Best Finger Foods with Chili

Best finger foods with chili plus the perfect topping ideas to take a simple chili dinner to full-on Chili Bar for game day for game days, wintery nights, chili cook-off, New Years Eve or Super Bowl!

Spicy chili – my go-to for game day, chilly nights, Super Bowl – even New Years Eve.

Wondering what the best toppings and finger foods are to go with it? Toppings are actually my favorite part. Let’s down what we’re serving with it, how we’re scooping it and how we’re topping this delicious hearty dish that brings all the heat.

I’m sharing all the easy, crowd-pleasing great appetizers you can whip up fast, air fry faster or even grab from the grocery store. No fuss — just bold munchies that hold their own with the star of the show.

Why do I need the best finger foods with chili?

• The sides – and toppings – are where the fun happens and a bowl of chili becomes a party!
• A few finger foods turn a big bowl of chili into a full-on Chili Bar perfect for your next party and a DIY chili bar with all the toppings lets everyone customize their own bowl.
• A Chili Bar is a great idea for an easy, inexpensive way to entertain.

Favorite chili toppings:

Here are a few ideas to add to the top of the chili.

• shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• pickled jalapeno peppers finely chopped 
• sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• red onions or green onions (scallions) diced
• tomatoes diced
• black olives sliced
• avocado diced
• fresh cilantro
• lime wedges for a sqeeze of fresh lime juice
• Fritos, Cheese-its, oyster crackers or tortilla chips

Best finger foods with chili:

Here are a few great appetizers that’ll go perfectly with any chili recipe while still leaving chili the main dish.

• Potatoes: French fries, sweet potatoes, baked potatoes, sweet potato fries
• Queso: Copycat Chili’s Queso, Cowboy Queso
• Bread: Beer Bread, Soft Pretzels, Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks
• Meat: 3-Ingredient Meatballs, 3-Ingredient BBQ Crockpot Wings
• Garden fresh: 5 Minute Blender Salsa, Pico De Gallo, guacamole, fruit salad
• Jalapeno: Jalapeno Poppers, Pickled Jalapenos, Jalapeno Popper Pigs in a Blanket

Top 5 tips for easy entertaining:

1. Make the chili the day before then serve it in the slow cooker on warm during the party.
2. Be sure you have enough bowls, spoons and napkins.
3. Include a fun cocktail like this popular Red Wine Sangria
4. Have the game on (or fun music if the game hasn’t started) when guests arrive.
5. Serving at least one thing from the grocery store is a great option to save time.

Best recipes for a chili bar:

There are so many different types of chili. Try one of mine – each is packed with bold flavor – or make a batch of your own homemade chili.

Classic Ground Beef Chili:

Hearty, boldly spicy meaty chili loaded with kidney beans and an absolute family favorite. Slow cooker or stovetop cooking options.

White Chicken Chili:

Creamy slow cooker White Chicken Chili packed with tender chicken, green chiles, white beans and more. Top with fresh avocado and my homemade crispy tortilla strips.

Turkey Lentil Chili:

Use ground turkey or leftover holiday turkey. This  one is vegetable and protein packed.

Buffalo Chicken Chili:

Bold flavor – buffalo chicken in a creamy broth with beans and vegetables. It’s the love child of white chicken chili and buffalo wings.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

Another great recipe using ground turkey or leftover holiday turkey. Loaded with turkey, vegetables and sweet potatoes.

Vegetarian Chili:

Delicious, spicy vegetarian chili.

How long does chili last in the fridge?

Chili stores well in the refrigerator up to 3 days in an airtight container. Cool completely before refrigerating.

Can I freeze chili?

Yes! Leftover chili is one of my favorite meals to freeze because it reheats so well.

Cool completely, transfer to a freezer safe containers to avoid freezer-burn and store up to 3 months.

I hope these chili recipes inspire you to set up a chili bar at your next party. Enjoy!