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What to Serve With Chili

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Looking for toppings and sides to serve with chili? I've got you covered! It's no secret that chili is an American favorite. It's a hearty, full-meal-in-a-bowl and perfect for almost any occasion, from game day parties to potluck dinners.

Since there are so many ways to serve and enjoy chili, I decided to compile my favorites in one place. From salads and coleslaw to cornbread and carrot dogs, this recipe collection features 21 healthy dishes that pair well with chili plus all of the best toppings!

Four images in a grid with text overlay "Best Vegan Sides to Serve With Chili."

With this list, you'll never run out of ideas for what to serve with chili! Featuring delicious pairings from My Quiet Kitchen, as well as from some of my plant-based blogger friends, there are so many great dishes to choose from!

Jump to:

Our Favorite Chili Recipes

Before we get to the toppings and sides, I figured you might need some inspo for the main event.

What's great about chili is that you can customize it to suit your tastes and dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, low-fat, etc.

Since this is a vegan blog, I'm sharing my BEST vegan/vegetarian chili recipes. Wait, though!! Even if you and your guests aren't vegetarian or vegan, you will never miss the meat in these recipes. No kidding...

I take my chili very seriously!

So if you need a slam-dunk chili recipe the whole crowd will love, I've got you covered:

You can experiment with different plant-based meat alternatives, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, veggies, seasonings, and more. The options are endless!

Best Toppings for Chili

You can't go wrong with any of these classic chili toppings, whether you're simply garnishing your own bowl or planning to set up a chili bar for a party!

Vegan Dishes to Serve With Chili

two jalapeno cornbread muffins on a small white plate.

Loaded Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

These vegan cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up every last drop of your rich, savory chili. Packed with jalapeno, corn, green onion, and beans, they're full of flavor.
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close up of a piece of cornbread with rest of batch in background

Low-Fat Cornbread

Chili and cornbread are a match made in heaven! This plant-based version is incredibly easy to prepare and is free from both oil and refined sugar. It can also easily be made gluten-free. If you prefer a rich, buttery cornbread, try my Savory Southern Cornbread.
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close up side view of sliced quesadillas with spinach. and homemade vegan cheese.

Easy Vegan Quesadillas

These quesadillas are so easy to make with a handful of simple ingredients including an irresistible homemade meltable vegan mozzarella. Serve alongside a bowl of chili for a delicious and filling meal.
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overhead of air fryer tortilla chips on a baking tray with salsa.

Healthy Homemade Tortilla Chips

These low-fat tortilla chips are perfect for dipping in chili, crumbling on top, or using as the base for a platter of ultimate chili nachos! The recipe includes both air fryer and oven instructions.
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A hand holding a tortilla chip scooping up creamy vegan queso from a wood bowl.

Dairy-Free Queso

This vegan queso is perfect drizzled on just about anything, and chili is no exception! Whether you're enjoying a simple bowl of chili, making a chili dog, or putting together some loaded nachos, this plant-based queso is the perfect finishing touch!
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a colorful assortment of raw and blanched vegetables with two dips on a wooden tray.

Veggie Tray

Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or dinner party, this veggie tray makes the perfect addition to your event! While your guests enjoy their chili, they can also munch on a beautiful arrangement of fresh veggies and delicious dips.
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Vegan ceviche in a bowl ready to be served.

Vegan Ceviche

Light and fresh, vegan ceviche perfectly complements the rich and hearty flavors of chili. This plant-based version features hearts of palm and optional jackfruit in place of the seafood traditionally used.
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Three bean tacos on a sheet pan sprinkled with cheese and toppings.

Chipotle White Bean Tacos

Turn your next taco night into a fiesta by serving these white bean tacos with a side of chili and all the fixings! Smoky, spicy, and full of flavor, these tasty tacos are sure to be a hit!
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colorful vegan soy tacos lined up on a cutting board.

