Best Appetizers and Finger Foods to Serve With Chili 

Best appetizers and finger foods to serve with chili – plus tasty topping ideas for a fun self-serve Chili Bar for game day, winter nights, chili cook-off, New Years Eve or Super Bowl!

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

A Chili Bar with all the toppings plus the best finger foods and appetizers to go with it make a bowl of chili a party.

I’m sharing easy, crowd-pleasing appetizers, finger foods and toppings that to take your favorite chili to the next level. s delicious hearty dish that brings all the heat. Fast, no fuss – bold munchies that hold their own the star of the show.

Why do I need appetizers and 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 a DIY chili bar with all the toppings lets everyone customize their own bowl.
• A Chili Bar is a fun idea – and easy, inexpensive way to entertain.

Favorite toppings with a bowl of 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 Appetizers and 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.

Chili recipes for a Chili Bar:

There are so many different kinds of chili. Try one of mine – every one with its own unique bold flavor – or make a batch of your own favorite homemade chili.

Classic Ground Beef Chili:

Hearty, spicy meaty chili loaded with kidney beans. This is my family’s absolute 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:

A healthier take on chili with ground turkey or leftover holiday turkey. This  one is vegetable and protein packed.

Buffalo Chicken Chili:

The flavors we love in Buffalo Chicken Wings in a creamy Slow Cooker Chili with beans and vegetables.

Turkey Sweet Potato Chili:

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

Storing and reheatinng:

Cool chili completely then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge up to 3 days.

Enjoy!