18 Creative and Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Chili Dogs

Chili dogs are a classic American staple. Chili dogs are one of the most classic comfort foods out there. They’re easy to make, delicious, and always a hit at parties. 

Whether you’re serving them at a summer BBQ or just looking for an easy weeknight meal, chili dogs are always a hit. But what to serve with chili dogs? 

But what do you serve with chili dogs? You don’t want just any side dish — you want something that is flavorful, creative, and tasty enough to match the chili dogs.

Here are some of the best side dishes that go perfectly with chili dogs. 

What are chili Dogs? What do chili Dogs taste like?

Chili Dogs are a type of hot dog that is topped with chili sauce. The chili sauce can be made from either ground beef, pork, or turkey mixed with tomatoes and chili peppers. 

The result is a flavorful and slightly spicy topping that adds a unique flavor to the classic hot dog. Chili Dogs can also be topped with cheese, lettuce, onions, jalapenos, and other condiments for extra flavor. 

When it comes to taste, Chili Dogs have a savory blend of spices and rich tomato flavors that add depth to the traditional hotdog taste. 

They offer an exciting twist on the original American classic! Chili Dogs are a delicious and easy way to spice up your summer cookouts, picnics, and tailgates!

18 Best Sides to serve with Chili Dogs

1. Baked Beans

You can’t go wrong with baked beans! Not only do they add some extra flavor and texture to your meal, but they also pair perfectly with chili.

Baked Beans

Try making your own homemade version – it’ll be much tastier than anything from a can! 

All you need is some canned beans (pinto or black), bacon, onion, garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. 

Simmer these ingredients together in a pot until everything is heated through and the flavors have blended together nicely. Serve up alongside your chili dogs for an unforgettable meal. 

Discover More: Best Side Dishes to serve with Potato Salad and Baked Beans

2. Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins are another classic side dish that pairs wonderfully with chili dogs. 

Cornbread Muffins

They bring a nice sweetness to the table and help to balance out the spiciness of the chili. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make too! 

All you need is cornmeal mix (or cornmeal flour if you prefer), eggs, butter (or oil), baking powder, and milk (or buttermilk). 

Simply combine these ingredients in a bowl until they form a batter, and then spoon them into greased muffin tins. Bake them in the oven until golden brown and serve warm alongside your chili dog feast! 

3. Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for something light yet still flavorful to serve alongside your chili dog dinner, try making a pasta salad! 

This dish is easy to prepare before time, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have much time to cook. 

For this recipe, all you need is cooked macaroni noodles (elbows or shells work best!), diced tomatoes or cucumbers (for crunch!), feta cheese (for creaminess!), diced red onions (for tang!), fresh herbs like basil or oregano (for flavor!), olive oil for dressing, salt & pepper to taste. 

Toss everything together in a large bowl until combined, and let it chill in the fridge until ready to serve!  

Serve chilled alongside your hot chili dogs for an amazing contrast in temperature that will really wow your guests! 

4. Potato Salad 

Potato salad is a classic side dish that goes great with chili dogs. It’s creamy and cool and provides a great contrast to the hot chili dog. Plus, it’s easy to make! 

Potato Salad

Just mix boiled potatoes with mayonnaise or yogurt, diced celery and onions, dill pickles (or sweet relish), mustard or horseradish sauce, and salt and pepper to taste. Voila! 

The perfect side dish for your chili dog feast. 

5. Macaroni Salad 

Macaroni salad is another great choice for your chili dog meal. This dish combines cooked macaroni noodles with mayonnaise or yogurt, diced celery and onions, sweet relish (optional), mustard or horseradish sauce (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. 

It makes a great alternative to potato salad if you’re looking for something different. Both dishes are equally delicious when served alongside chili dogs! 

Final Thoughts Chili dogs are a classic American favorite – but they don’t have to be boring! 

6. Onion Rings

Onion rings provide a crunchy and savory accompaniment to chili dogs. 

Fried Onion Rings

They are best served freshly cooked and hot, giving them a delightful textural contrast against the softer bun and chili-covered frankfurter.

7. Potato Chips

Potato chips are a classic side dish for chili dogs that can be easily purchased at most stores or made from scratch at home. 

