What to Serve with Chili at A Party (39 Easy Sides)

Chili is such a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also so easy to get wrong.

You can fall into the trap of making it too spicy and alienating some of your guests, or not spicy enough and leaving others wanting more.

But there are plenty of ways to make your chili party an absolute success!

Here are 39 must-have things to serve with your chili at your next party, so you can make sure everyone goes home happy!

See Also: How To Make Chili Without Tomato Sauce

What to Serve with Chili at A Party (39 Easy Sides)

When you want to throw a party, and you want to serve chili, you don’t want your guests to go hungry—and more importantly, you don’t want them to be bored. 

So, check out these sides:

1. Chili Nachos

One of the most classic foods to serve with chili is nachos!

And we’ve got a great way to make sure you’re getting the best and most delicious nachos out there.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag corn tortilla chips
• 1 lb ground beef, cooked with taco seasoning (or your favorite brand of chili) and drained on a paper towel
• 1 cup shredded cheese, mixed between Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Cheddar
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups salsa
• Optional: black olives, jalapeños, green onions, or any other toppings you like!

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In an even layer on a baking sheet or casserole dish, layer chips, beef, cheese, and any other toppings you’d like.
3. Bake for 10 minutes until heated through.
4. Serve hot with sour cream and salsa.

2. Tomato Soup

Tomato soup is a classic side dish for chili because it goes perfectly with the flavor of the meat.

It’s also really easy to make and can be made in large quantities, so you can have enough on hand for a big party.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup of chopped onions
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 2 tablespoons of flour
• 1 cup of chicken stock or water

Directions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, saute the onions in the butter until soft but not browned.
2. Add in the flour and stir well to combine.
3. Add in the tomatoes and cook until they become soft but not mushy, about 10 minutes.
4. Add in the chicken stock and simmer while stirring occasionally until thickened, about 10 more minutes.
5. Serve warm with chili!

3. Jalapeño poppers

Here’s an easy side dish you can whip up in no time: jalapeño poppers.

These are so delicious and will complement the flavors of your chili perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 12 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded
• 18 ounces cream cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper the better)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well blended.
4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture into each pepper half.
5. Combine bread crumbs and melted butter in a small bowl; sprinkle crumb mixture over stuffed peppers.
6. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, or until tops are golden brown.

4. Mac & cheese

 Mac & cheese is a great side dish to serve with chili. It’s inexpensive and easy to make, so even if you’re hosting a party, it’s not too daunting of an undertaking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 pint of sour cream
• 1 tsp salt (or more if desired)
• ½ tsp pepper (or more if desired)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (or more if desired)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×8 casserole dish.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cheeses, sour cream, salt, pepper and garlic powder until well mixed. Add cooked pasta and stir until combined. Pour into prepared casserole dish and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly on top!

5. Tortillas

Here we’ve got the tried-and-true tortilla.

These are easy to make and easy to enjoy. With just three ingredients, you can make enough tortillas for everyone at your party—no matter how many people!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. To make tortillas, mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until they are well combined and form a dough (add additional water if necessary).
2. Use about two tablespoons of dough for each tortilla.
3. Flatten into circular shapes in between two pieces of wax paper.
4. Cook each side lightly on high heat for about 30 seconds or until golden brown.
5. Serve warm!

6. Fritos

Fritos are a great side dish to add to your party spread.

They’re easy to make, and they go great with chili.

Here’s how to go about it:

• Fritos (duh)
• Your favorite chili recipe
• A bowl for serving

Directions:

1. First, cook up a batch of chili (This recipe is our favorite!)
2. Next, pour some Fritos into a serving bowl and set it out for your guests to enjoy! Make sure there’s plenty to go around—it’s not uncommon for people to be going back for seconds or thirds. Just make sure you don’t run out before everyone gets their fill!

NOTE: It is important to keep the Fritos separate from the chili until serving time, as they can get soggy if they sit in the liquid too long.

7. Cornbread

For a side dish that’s sure to please, we also recommend cornbread.

If you’re not familiar with this delicious treat, it’s basically just cornmeal and flour mixed together with a little bit of sugar and salt, then baked in an oven until it becomes crunchy on top.

It’s really easy to make, too!

Here’s how:

1. Take a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons baking powder into it.
2. Add 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk into the bowl as well (you can also use water if you prefer). Mix all of these ingredients together until they’re evenly combined (you’ll probably need to use your hands for this part).
3. Spread some butter or margarine onto a pan (we recommend using a nonstick pan) and pour your batter into the middle of it. Bake this for 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the top is golden brown and crispy!
4. Serve this alongside your chili in individual bowls so people can help themselves!

