What to Serve with Chili - 21 Tasty Ideas

For game days, potlucks, parties, or chili dinners, here are 21 tasty appetizers, sides, and desserts to serve with chili that are all gluten-free!

Whether it's game day or chili night, the perfect accompaniment to a pot of chili makes the meal. Here you will find the best side dishes, best appetizers, and best desserts to serve with your pot of chili.

Types of chili

The types and variations of chili can cause debate among some, but in our eyes, they are all delicious! No matter your favorite chili recipe, most are made with simple ingredients that result in a satisfying, hearty meal. Common types include:

• Chili con carne
• White chicken chili
• Vegetarian chili
• Chili verde
• Texas chili
• Black bean chili
• Turkey chili

Finding the perfect pairing to a spicy chili makes this kind of best comfort food even better. From appetizers to an easy side dish, to dessert, we've got it covered.

Cornbread

Classic cornbread is probably a given, but it's a perfect match for a hearty chili. Variations on homemade cornbread keep things interesting and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cornbread

Made with sweet potatoes and naturally sweetened with maple syrup for a healthy addition to any table.

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Cheese bread

Whether you are dairy-free or not, cheese bread of all kinds will make a great side dish. From cheesy breadsticks to garlic bread with melted cheese to pão de queijo (Brazilian cheese bread), try one of these easy pairings.

Vegan Brazilian Cheese Bread

This recipe uses tapioca starch, potato, olive oil, and spices to make a dairy-free pão de queijo. Gluten-free.

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Fries

French fries and fries of unique flavors and ingredients like sweet potato fries, play well with this simple dish. Go with the classic or try something new.

Baked Polenta Fries

A crispy outside and creamy inside, this Baked Polenta Fries recipe is the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. Gluten-free and vegan.

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Jalapeno poppers 

The creamy and crunchy texture of jalapeno poppers strikes just the right balance with the main dish. Pick your favorite jalapeno popper recipe and serve it as an appetizer or side dish.

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Using a dairy-free cream cheese filling with garlic, spices, and potato chips for an easy appetizer in just 30 minutes. Gluten-free and vegan!

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Totchos

Tater tots plus nachos equal totchos! The little potato puffs are loaded with your favorite toppings and complement the flavors of chili powder and spice in all the best ways.

Totchos

This Totchos recipe is made with a green salsa cashew cheese sauce and loaded with vegetarian toppings. Easily customize with your favorite toppings! Gluten-free and dairy-free.

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Tater tots

This easy finger food is quick and easy and even delicious as a topping on a big bowl of chili!

Baked Zucchini Tater Tots

Made with fresh zucchini and russet potatoes, these 4-ingredient zucchini tots are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Gluten-free, vegan.

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Queso

You can't go wrong with melted cheese! Use as a side with chips or drizzled on top of your hearty bowl.

Vegan Queso Blanco

This queso is perfect for sharing. Made with cashews, spices, and hatch chilis, it is a delicious white cheese dip that is totally dairy-free! Gluten-free.

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Dip

A cool and creamy dip and potato chips are a delicious partner to a warm bowl.

Cold Spinach Dip

This can be whipped up in minutes and will be a total crowd favorite! Serve with vegetables or chips!

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Onion Rings

Salty, savory, and a little crunchy, baked or fried, they make a great pairing.

Gluten-Free Onion Strings

This recipe is baked, not fried. Made with white rice flour, dairy-free buttermilk, and spices, these won't last long! Vegan.

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Green salad

A fresh green salad is a great cool and crisp compliment to a rich bowl of chili.

Kiwi Avocado Salad

Bright, fresh, and easy, this recipe is topped with a simple, sweet, and tangy kiwi fruit dressing. Gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free. 

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Grain salad

Grain salads can be made with rice, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, or other easy-to-cook grains. Easy to transport and serve for parties and cookouts.

Millet Tabbouleh Salad

Fresh Millet Tabbouleh Salad recipe featuring whole grain cooked millet instead of traditional bulgur.

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Pasta salad

Pasta salads work well as a side and are a total crowd-pleaser.

Dairy-Free Ranch Pasta Salad

This Gluten-Free Ranch Pasta Salad is made with a creamy vegan dressing and fresh broccoli, peppers, and mushrooms! A perfect vegetarian side dish. 

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Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, sauteed vegetables, or fresh vegetables all add color, flavor, and texture.

Carrot Fries

Oven Baked Carrot Fries tossed with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and parsley for a deliciously healthy snack recipe. Just add your favorite dipping sauce! Gluten-free, vegan.

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Ice cream

From plain vanilla to more exotic flavors, this is a great way to finish a meal.

No Churn Vegan Chocolate Tahini Ice Cream

Made with almond milk and coconut milk and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. A healthy dairy-free ice cream recipe to enjoy year round!

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Sorbet

Fruit sorbets are a wonderful palette cleanser, but did you know that there is such a thing as chocolate sorbet?! Either way, a cool and refreshing way to end the meal.

Chocolate Sorbet

Fruit sorbets are a wonderful palette cleanser, but did you know that there is such a thing as chocolate sorbet?! Either way, a cool and refreshing way to end the meal.

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Cobbler

From apple cobbler to peach cobbler, this comfort food dessert completes a chili meal perfectly.

Blueberry Cobbler

This Gluten-Free Blueberry Cobbler is loaded with fresh blueberries, a hint of lemon, and topped with soft, lightly sweetened biscuits. A dairy-free and vegan cobbler recipe.

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Homemade Dole Whip

Like sorbet, this pineapple coconut dreamy treat is fresh and cool.

Homemade Dole Whip

An easy frozen treat that is gluten-free and vegan.

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Popsicles

Popsicles come in a variety of flavors and are a super simple dessert option.

Lemonade Popsicles

An easy, 2-ingredient lemonade popsicle recipe naturally sweetened with honey. Gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and with a vegan option.

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