If you’re wondering what to serve with your chili cheese fries, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I list 36 of the most popular side dishes for chili cheese fries.
In a rush? Here’s the short answer.
The best side dishes to serve with chili cheese fries are buttermilk coleslaw, guacamole, pickled jalapenos, or pineapple salsa. For extra meat you can go for carne asada, corn dogs, or popcorn chicken. A simple side salad is also a great option.
Ready? Let’s jump right in.
Homemade corn dogs
Relive the theme park experience with some corn dogs and chili cheese fries for dinner.
The trick to mess-free corn dogs is to transfer the batter into a tall drinking glass.
Then you can dip the hotdogs in the glass of batter with zero spillage. And you can be sure every inch of the hot dog is coated.
Win win!
Why we love this recipe: you can make extra and freeze them for another time.
Featured recipe
Homemade corn dogs
Make it cheesy
Korean corn dog
Fire up the oven
Mini corn dog muffins
Guacamole
You can buy ready-made guacamole from the grocery store. But nothing beats the homemade version.
You simply can’t get a guac as fresh and creamy straight out of a jar.
And the best part? It’s super easy to make and you only need a few ingredients.
Top your chili cheese fries with guacamole for a cooling contrast.
Why we love this recipe: it has a 4.97 rating from 361 votes.
Featured recipe
Guacamole
Fire up the grill
Grilled guacamole
Skip the avocados
Edamame guacamole
Buttermilk coleslaw
There are so many coleslaw recipes, but this recipe is one of my favorites.
Instead of a pure mayo-based dressing, this recipe adds buttermilk to the mix.
This simple change results in a lighter, tangy slaw that’s still just as creamy as the classic version.
A spoonful on the side of your chili cheese fries will have everyone smiling.
Why we love this recipe: one serving only has 157 calories.
Featured recipe
Buttermilk coleslaw
Stick with the basics
Classic coleslaw
Add a fruity note
Apple coleslaw
Fried green tomatoes
These crispy treats are a staple in Southern cuisine.
Underneath the crunchy panko crust is a juicy, tangy center that will cut right through the rich flavors of your chili.
There’s no need for a dipping sauce when you have chili, but if you want one, ranch is a great choice.
Why we love this recipe: these are all-round crowd pleasers.
Featured recipe
Fried green tomatoes
Make it more tangy
Fried pickles
Make it creamy
Fried avocado slices
Homemade burgers
The key to great burgers is in the beef.
You need to use high-quality beef with at least 10% fat to guarantee juicy patties.
Once you have the perfect patty, it’s up to you what extras you add. I like to go simple with pickles and cheese.
Psst… got leftover chili? Stuff some inside the burgers to make them even tastier.
Why we love this recipe: it shares lots of tips and tricks for making the perfect burger from scratch.
Featured recipe
Homemade burgers
Skip the beef
Turkey burger
Make it meatless
Black bean burgers
Pickled jalapenos
Jazz up your chili cheese fries with a topping of these pickled jalapenos.
They boast a mildly spicy kick and a sweet-tart flavor that will cut right through your greasy chili and cheese topping.
Psst… the heat will mellow out the longer the jalapenos sit in the fridge.
Why we love this recipe: you can get so much use out of a batch.
Featured recipe
Homemade pickled jalapenos
Keep it fresh
Jalapeno relish
Make it different
Quick pickled red onions
Tomato cucumber lettuce salad
Chili cheese fries are almost a complete meal, they’re just missing a veggie element.
And that’s where this salad comes in!
It’s chock-full of crunchy and juicy produce that will bring a much-needed fresh bite to your loaded fries.
Pro-tip: use fresh herbs for maximum flavor.
Why we love this recipe: you can have it on the table in 15 minutes.
Featured recipe
Tomato cucumber lettuce salad
Keep it simple
Romaine lettuce salad
Skip the lettuce
Greek salad
Tater tots
Chili cheese fries are great, but why not mix things up and swap the fries for tater tots?
They’re bite-sized crispy delights.
These tots are fried for maximum crispiness, but you can also bake them if you want to skip the oil.
Pro-tip: squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated spuds to prevent these tots from falling apart.
Why we love this recipe: they’re kid-friendly.
Featured recipe
Tater tots
Make it low-carb
Cauliflower tots
Something different
Hash browns
Carne asada
This recipe transforms budget-friendly flank steak into a restaurant-worthy dish with the help of classic Mexican flavors.
It involves soaking the beef in a citrusy marinade for at least two hours, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prop slices of this delicious steak over your chili cheese fries for an impressive weekend dinner.
Why we love this recipe: it’s a delicious steak that won’t break the bank.
Featured recipe
Authentic carne asada
Skip the grill
Garlic butter herb steak bites
Skip the beef
Pulled BBQ jackfruit
Popcorn chicken
Not feeling the double beef?
What about throwing a few pieces of popcorn chicken on your chili cheese fries?
They’re super addicting and will add a nice crunch.
Pro tip: for best results plan ahead and start marinating your chicken in the morning.
Why we love this recipe: most of the ingredients are pantry staples.
Featured recipe
Popcorn chicken
Make another favorite
Popcorn shrimp
Make it plant-based
Corn fritters
Pineapple salsa
Feeling adventurous? Bring some delicious tropical flavors to your chili cheese fries with this pineapple salsa.
The sweetness of the pineapple is mellowed by the lime juice, zest, and cilantro, giving you just the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
Spoon this salsa on top of your chili to get that sweet-tart flavor in every bite.
Why we love this recipe: There’s zero hands-on cooking involved.
Featured recipe
Pineapple salsa
Go back to basics
Pico de gallo
Swap the pineapples
Kiwi avocado salsa verde
Shaved brussels sprouts salad
Take a break from your leafy greens and whip up this shaved brussel sprout salad instead.
And don’t sweat about the sprouts’ bitterness – it’s offset by the umami-packed parmesan and a bright mustard vinaigrette.
This salad is just what you need when you’re looking for something light to pair with your chili cheese fries.
Why we love this recipe: you only need six ingredients to whip up this salad (dressing included!)
Featured recipe
Shaved brussels sprouts salad
Ditch the brussels sprouts
Lemon garlic kale salad
Keep it simple
Arugula salad
The best side dishes to serve with chili cheese fries
- Homemade corn dogs
- Guacamole
- Buttermilk coleslaw
- Fried green tomatoes
- Homemade burgers
- Pickled jalapenos
- Tomato cucumber lettuce salad
- Tater tots
- Carne asada
- Popcorn chicken
- Pineapple salsa
- Shaved brussels sprouts salad
Read next: the best substitutes for beer in chili
What To Serve With Chili Cheese Fries
Ingredients
- 1 portion chili cheese fries
Instructions
- Prepare your chili cheese fries according to your favorite recipe.
- In the meantime, choose one of the following sides to serve alongside it.
- Side dishes include: homemade corn dogs, guacamole, buttermilk coleslaw, fried green tomatoes, homemade burgers, pickled jalapenos, tomato cucumber lettuce salad, tater tots, carne asada, popcorn chicken, pineapple salsa, and shaved brussels sprouts salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!