8. French fries

French fries are tasty, filling, and easy to make! 

Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• Potato (1 large)
• Flour (1 cup)
• Salt (1 teaspoon)
• Oil (3 tablespoons)

Directions:

1. Peel the potato and cut it into 1/2″ strips.
2. Spread out the potato strips on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 5 minutes or so, until they’ve absorbed some moisture from the paper towel. This helps them get crispy when baked later on.
3. In a small bowl, combine flour and salt. In another small bowl, combine oil and water. Dredge each strip in flour mixture first then dip in oil mixture before placing on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil (to catch any drips). Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve immediately!

9. Sweet potato fries

Sweet potato fries are the perfect side dish to accompany your chili.

They’re simple enough that they won’t take away from the main course, but flavorful enough to add complexity to your meal.

Here’s how:

1. First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper.
3. Add the sweet potato sticks and toss them in the mixture until they are coated well.
4. Then spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 30-35 minutes until they have browned slightly.
5. Once they’re done baking, sprinkle them with paprika for an additional kick of flavor.
6. Serve them alongside your chili!

10. Cheese curds/mozzarella sticks

These fried cheese sticks are a great choice for your next chili party because they’re easy to make and will satisfy any cheese lover!

Cheese curds/mozzarella sticks are made by frying curds of cheese in hot oil until they become crispy on the outside while staying gooey inside – just like real mozzarella!

The key is using high quality ingredients like fresh mozzarella instead of processed ones like Kraft Singles which don’t melt well.

And don’t forget about dipping sauces!

We recommend ranch dressing as an excellent accompaniment for these cheesy bites; if you have any leftover cheddar sauce from your nachos, that would work here too!

11. Ritz crackers

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/165788830023358017/

You don’t have to be a chef to make Ritz crackers.

All you need are some Ritz crackers, butter, and some cheese.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. To make this tasty side dish, take a sheet of Ritz crackers and cut them in half.
2. Then, put them on a pan in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. After about 10 minutes, pull them out and add a thin layer of cheese—about one-fourth cup per sheet of crackers—and put them back in for another five minutes.
4. When they come out of the oven, serve them immediately so that your guests can enjoy the warm crunchiness of the cracker with melted cheese!

This is perfect for those who like their chili extra cheesy!

12. Refried beans

When you’re planning a chili party, it’s important to have some good sides to go with your spicy main dish.

One of our favorite side dishes is refried beans!

Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked pinto beans (canned will also work!)
• 1/2 cup butter or olive oil
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarians!)

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13 pan.
2. Put beans and broth in a large pot over medium heat and start stirring! You want the beans to be soft before you add anything else to them.
3. Once they’re nice and soft, add the butter or olive oil and stir until melted. Then add the flour and continue stirring until it’s all combined into a paste that looks like mashed potatoes–this should take about 5 minutes more.
4. Pour this mixture into your prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, until it starts turning brown on top!

13. Tortilla chips (with a side of salsa)

If you’re feeling adventurous, make your own tortilla chips or your own salsa—it’s not that hard!

Here’s how:

1. First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Next, arrange corn tortillas in an even layer on a baking sheet (be sure to cover the entire sheet). Then, brush each one with oil; use 2 tablespoons of oil total. Sprinkle them with salt (about 1/2 teaspoon).
3. Bake until they’re crispy and browned around the edges (10-12 minutes).
4. Serve with salsa!

14. Garden salad

One way to balance out your chili is with a nice garden salad.

You can use whatever vegetables you want, but we like using fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.

You can also add any other vegetables or salad toppings that float your boat!

Ingredients:

• Lettuce (2 heads)
• Tomatoes (4)
• Cheese Shreds (1 bag)
• Croutons (1 bag)

Method:

1. Chop lettuce into bite-sized pieces. (This is easier if you use a sharp knife.)
2. Slice tomatoes into rounds, then quarter the rounds. Place in a separate bowl.
3. Pour cheese shreds and croutons onto lettuce. Do not mix; leave the toppings on top of the cheese and croutons. Toss just before serving.

How to Serve It:

Serve on the side with chili, or set out as an appetizer when guests arrive!

15. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is easy to make, and its crunchy texture will keep your guests coming back for more.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded cabbage
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan alternative)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, and salt until well-mixed.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

16. Raw vegetables with ranch dip

If you’re having a chili party, it’s important to have a variety of options for your guests.

One of the best ways to do that is with some raw vegetables with ranch dip.