The salty, crunchy texture of the chips pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the chili dog.

8. Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese are a creamy, delicious side dish that is sure to please any chili dog lover. 

The macaroni noodles provide a nice balance to the heat of the chili, while the cheese adds an unforgettable flavor to this comfort food classic.

9. Coleslaw

For those looking for something cool to serve alongside their chili dogs, coleslaw offers just that! 

coleslaw

The creamy cabbage slaw provides a light and refreshing taste that offsets the spiciness of the chili dog perfectly.

10. Fries

Fries are always a favorite when it comes to serving up chili dogs! Choose between waffle fries, curly fries or crinkle-cut fries — all will go great alongside your meal!

11. Pickles

A dash of pickles can really bring out the flavor in your coney dog when added on top right before eating them; they add some tangy zest without overpowering any other elements in the meal’s flavor profile!

12. Soft Pretzels

Soft pretzels offer up an interesting twist for those who want something lighter than french fries but still crave something crunchy on their plate beside their coney dog smothered in deliciousness!

13. Chili Cheese Fries

If you are looking for an extra kick while they nosh on their tasty frankfurter creation, you have got to try adding some Chili Cheese Fries into your mix!

Chili Cheese Fries

Crispy yet moist potatoes topped with melted cheese sauce and chunks of spicy beef chilies make this side dish hard to resist!

Explore More: What to serve with Chili Cheese Fries

14. Nachos

Another great way to enjoy your chili dog is by throwing in some nachos with toppings like jalapenos or sour cream for added deliciousness! 

Whether you choose seasoned chips or plain ones, this side dish is sure to please even discerning palates alike!

15. Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken adds protein and makes an ideal accompaniment to any dinner table featuring Chili Dogs because it’s easy to prepare & eat (no utensils required!). 

Popcorn Chicken

Aromatic spices & herbs coat these golden bites of juicy goodness – perfect for dipping into various sauces or simply enjoying on its own!

16. Fried Okra

Fried okra adds crunch, which enhances both texture & flavor when paired with chili dogs – not only does it look colorful on the dinner table, but its mild flavor allows everyone’s taste buds time to adjust before moving onto more robust dishes later on in their mealtime experience!

17. Jalapeno Poppers

Also referred to as “jalapeno bites,” these fried treats contain cream cheese & jalapenos wrapped within breadcrumbs and then deep-fried until golden brown & crispy – they add enough heat (if desired) for adventurous diners while being mild enough so everyone can enjoy them!

18. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer sweet& savory flavors contrasted against lightly salted potatoes– making them ideal additions when serving up Chili Dogs! 

sweet potato fries

Their natural sweetness also adds depth of flavor to any plate & can be served with honey mustard, ketchup, or even BBQ sauce for dipping!

What dessert goes with chili dogs? 

A classic choice for complementing chili dogs is a root beer float. This sweet treat brings together the flavors of cool, creamy ice cream with bubbles of root beer to create a refreshingly delicious pairing. 

Other great desserts that go well with chili dogs include brownies, cupcakes, and pies such as apples or cherries. For a lighter option, consider serving up some fruity sorbet or an assortment of seasonal fresh fruits. 

What are the best flavors to go with chili Dogs?

When it comes to chili dogs, there are so many different flavors that can be used to make this classic dish. Some of the best flavors to go with chili dogs include:

-Cheese: Cheese is a great addition to chili dogs because it further enhances their flavor and adds an extra layer of creaminess.

-Onions: Onions add crunch and sweetness to the dish, making them a great complement to chili dogs.

-Mustard: Mustard pairs nicely with beefy flavors like hotdogs and chili, creating a delicious balance in the taste.

-Ketchup: Ketchup is always a popular choice when it comes to adding flavor to hotdogs. It also helps bind the chili and hotdog together.

-Pickles: Pickles add an extra crunch to chili dogs, making them a great topping for those who like a bit of tangy flavor in their food.

-Chili powder: A sprinkling of chili powder adds an extra kick of flavor to the already flavorful chili dog.

Finally, don’t forget about bacon! Bacon is always a winning choice when it comes to enhancing flavors in dishes, and it goes especially well with chili dogs.

All of these flavors come together to create a delicious dish that will have your taste buds dancing! Try experimenting with different combinations until you find one that you love best! Enjoy!

