What To Serve With Chili Con Carne (25 Best Side Dishes)

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili con carne on a cold day. The combination of tender ground beef, kidney beans, and a blend of spices like chili powder and cumin makes it a comforting and flavorful meal.

But what’s chili without the perfect side dishes? From jalapeño cheddar cornbread to cheesy garlic bread and crispy tortilla chips, these sides will complete your chili con carne meal and leave you smiling!

So, whether you’re pulling out the slow cooker, instant pot, or Dutch oven for your favorite chili recipe, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best chili side dishes. Let’s dive in and explore what to serve with chili con carne for the ultimate comfort food meal.

1. Jalapeno cheddar cornbread

Jalapeño cheddar cornbread is the perfect side dish to serve with chili con carne. The sweet and spicy flavors of the cornbread complement the heartiness of the chili, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

This side dish is super easy to make using simple ingredients like cornmeal, milk, eggs, diced jalapeños, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Serve alongside your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or beef chili recipe, and feel free to top it with some extra shredded cheese, and diced green onions.

We love: Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread (by I Am Homesteader)

2. Grilled cheese sandwich

Who doesn’t love a grilled cheese? And while it’s not the traditional side dish to serve with chili, it’s an absolute must-try!

Crispy toasted bread and gooey cheese make the perfect side dish for your best chili con carne. And it’s easy to get creative with your grilled cheese sandwich.

We love: Feta Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Spinach (by Give Recipe)

3. Sweet potato fries

When it comes to pairing side dishes with chili con carne, it’s all about finding the perfect balance of flavors. And sweet potato fries are a great option to complement the spicy, savory flavors of this classic dish.

The sweetness of the fries pairs well with the heat of the chili, while also providing a satisfying crunch. You can deep-fry sweet potato or, for a healthier option, toss the fries in olive oil and bake until crispy using the oven or air fryer.

No matter which version of chili con carne you’re making – be it chicken chili, beef chili, or vegetarian chili – sweet potato fries are sure to be a crowd-pleasing side dish.

We love: Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer (by The Hearty Life)

4. Soft pretzels

Soft pretzels are a delicious side dish to serve with chili con carne. The combination of soft and buttery pretzels with the hearty and spicy chili is a match made in heaven.

These pretzels are easy to make at home, and they make the perfect accompaniment to any chili con carne recipe. Sprinkle them with sea salt flakes to add that something extra.

Or, opt for your favorite store-bought pretzels so that you have more time to spend on your favorite chili con carne recipe.

We love: Homemade Soft Pretzels (by The Seasoned Mom)

5. Potato wedges

Potato wedges are a classic and hearty side dish that pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of chili con carne.

The crispy texture of the wedges provides a satisfying crunch to balance out the rich and flavorful chili. Plus, potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, making them the perfect comfort food to go with this hearty dish.

You can also add your own twist to the potato wedges by seasoning them with your favorite spice mix (I love to sprinkle them with some Old Bay Seasoning or harissa spice) or topping them with grated cheese.

We love: Truly Crispy Garlic Parmesan Baked Potato Wedges Recipe (by CurryTrail)

6. Cheesy potato skins

Cheesy potato skins make the perfect match for a bowl of hot and hearty chili con carne.

These crispy potato skins are filled with gooey cheese, making them a delicious and indulgent side dish. And they’re great to customize with whatever you already have in the fridge.

To make your cheesy potato skins even more flavorful, try topping them with chopped tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, or diced bell peppers.

We love: Stuffed Potato Skins (by Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary)

7. Chips and guacamole

Chips and guacamole is a classic and delicious side dish for chili con carne. The creamy and flavorful guacamole is the perfect accompaniment to the hot chili.

This easy side dish can be made with just a few ingredients: perfectly ripe avocados, lime juice, salt, and cilantro. And if you want to spice things up, add some diced chili peppers or hot sauce to your guacamole.

We love: Easy Guacamole Recipe (by Kylee Cooks)

8. Avocado salad

When it comes to chili con carne, you want a side dish that will complement the rich, spicy flavors of the dish. That’s where avocado salad comes in.

The creamy avocado and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for a gluten-free and healthy side.