You can make this dish by slicing up baby carrots, sliced bell peppers, and celery sticks.

1. Then mix together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon dried basil, and ½ teaspoon onion powder in a bowl until smooth.
2. Serve alongside bowls of chili!

17. Spicy empanadas

Here’s a great side dish to serve with chili: spicy empanadas!

See Also: The 11 Best Sauces for Empanadas

These are easy to make, and they’re sure to be a hit with your guests.

Ingredients (makes 8 empanadas):

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or beef
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. Lightly grease 8 muffin cups or line with paper baking cups.
3. In a large bowl, combine rice flour and cornmeal; stir in baking powder and cilantro. Stir in chicken or beef, eggs, oil or butter and salt until well blended.
4. Drop batter by rounded tablespoonfuls into prepared muffin cups; bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes before removing onto wire racks to cool completely.
6. Serve warm with chili!

18. Beer bread with cheddar cheese

Try making beer bread with cheddar cheese! It’s the perfect complement to your chili and will really wow your guests!

1. To make beer bread with cheddar cheese, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
4. Pour in 12 ounces of room temperature beer and mix everything together until just combined.
5. Fold in 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (the sharper the better!).
6. Transfer the dough into the greased loaf pan and bake for about an hour or until golden brown on top.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

19. Black bean soup

Black bean soup is the perfect side dish to serve alongside your chili.

It’s hearty and flavorful, which means it will pair well with the spicy, meaty flavor of chili.

It also has a variety of ingredients that can help you add some extra nutrition to your meal, whether you’re looking for something healthy or just want something tasty.

Black bean soup is really easy to make too!

1. All you need are some black beans, onion, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper.
2. Add them all together in a pot and simmer until they’re cooked through—you can even throw in some veggies if you want!
3. Once it’s done cooking, serve it up with some tortilla chips on top for a little extra crunch or crumble some cheese over it if you like cheese on your soup.

20. Tofu nuggets

If you’re serving chili at your party, you might want to consider adding tofu nuggets to the menu.

These little guys are super fun to eat—they look like little chicken nuggets!

And they’re made out of tofu so they’re really healthy and good for you.

Here’s how to make them:

1. First, get yourself a pack of firm tofu. You can find it at most grocery stores or Asian markets.
2. Cut the tofu into squares about the size of your finger. You can do this however you like—you can cut them into perfect squares if you want them to look nice when serving them up, or just slice them into triangles or rectangles if you want some variety in shape and texture.
3. Heat up a bit of oil in a pan over medium heat until it’s hot enough that when you drop a tiny piece of bread into it it browns quickly on both sides (but doesn’t burn!).
4. Put the tofu squares into the oil and fry for about 5 minutes until they’ve turned golden brown on both sides and feel firm when you touch them with your fingers (they’ll still be squishy on the inside).

21. Roasted potatoes

Roasted potatoes are simple, but they’re also delicious.

Not only do they add another dimension to your meal, they pair well with many other flavors as well.

When serving with chili, try tossing them in some garlic salt or seasoning before roasting them at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes.

You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor!

If you want something that will complement the spiciness of your chili without overpowering it, try serving some pickles alongside it.

They’ll give your taste buds a refreshing kick without being too much on their own.

22. Breadsticks or garlic bread

Breadsticks or garlic bread are perfect sides for chili, and they’re really easy to make.

Here’s how to make it:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, mix together two cups of flour, one teaspoon of yeast, three-quarters of a cup of water and one tablespoon each of salt and olive oil.
3. Leave this dough in a warm place for about half an hour, then divide it into 12 pieces (for garlic bread) or 18 pieces (for breadsticks).
4. Stretch these out on an oiled baking sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes until they’re golden brown.

Breadsticks can be sprinkled with garlic salt, but if you want some real garlic kick, make garlic bread by spreading melted butter over the baked dough before sprinkling it with minced garlic cloves and Italian seasoning.

23. Watermelon wedges (it may sound weird, but it works)

Here’s a simple, light side dish that’ll go perfectly with your chili: watermelon wedges!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups watermelon wedges, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar

Method:

1. Whisk together the oil, vinegar, and sugar.
2. Add the watermelon and toss until coated.
3. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving.
4. Serve cold.

How to serve it: We suggest putting this dish on the table next to the chili so that people can spoon a few bites onto their plate with their chili or just enjoy as is.

Note: This side dish complements anything with tomatoes in it nicely because its refreshing taste helps cut through the acidity of tomatoes.

24. Biscuits

One way to set yourself apart from other chili-serving hosts is by serving biscuits.