How do you jazz up chili Dogs?

There are a few easy ways to jazz up chili dogs. Start by topping the hot dog with chunky or smooth chili, onions and cheese. 

For an added kick, try adding jalapeno peppers or diced green chilies to the chili topping. Other great toppings for chili dogs include lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and bacon bits. 

You can also add different seasonings, such as garlic powder, smoked paprika or cumin, to give your chili a delicious smoky flavor. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try adding some of your favorite barbecue sauce or salsa! With so many options available, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with your chili dog recipes! Enjoy!

Finally, don’t forget to serve the chili dog with a side of chips, fries or coleslaw. This makes it extra filling and even more delicious! Enjoy your spiced-up chili dog creation!

How do you display chili Dogs on a platter?

To display chili dogs on a platter, first, arrange the hot dogs in a single layer. Then spoon chili over each hot dog and spread it evenly. 

Add any desired toppings, such as diced onions, chopped jalapenos, shredded cheese, or sour cream. 

Finally, garnish your platter with pickles and chips for an added crunch! Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!

Wrap up on what to serve with Chili dogs.

Chili dogs are one of those classic comfort foods that never get old—no matter how many times we eat them! 

But while everyone loves chili dogs on their own, pairing them with the right-side dishes takes them from good to great. 

From baked beans and cornbread muffins to pasta salads—there are so many delicious options out there that will take your meal from mundane to memorable. 

So next time you whip up some chili dogs at home – make sure you choose one of these tasty sides as well! Your family will thank you!

FAQs

How many chili Dogs per person?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to serve around two chili dogs per person. 

However, if you’re serving smaller portions or expecting more people than usual, you may want to increase this amount slightly. 

If there are fewer people attending the event or you’re trying to balance out other dishes that have heavier flavors and textures, then one chili dog will be sufficient. 

Ultimately, it all depends on how much food your guests are expecting and what kind of meal plan you have in place for them. Make sure to take these factors into consideration when deciding on the number of chili dogs to serve!

How do I spruce up my chili dog?

If you’re looking to spruce up your chili dog, there are lots of fun and creative options available.

You can If you’re looking to spruce up your chili dog, there are lots of fun and creative options available.

You can add different toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapenos, relish or even some crushed chips for a little bit of crunch. 

Additionally, you can try adding some different types of sauces, like BBQ sauce or ranch dressing, to give it an extra flavor kick. 

Finally, if you like a bit of heat with your meal, try adding hot sauce or sriracha to really spice things up! Whatever you choose to top your chili dog with will make it unique and delicious. Enjoy!

What vegetables go well with chili dogs?

Some great vegetable options to accompany chili dogs include diced onions, peppers (such as jalapenos or banana peppers), shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and olives. 

If you are feeling adventurous, you could also try adding some cooked corn or black beans. 

For a more unique flavor combination, try topping your chili dog with sautéed mushrooms!

Depending on your choices of vegetables you choose, they will all provide a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the chili and hot dog. Enjoy!

What can I add to canned chili for chili dogs?

Canned chili is a great base for making chili dogs, but it can be easily enhanced to make them even tastier. 

Adding in some diced onions, peppers, and garlic gives the chili an extra zing of flavor. You could also add some cumin, oregano, and paprika to give it an earthy depth.

For an extra kick of heat, you can stir in some jalapeno or chili powder. To balance out the spice, mix in a few tablespoons of brown sugar. 

Lastly, don’t forget to top your chili dog with your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, shredded cheese or even coleslaw!

What kind of canned chili do you use for chili dogs?

The type of canned chili you use for chili dogs really depends on personal preference. Some people prefer to make their own chili using ground beef, onions, garlic, and various spices. 

Others opt for store-bought canned chili in mild or spicy flavors. It’s important to consider the flavor profile of your favorite hot dog when selecting the appropriate canned chili. 

For example, if you like your hot dogs sweet and savory, a milder style of chili may be best. On the other hand, if you enjoy spicier flavors, then a more robust variety would pair nicely with your dog. 

Finally, it’s important to adjust the amount of chili added based on desired spiciness and texture for an optimal eating experience! Enjoy!

Leave a Comment