For the ultimate chili experience, pair it with some traditional sides like cornbread, white rice, or tortilla wraps.

We love: Cucumber Avocado Salad (by Eatwell101)

9. Cauliflower rice

Cauliflower rice is a tasty and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with chili con carne.

This low-carb alternative to traditional rice is a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs or add more vegetables to their meal. It also has a similar texture to rice, making it a satisfying and filling side dish.

Serve with a an avocado salad or simply add a dollop of sour cream.

We love: How to Make Cauliflower Rice (by Premeditated Leftovers™)

10. Baked potatoes

Baked potatoes are a versatile and satisfying side dish to serve with chili con carne. The fluffy potato pairs perfectly with the rich and hearty flavors of the chili.

To make the most of this combination, top your baked potato with a ladle of chili, along with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions.

Not only is this a delicious and filling combination, but it’s also a great way to stretch your chili recipe further and make it a complete meal.

We love: Best Baked Potato Recipe (by Kristine’s Kitchen)

11. Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are an unexpected but delicious side dish to serve with chili. That slightly bitter flavor of the Brussels sprouts pairs well with the rich and savory flavors of the chili.

For a simple and quick side dish, roast Brussels sprouts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Or for a heartier option, add diced sweet potatoes and roast them alongside the Brussels sprouts.

Finish your roasted veggies with a squeeze of lime juice, salt and pepper and serve it with a side of corn chips or a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

We love: Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (by Kroll’s Korner)

12. Tortilla chips

When it comes to chili con carne, tortilla chips are a classic and delicious side dish to pair with this hearty and flavorful meal.

The crunchy texture of the chips adds a nice contrast to the tender and slow-cooked beef, while also helping to soak up the delicious chili broth.

Top your bowl of chili with a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese. Then, serve it with a bowl of homemade tortilla chips to scoop up the chili for an exciting crunch with every bite.

We love: Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe (by Gimme Some Oven)

13. Onion rings

Onion rings are the perfect crunchy side dish to serve with chili if you’re after something a bit more indulgent.

The crispy texture of the onion rings complements the hearty and flavorful chili perfectly. Plus, they add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to each bite.

To make this delicious pairing, simply slice onions into rings, coat them with your favorite batter, and fry until golden brown.

We love: Homemade Classic Onion Rings (by Bless this Mess)

14. Cilantro lime rice

One of the best sides to serve with this popular dish is cilantro lime rice.

The zesty and tangy flavors of the cilantro and lime add a refreshing element to the rich and spicy chili. Plus, the light and fluffy texture of the rice provides a nice contrast to the thick and chunky chili.

Not to mention, cilantro lime rice is quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect side for a busy weeknight. Simply cook some white or brown rice and mix in chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with an avocado cucumber salad on the side.

We love: Cilantro Lime Rice (by Megan Vs Kitchen)

15. Mashed potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with any hearty main dish. The creamy texture and mild flavor of mashed potatoes provide a great balance to the bold and spicy flavors of the chili.

To make the perfect bowl, add some chili on top of a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and top it off with some grated cheddar cheese.

It’s a great way to stretch the meal and feed a large family with very little effort.

We love: Simple Creamy Mashed Potatoes (by Olive & Mango)

16. Garlic knots

Chili con carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. And what better side dish to serve with it than some delicious garlic knots?

The buttery, garlicky flavor of the knots pairs well with the rich and spicy flavors of the chili. They also provide a nice contrast in texture to the meat and beans in the chili.

For a complete meal, serve the chili con carne with some lime wedges and fresh cilantro on top and a side of garlic knots to wipe up all the delicious chili sauce.

We love: Homemade Garlic Knots (Recipe + Video) (by Sally’s Baking Addiction)

17. Green salad

When it comes to chili con carne, a green salad is the perfect side dish to balance out the bold flavors of the chili.

After each bite of spicy, meaty chili, take a refreshing bite of your green salad to cleanse the palate and add some fresh, healthy greens to your meal.

Serve your green salad with a delicious chili lime vinaigrette for an extra spicy kick, or opt for a yogurt-based dressing to cool things down a bit.

