50+ Best Toppings for Chili

Want the best toppings for chili? Look no further! Here are 50 of the best chili toppings, all in one place! From classic choices to healthy toppings and even a few unique options you might not have thought of!

CLASSIC CHILI TOPPINGS

Classic chili toppings are tried and true and for me…they are “can’t live without” on my chili! I love piling lots of classic toppings on my bowl of chili (a big dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions, please!).

Here are the best classic chili toppings (these also make great toppings for a chili bar!)

• Sour cream
• Greek yogurt
• Cheese: What are the best cheeses for chili? SUPER MELTY cheese!! Cheddar cheese, Monterey jack, pepper jack, fontina, American, smoked gouda, or even queso fresco are all great choices! I have even stirred in Velveeta into my bowl of hot chili–DIVINE!!
• Green onions
• Red onions
• Tortilla chips or tortilla strips
• Corn Chips
• Oyster or Saltine Crackers
• Cornbread
• Avocado slices or guacamole
• Lime juice / lime wedges

RELATED: How to Set Up a Chili Bar (or Chili Charcuterie Board)

HEALTHY TOPPINGS FOR CHILI

• Fresh herbs: cilantro, chives, and parsley are all great to add some freshness to a big bowl of chili.
• Chopped bell peppers: Use different colors!
• Corn
• Fresh Pico de Gallo (or your favorite salsa)
• Chopped Tomatoes

UNIQUE CHILI TOPPINGS

Here are some unique and maybe surprising toppings–but TRUST, they are all delish!

• Black olives
• Fried onions
• Bacon crumbles
• Maple Syrup or honey: Might sound weird but the sweet flavor from a dash of maple syrup or honey pairs so well with the savory spices of chili!
• Ranch dressing
• Soy Sauce: Used sparingly, adds a nice depth of flavor.
• Mango: Sweet (mango) and salty (chili)….a great combo and adds a nice, tropical freshness.

SPICY TOPPINGS FOR CHILI

If you need to add some extra spice to your chili, you don’t always have to go the hot pepper route…there are lots of unique ways to spice up your chili!

• Chopped chili peppers
• Chopped jalapeno peppers
• Red pepper flakes
• Hot sauce
• Sriracha
• Sprinkle of chili powder, chipotle chili powder, or ancho chili powder
• Horseradish
• Wasabi
• Chili Oil
• Chili garlic sauce

DELICIOUS WAYS TO SERVE CHILI {OR LEFTOVER CHILI}

Chili, with your favorite toppings, is a perfect meal all on its own! But if you want to take your chili meal to the next level or if you have some leftover chili you need to use, here are some great ideas:

• Tater tots or french fries: Chili cheese fries, anyone?! Tater tots are also great “dippers.”

• Hot dogs: Chop them up old school “beans and weenies” style and stir them into your chili or make chili dogs!

• Nachos: Lay down some tortilla chips, pile on some chili and cheese, and warm in the oven until the cheese is melted. DIVINE. Check out this amazing recipe for Chili con Carne Nachos!!

• Baked Potatoes: Lots of hot chili spooned over a baked potato or baked sweet potatoes with all the fixins’ is divine!