppers. These colourful bell peppers are not only bursting with flavour but also extremely easy to prepare.
The variety of tastes and textures ensures they pair perfectly with the bold flavours found in chili, while their compact size makes them effortless to enjoy on-the-go.
Parmesan And Garlic Monkey Bread
Generally speaking, cheesy garlic monkey bread stands out as a superior accompaniment to chili due to its delicious flavor profile. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also simple to share with others, making it an ideal option for gatherings and meals. By tearing off the desired piece, you can enjoy the warm, buttery goodness of this dish without much fuss.
Our recipe for parmesan and garlic monkey bread serves as a comprehensive guide, showcasing the perfect way to create this mouthwatering side dish that is sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Sweet Potato Fries
Taking advantage of the versatility of sweet potatoes, they can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in various recipes. In particular, cooking them into fries brings out their natural sweetness and yields a deliciously crispy exterior paired with a fluffy interior – making them an ideal accompaniment to your favorite dips like chili!
Cheesy Bites
Sometimes, there’s just no substitute for the perfect comfort food. These cheesy bites are an ultimate indulgence that will satisfy your cravings with their gooey, melted centers and crispy, crunchy exteriors. They’re incredibly easy to prepare and cook, making them a great option when you’re in a hurry or want something simple yet delicious to pair with your favorite chili.
Biscuits
Keeping in line with traditional American cuisine, biscuits are an excellent match for a hearty bowl of chili as they provide a gentle contrast to the rich and savory flavors. Not only do they offer a satisfying crunch, but their soft interior also allows them to absorb all the flavorful juices left behind, making each bite a delightful experience. Use them to round off your chili dinner with a touch of Southern charm and a taste of something light and fluffy.
Corn On The Cob
Everyone’s favorite summer side dish, corn on the cob, is a fantastic sweet accompaniment to serve alongside your savory and spicy chili at barbecues. Moreover, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal addition to any meal. For those who want to bring out the perfect balance of smokiness and butteriness, be sure to check out our simple recipe.
Baked Potatoes
Generally speaking, once your potatoes are cooked as baked potatoes, they offer endless possibilities for serving them. The combination of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors makes them an ideal base for various toppings. One popular way to enjoy baked potatoes is by scooping out some chili and placing it inside the potato, creating a hearty and satisfying side dish.
Guacamole
Avocado’s versatility is one of the reasons why guacamole has become a staple in many cuisines. Although its primary role is as a dip for nachos and chips, it also shines as a standalone side dish that pairs perfectly with chili. The creamy texture and mild flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to spicy dishes like chili, helping to balance out the heat. It’s also a great way to soothe any burnt taste buds, making it a popular choice for those looking for a refreshing side.
Spanish Rice
Making a delicious Spanish rice is an excellent way to add some excitement to your classic chili dishes. This rich and creamy side dish boasts all the classic flavors of garlic, cilantro, and cumin that give it a unique kick. If you’re looking for a flavorful alternative to other rice options, such as avocado rice, then Spanish rice is definitely worth considering.
Its bold flavors make it an ideal accompaniment to any spicy meal, adding a depth of flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Cheesy Broccoli
When it comes to adding an extra layer of flavor to broccoli, few things compare to the richness of melted cheese. This simple yet satisfying recipe for cheesy broccoli is just what you need to take your vegetable dishes to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
With its easy-to-follow instructions and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for busy home cooks who want to impress without the hassle.
Cabbage Coleslaw
Zero in on the perfect accompaniment to your next meal by considering coleslaw as a classic side dish. Not only does it pair amazingly well with chili, but its cool and soothing qualities also make it an ideal remedy for burnt lips and tongues. This particular version of coleslaw incorporates plenty of cabbage, guaranteeing that you’ll get a good dose of greens during dinner time.
Breadsticks
Surprisingly, breadsticks have become an essential accompaniment to many dishes, and it’s no wonder they’ve earned their spot on our list. Not only do they provide a soft and gentle surface for sopping up chili juices, but they also serve as a comfortable bed to pile your chili on top of, creating the perfect bite-sized combination.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the vast array of possibilities for side dishes that accompany chili dinner can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are numerous options available, each with its unique flavors and textures. When deciding on which side dishes to serve, consider your personal preferences as well as the tastes and dietary needs of your guests. To make things simpler, pick out two or three of your favorite options and give them a try next time you serve chili for dinner!
Directions
Embarking on the culinary journey requires selecting a recipe from our featured list. Click on the desired recipe title to access its corresponding webpage, where you can collect the necessary ingredients and cooking instructions. Once prepared, indulge in your freshly cooked meal and take a moment to appreciate the satisfaction of a job well done – and don’t forget to leave a review to help others make informed decisions.