Biscuits are perfect for dunking into the chili, or even just eating on their own when you’re feeling snacky!

Here’s how you can make them at home:

1. To make them at home, simply combine ingredients like flour, butter, milk, salt and pepper in a bowl until they form a dough ball.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it forms a rectangle about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Cut it into squares or circles with a cookie cutter (or if you don’t have one handy, use the lid of an old jar), then place on an ungreased baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re golden brown.
4. Serve hot!

25. Hot Dogs

The perfect addition to any chili party is hot dogs.

Hot dogs are the perfect combination of spicy and salty, which means they’re sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

To make them, all you need is:

• A package of hot dogs
• Mustard or ketchup
• Some onions

Directions:

1. First, heat up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
2. Then, place the hotdogs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Cut each hotdog lengthwise into thirds and add a dash of mustard or ketchup to each piece.
4. Bake for 15 minutes—or until the onions are browned and crispy.
5. Serve immediately!

26. Buttered toast

 Buttered toast is a great side dish to serve with chili at a party.

It’s easy to make and pairs well with the spicy flavors of chili.

All you need is:

• A few slices of bread
• Butter

Directions:

1. First, cut your bread into slices that are about half an inch thick or so.
2. Then spread them with butter or margarine (we prefer butter) and place them in a pan on medium-low heat.
3. When the butter begins to bubble, flip the toast over to cook it on the other side.
4. After about three minutes on each side, you’re done!
5. Serve hot with chili for dipping into at your next party.

27. Elote

Another one of our favorite side dishes to serve with chili is elote—corn on the cob slathered in mayo and sprinkled with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime.

You can either grill or boil corn on the cob before sprinkling it with this delicious combination of flavors.

Grill the ears over high heat until they’re browned, then sprinkle them with salt.

Serve them alongside other favorite dishes at your party!

28. Fruit-flavored yogurt parfaits

Fruit-flavored yogurt parfaits are the perfect side dish for chili at a party.

They’re easy to make, and you can use whatever fruit is in season for a fun twist on traditional parfaits.

Start by combining your favorite yogurt with some fruit and granola (we recommend adding blueberries since they’re in season right now).

Then top it all off with whipped cream and serve!

Don’t forget that while this dish is delicious as-is, you can also add some cinnamon to the granola or whipped cream if you want a little extra spice!

29. Hummus and pita chips

Hummus and pita chips are the perfect side dish for chili.

They’re healthy and flavorful, and best of all: they’re easy to make!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1/4 cup tahini
• Juice from 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper
• Pita bread

Directions:

1. Then just mix everything together in a food processor until smooth, spread out on pita bread (homemade or store bought), sprinkle with salt and pepper, slice into wedges, and serve!

Note: One thing to keep in mind when serving hummus and pita chips is that they can be messy if eaten while standing up—if you’ve got guests who aren’t going to sit down at the table right away after arriving, try putting out bowls of these delicious treats so they can enjoy them while mingling with one another!

30. Grilled zucchini spears

Grilled zucchini spears are a delicious side dish that goes well with chili and can be made right on your grill.

They’re easy to make, too!

All you need is:

• Zucchini
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Olive oil

Directions:

1. First, cut off the ends of your zucchini and slice it in half lengthwise.
2. Then slice each half into four spears.
3. Drizzle them with lemon juice and sprinkle them with salt.
4. Next, brush each spear with olive oil and place them on the grill over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes per side.
5. Serve these delicious grilled zucchini spears alongside your favorite bowl of chili!

31. Your Favorite Salad

Another option is to offer a side dish that will make your guests feel like they’re making healthier choices.

One of our favorites is this recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 heads of lettuce
• 1 cup of chopped cucumber
• 1 cup of chopped celery
• 1 cup of shredded carrots
• 1 can of chickpeas (rinse and drain before using)
• Your choice of salad dressing (we love ranch!)

Directions:

1. Chop the lettuce, cucumber, celery, and carrots into small pieces.
2. Rinse and drain the chickpeas, then add them to the mixture.
3. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Serve with your choice of salad dressing on the side so your guests can choose how much they’d like to add.

32. Tater Tots

 Tater tots are the perfect side dish to serve with chili at a party.

They’re easy to make, they don’t take much time, and they’re sure to satisfy your guests.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 bag of tater tots
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once it’s melted, add the tater tots and stir them until they are browned on all sides.
3. When they’re finished cooking, sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately!