The Best Vegan Taco Meat

This Mexican-inspired vegan "meat" comes together easily with soy curls (or TVP) and is perfect not only for tacos, but also burritos, and nachos, all of which are great for serving with chili. You can also make a rice bowl with this plant-based meat, and then add scoop of chili and all your favorite toppings!
Get the recipe
overhead photo of colorful vegan kale salad in a large bowl.

Vegan Kale Salad With Sunflower Seed Dressing

With colorful veggies, a creamy dressing, and crunchy sunflower seeds, this healthy kale salad is a nutrititional powerhouse. The tangy dressing actually reminds us of sour cream, so of course it tastes amazing alongside the warm spices in chili!
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A light gray bowl filled with avocado salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Cucumber Avocado Salad

With a simple combination of cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and lemon or lime juice, this cool and refreshing salad is a perfect side dish to serve with a spicy, robust chili.
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Sweet Potato Salad on a platter

Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Salad

Although it can be enjoyed any time of the year, this sweet potato and spinach salad with candied pecans is perfect for cool autumn nights paired with a piping hot bowl of chili.
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A large baking sheet filled with cheesy potato skins garnished with green onion.

Vegan Potato Skins

Potato skins are another great party food that pairs well with chili! Guests can add a scoop of chili to their potato skins and customize with their favorite toppings. If you're short on time, plain baked potatoes or french fries also serve as a delicious base for topping with chili!
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Creamy vegan macaroni and cheese inside a large black Crockpot.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheeze

This vegan mac and cheese is the perfect creamy, cheesy base for creating a comforting, yet healthy chili mac. What's not to love about two comfort food classics in one?!
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overhead shot of coleslaw in a serving bowl with a spoon.
Know Your Produce

Vegan Coleslaw

This 6-ingredient vegan coleslaw comes together in just 10 minutes for a quick and easy side dish that's perfect with your favorite hearty chili.
Get the recipe
Creamy green guacamole in a white bowl.
Evergreen Kitchen

Guacamole

All you need are avocados, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a few pantry seasonings to make this simple, yet tasty guac. Serve alongside a bowl of hot chili with your favorite tortilla chips.
Get the recipe
Three tofu hot dogs on buns with different toppings.
This Healthy Kitchen

Tofu Hot Dogs

How about healthy chili dogs?! These tofu hot dogs are gluten-free, oil-free, and vegan. Ladle chili on top or crumble the hot dogs onto your chili for even more flavor and protein. If you're not looking for a gluten-free option, these seitan dogs made with cannellini beans are another meaty option.
Get the recipe
two carrot dogs on a plate with some chips.
Shane and Simple

Carrot Dogs

For another vegan hot dog option, try these carrot dogs which can be made on the grill or stovetop. Slather them with chili and top with vegan cheese and chopped onions for the perfect combination.
Get the recipe
overhead shot of two bowls with salad in them, topped with sliced almonds.
Dianne's Vegan Kitchen

Cruciferous Crunch Salad

Instead of coleslaw, try this crisp salad made with cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and a creamy lemon Dijon dressing. Since these veggies are at their peak during the cooler months, it's the perfect fresh, seasonal side to serve with chili.
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overhead shot of Mexican rice in a black bowl with lime garnish.
My Pure Plants

Mexican Fried Rice

This flavor-packed Mexican rice will be on the table in just 30 minutes and makes a great addition to any party or gathering where chili is being served!
Get the recipe
jalapeno poppers on a plate with one on top opened up to see inside.
Steph Sunshine

Jalapeno Poppers

These perfectly crispy jalapeno poppers, stuffed with a delightful lemon cashew cream are great for pairing with chili for game day parties or any get-together! They can either be fried or baked to suit your preference.
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Top Tips

  • Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
  • If you're serving chili at a party or gathering, keep it warm in a slow cooker so that it's hot when your guests are ready to eat.
  • You can also make your chili 1-2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to reheat.

I hope you found plenty of ideas here for toppings and side dishes to serve with your next batch of homemade chili.

If you make any of the recipes, or if you have tips to share for creating an epic chili bar, be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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