We love: Best Simple Tossed Green Salad (by Creme De La Crumb)

18. Chili lime shrimp

Chili lime shrimp is a great side dish to serve with chili con carne. The tangy and zesty flavors of the shrimp perfectly complement the rich and hearty flavors of the chili without overpowering it.

To make this dish, simply marinate shrimp in a chili-lime dressing, then toss them on the grill or stovetop. It is the perfect high-protein side when you want to serve a few exciting dishes alongside chili at your next dinner party.

The chili lime shrimp pairs well with more vegetable side dishes like baked sweet potatoes or sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, and cornbread.

We love: Chili Lime Shrimp (by Rasa Malaysia)

19. Black bean and corn salad

Black bean and corn salad is a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with chili con carne. The colorful and flavorful salad provides a nice contrast to the bold flavors of the chili without overpowering them.

This salad is super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge—perfect to get a head start on your cooking!

Scoop a generous serving of chopped black bean and corn salad onto your chili bowl. Add a few avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole or sour cream for the perfect chili con carne dinner. And if you have any leftover chili, it can be added to the salad the next day for a delicious and filling lunch!

We love: Corn and Black Bean Salad with Mexican Vinaigrette (by Urban Cowgirl)

20. Chili cheese fries

When it comes to hearty chili recipes, chili con carne is a classic. And what better way to round out this dish than with some chili cheese fries? This American-style cuisine pairs perfectly with the bold flavors of the chili.

Make homemade chili cheese fries by topping crispy French fries with a classic chili made with minced beef, flavorful beef broth with red wine, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and ground cumin.

This is also a great way to use any leftover chili the next day.

We love: Chili Cheese Fries (by Love From The Oven)

21. Chili stuffed peppers

For a unique and delicious chili dish, try chili stuffed peppers. This dish combines the flavors of chili with the sweetness of bell peppers for a winning combination.

Simply scoop your favorite chili into halved and deseeded red bell peppers. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake in a hot oven until the red pepper is cooked and the cheese is golden and gooey.

Serve with a side of guacamole for a delicious side dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This is also a great way to use up any leftover chili.

We love: Leftover Chili Stuffed Peppers (by Meatloaf and Melodrama)

22. Cheesy garlic bread

When it comes to any hearty stew, a side of cheesy garlic bread is always welcome. This classic side dish adds a whole new level of flavor to the meal and pairs well with the bold flavors of the chili.

Whether you made a meaty chili con carne with stew meat and red kidney beans, a white chili with chicken breasts and cannellini beans, or a vegetable bean chili, this crowd-pleaser is sure to be a favorite among your family and friends.

We love: Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread (by The Recipe Critic)

23. Mac and cheese

When it comes to pairing side dishes with chili con carne, mac and cheese is a classic and delicious side dish for any meaty main.

The creaminess of the mac and cheese balances out the spiciness of the chili, while the chewy pasta adds a nice textural contrast.

And if you have leftover mac and cheese and chili, combine the two in a casserole dish and return it the the oven for a a chili mac and cheese dinner the next day.

We love: The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese (by Mom On Timeout)

24. Roasted vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a great side dish to serve with any type of chili. The hearty and spicy flavors in the chili are perfectly complemented by the sweet and earthy flavors of the roasted vegetables.

To make roasted vegetables, toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Try it with red onions, bell peppers, sweet potato or butternut squash, and cauliflower. Roast them on a sheet pan in a single layer in a preheated oven until they are tender and caramelized.

We love: The BEST oven roasted vegetables (by Diethood®)

25. Favorite toppings

While they’re not quite side dishes, these accompaniments should not be overlooked!

Add a few small bowls to the middle of the table with your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, tomato coriander salsa, diced avocado, and sliced green onion. Then everyone can create their perfect bowl of chili.

And don’t forget to serve it with a bottle of hot sauce, so that everyone can adjust the heat to suit their preference.

Why not try homemade chili sauce?

We love: Homemade Chili Sauce (by Chili Pepper Madness)

No matter what your dietary preferences are, these side dishes will pair perfectly with your favorite chili whether it’s a vegan bean chili, a white chicken chili, or a meaty chili con carne.

So next time you’re making chili, don’t forget to add some of these easy recipes to your shopping list. Your family and friends will thank you!

Let me know in the comments how you like to serve your favorite chili!