33. Potato Skins

Potato skins are a great way to let your guests customize their meal.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 potatoes
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned or fresh)
• 2 cups black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. While oven is preheating, scrub potato skins clean and cut each potato in half lengthwise.
3. Use a spoon to scoop out the insides of the potatoes.
4. Dice enough potato so that there is about 1/4 inch of potato left inside the skin.
5. Place potato halves on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine onion, corn, black beans, and cheese.
7. Remove potatoes from oven and fill each one with equal amounts of this mixture.
8. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
9. Top with additional cheese if desired before serving.

34. Corn on the cob

 Corn on the cob is the perfect side dish to serve with chili at a party.

It will fill your guests up and keep them warm, even if you’ve got a crowd that’s larger than expected!

To make corn on the cob, you’ll need:

• Corn (either fresh or frozen)
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Directions:

1. To cook it, simply place your corn in an oven-safe pan, add water until it covers most of the kernels, then cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove from the oven, add butter and salt/pepper as desired, then serve immediately!

35. Vegetable Medley

This dish has everything—it’s easy to make, it looks beautiful on the table, and everyone will love it.

Just be sure to use fresh vegetables in the medley!

Here are the ingredients:

• Green beans one handful per person
• Carrots two per person
• Squash one per person

Directions:

1. To make this dish, simply chop up all of your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, then place them all in a large pot and cover with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat until it is simmering.
3. Let simmer for about half an hour or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
4. You can experiment with different flavors by adding chopped onion and garlic before boiling the veggies!
5. When they’re done cooking drain off any excess liquid and serve with salt and pepper.

36. Soft and fluffy dinner rolls

Nothing goes better with chili than a soft, fluffy dinner roll.

These little guys are great for dunking into the bowl of chili—and they’re easy to make!

All you need is:

• A can of biscuit dough
• Some melted butter

Directions:

1. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Then, open up the can of biscuit dough and separate each biscuit into two smaller buns.
3. Next, put them on an ungreased baking sheet and brush them with melted butter.
4. Bake them at 350 for about 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown on top.

That’s it!

Now that you know how easy it is to make these delicious little guys, you can have them ready for your next party or gathering—no matter if it’s a tailgate or a backyard barbecue!

37. Crisp and juicy apple slices

A party with chili just wouldn’t be complete without some crisp and juicy apple slices!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 green apples (we like Granny Smith)
• 2 red apples (our favorite is Red Delicious)
• Lemon juice from one lemon
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

1. Peel, core, and slice your apples into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the water and lemon juice in a small bowl.
3. Toss the apple slices in the mixture to keep them from browning.
4. If you’re serving these at a party, you can do this step up to two hours in advance.
5. Just be sure to coat them again with the lemon mixture before you serve them.
6. If you want to serve this as an appetizer, consider arranging the apple slices on a platter with toothpicks so guests can easily grab one to pop into their mouths.
7. You can also use this dish as a garnish for individual bowls of chili by placing a few apple slices on top of each bowl as a finishing touch.

38. Crunchy, garlicky pickled okra

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NIyVdJHQ6M

This side is easy to make, delicious to eat, and goes great with all kinds of chili.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 lb whole okra, stems trimmed
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tsp salt, divided
• 1 1/3 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 dried chilies (or more if you like it spicy!)

Directions:

1. First, boil a pot of water with one teaspoon of salt in it.
2. Add your okra and cook for 3 minutes.
3. Drain, then cool in an ice bath.
4. Once cool, drain again and pat dry.
5. In sterilized jars, add the washed and dried okra along with the garlic cloves and dried chilies.
6. Bring the remaining ingredients to a boil in a saucepan on medium heat.
7. Then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Let the mixture cool for 10 minutes before pouring over the okra in your jars.
9. Refrigerate overnight before eating!
10. Serve with your favorite bowl of chili!

39. Flaky, buttery Crescent rolls

Let’s be honest, the best chili is the kind with just a little bit of heat.

But when you’re having a party, it can be hard to make sure everyone gets their chili the way they want it.

A great way to accommodate for different tastes and preferences is to add some delicious sides that your guests will love!

One of our favorite side dishes: flaky, buttery Crescent rolls, served warm from the oven.

For this side dish, you’ll need:

• 1 can crescent rolls (8 oz)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

To make your crescent rolls:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate into 8 triangles on the baking sheet.
3. Brush each triangle with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and garlic powder.
4. Roll each triangle from the wide end toward the point, making a crescent shape.
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm!

Note: When serving your rolls, be careful not to break them apart—the butter will ooze right out! You want them to be served as whole rolls, warm from the oven.