What Bread to Serve with Chilli Con Carne? (16 Kinds)

If you’re in the mood for some chilli con carne, you won’t want to serve it with just any old bread.

No, you’ll want to select a bread that complements the flavors and textures of your chili without trying to compete with them for attention.

Here are a few types of bread that pair well with chilli con carne!

See Also: How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce

What Bread to Serve with Chilli Con Carne?

Choosing the right bread is essential for chilli con carne. Look for a soft, airy roll, preferably served warm with chili. For a thicker bread that stays crispy, look for a baguette.

If you’re looking to tantalize your tastebuds with a rich chilli con carne, then we’ve got just what you need.

Pair any of these 16 types of bread with your chilli con carne and you’re in for a meal that is equal parts bold and balanced.

1. Sourdough bread

When it comes to bread that pair well with chilli con carne, sourdough is a great option.

Of course, sourdough itself has many variations; the one you choose will make a difference in how the bread tastes alongside your chilli.

A sourdough with a thick crust is often best for this purpose.

The thicker the crust, the more crunch it’ll have when you bite into it—and that can help to make the contrast between textures more striking.

If you’re looking for a bread to serve with a spicy chilli dish, then this can be an especially good option because the bread’s texture will help to soothe your taste buds between bites of spice.

Along with its texture, a thick-crusted sourdough offers a complex flavor profile as well. This can complement a richly spiced chilli by adding contrast in both texture and taste.

A plainer bread would likely take some of the attention away from the flavors of the chilli, but the sourdough’s subtle tartness and nuttiness can work to enhance them instead.

2. Rye bread

Rye bread is made with rye flour and water.

Rye has a strong flavor that can carry its own weight against an equally bold dish like chilli con carne.

It also has a dense crumb that can stand up to the thick texture of the stewed meat and vegetables in the chili.

Rye is a good choice if you plan on serving your chilli con carne as an open-faced sandwich, or even just dunking it by hand into your bowl.

3. Cornbread

Cornbread also goes well with chilli con carne; the sweet taste complements the spicy flavours of the chilli and adds a new dimension to your dish.

This is a popular option for those who prefer their chilli con carne on the sweeter side.

4. Pumpernickel bread

Pumpernickel has a rich and hearty flavor, which pairs well with the meaty richness of chilli con carne. Its dark color adds an attractive touch to the dish as well.

5. Flaxseed bread

We also recommend flaxseed bread.

Flaxseed bread is a great source of fiber and protein, which means it can help you feel fuller longer while satisfying your craving for variety in your meal!

6. French baguette

Sure, you know the baguette—but do you know the French baguette? Not all baguettes are created equal, and a good baguette can elevate your chilli con carne to new heights.

A good French baguette is crunchy on the outside and fluffy in the middle, with a chewy texture that will stop you in your tracks when you take a bite.

This little loaf is a lot of fun to eat, and it will give you plenty of room to get creative with your chilli con carne toppings.

Try adding some caramelized onions or even some cilantro and lime juice for an extra punch of flavor!

7. Focaccia Bread

If you’re having trouble deciding whether you should order the focaccia or the naan at your favorite restaurant, why not have both?

With this recipe for focaccia bread, you can get all the fresh Italian flavors at home.

The soft interior and crispy exterior are great when paired with chili—no dipping necessary!

8. Biscuits

A classic choice, biscuits are always a hit at the dinner table.

If you want to make them extra special, sprinkle the top with cheddar cheese before baking them (and don’t forget the butter!).

9. Naan

For those who want to go classic with their meal, naan is a great option.

It’s sturdy enough to soak up all the yummy sauce on your plate and carry you from bite to bite without getting soggy.

Plus, it has a subtle sweetness that complements the richness of beef chili perfectly.

10. Dinner rolls

If you want something that goes with your chilli but won’t take away from its flavor, dinner rolls are a great option.

You can make them easily yourself, or you can find some that have been freshly baked at your local bakery.

Either way, dinner rolls will soak up all that rich, savory flavor and give you a satisfying crunch at the same time.

11. Ciabatta

If you’re looking for something that’s going to bring more than just texture to the table, ciabatta is another great option.

It’s got more of a crusty exterior than dinner rolls, but its soft interior means it’ll still absorb all the chilli juices and make for a perfect match.

And it’s got a little bit more flavor too—you can try topping it with garlic butter or dipping it in olive oil before serving.

12. Pita bread

Pita bread is another excellent option for those who want to customize their chilli con carne experience.

Pita bread is flat and round, which makes it perfect for scooping up bites of chilli con carne.

Like cottage loaf, pita bread also has a softness that allows it to complement the spiciness of chilli con carne without overwhelming it.

13. Cottage loaf

Cottage loaf is a braided white bread that is made in a traditional style and has a soft texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.

It’s been baked since the late 1900s and is especially perfect for serving with chilli con carne because it has a distinctive coiled shape that makes it easy to tear apart, even when hot.

It also holds up well against being dipped into thick sauces like chilli without getting soggy or falling apart.

14. Potato loaf

A good potato loaf is a thing of beauty.

A good one has a crisp crust and a soft inside, and when you eat it, you’ll be struck by the qualities of both, unable to decide which you like more.

And then, when you dip it in the chilli con carne, those opposites will suddenly melt together into one mouthwatering experience.

15. Wheat Rolls (with Sesame Seeds on Top if You’re Feeling Fancy)

If you want to get a little fancy with your wheat rolls, try sprinkling sesame seeds on top before baking them.

The seeds will give them an extra crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the taste of the chilli con carne.

16. Garlic bread

This is a classic that you can’t go wrong with.

Take a loaf of bread and slice it lengthwise, keeping the two halves attached at one end.

Spread some butter mixed with garlic powder on your new work surface, then pop it in the oven—don’t forget to broil to get that nice golden brown finish!

Now you’ve got a tasty treat to dip in your chilli or crumble into your bowl.

Why Serve Bread with Chilli Con Carne?

People love eating chilli con carne.

It’s filling and delicious, and it is made from ingredients that are affordable and easy to find.

For all of these reasons, it’s a popular choice at dinner parties.

When people think of chilli con carne, they don’t usually think of bread as a complementary side dish.

However, you should consider serving crusty rolls with your chilli con carne for several reasons:

1. The bread can help cleanse the palate between bites of chilli con carne, which can help prevent your guests from getting overwhelmed by the intensity of spices in the chilli.
2. Often, people will add fixings to their chili—like sour cream or cheese—which would taste great with some bread.
3. Chilli con carne is pretty heavy on its own, so serving it with something light like crusty rolls can help balance out your meal. This can also help you to control how much you serve each person (since you may want to give smaller portions if there’s going to be a lot of food).