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If you’re wondering what to serve with your chili dogs, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I list 39 of the most popular side dishes for chili dogs.

In a rush? Here’s the short answer.

The best dishes to serve with chili dogs are buttermilk coleslaw, lemon basil three-bean salad, baked tortilla chips, onion strings, and sweet potato tots. You can also serve them with condiments like dill pickle relish, and guacamole. If you’re feeling indulgent, swap the chili for chili mac.

Ready? Let’s jump right in.

Dill pickle relish

Chili dogs are chock-full of smoky, savory goodness, so a topping of dill pickle relish is always a welcomed addition.

It gives every bite a pop of tangy sweetness that prevents your chili dogs from becoming overwhelming.

Ditch the store-bought version and make your own from scratch – it’s easier than you think, plus you don’t even need to can it.

Why we love this recipe: it’s super versatile and makes any ‘dog’ pop.

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Dill pickle relish
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Fried sauerkraut

Crispy onion strings

Chili dogs are often topped with chopped onions, but why not elevate your sandwich with these crispy onion strings instead?

The strings are first soaked in buttermilk before being dredged into seasoned flour, forming a light, crispy crust around them.

Not only will they add a contrasting crunch to your tender chili and hotdog, but it also brings a hint of sweetness from the onions.

Why we love this recipe: they’re easier to make than onion rings and are just as tasty.

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Crispy onion strings
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Caramelized onions
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Sauteed mushrooms and onions

Buttermilk coleslaw

There are many versions of coleslaw, but this recipe has to be my number one pick.

It combines mayo, buttermilk, vinegar, horseradish, and sour cream to create a creamy, extra-tangy dressing that cuts through your chili dogs’ smoky notes.

Pro-tip: Grating may turn your cabbage mushy, so slice it or use a mandoline to achieve those long, crisp strands.

Why we love this recipe: it tastes infinitely better than store-bought slaw.

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Buttermilk coleslaw
Make it dairy-free
No-mayo coleslaw
Make it different
Avocado lime slaw

Lemon basil three-bean salad

This salad involves a medley of chickpeas, black and white beans with juicy cherry tomatoes tossed in a lemon and basil vinaigrette.

It’s brimming with refreshing, citrusy notes that perfectly contrast your chili dogs’ smoky, savory flavors.

Pssst… leave this salad to rest for at least an hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Why we love this recipe: it’s vegan yet still packed with protein.

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Lemon basil three-bean salad
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Green bean salad with lemon and dill
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Black bean salad with corn and avocado

Baked tortilla chips

Baking is my go-to method for making homemade tortilla chips – you can make a large batch in one go, and they’re way healthier.

Win-win!

Pro-tip: if you’re using a dark baking sheet, your chips will cook faster, so keep a close eye on them.

Use these crunchy chips to mop up any fallen chili from your hot dog sandwich – yum!

Why we love this recipe: these chips taste as good as what you’d get at Mexican restaurants – minus the guilt.

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Tortilla chips
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Baked zucchini chips
Bust out the air fryer
Air fryer pita chips

Sweet potato parmesan tots

If you love tater tots, this sweet potato version is a must-try.

It’s soft and pillowy, with the fresh cheese and herbs adding a savory note to the mashed sweet potatoes.

Each tot is covered in a panko and chili powder coating, giving you a crunchy crust once baked.

Save a piece or two of these sweet potato tots to scoop up the chili from your hot dog!

Why we love this recipe: these treats are such a delicious twist on the classic tot.

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Baked sweet potato parmesan tots
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Baked broccoli tots
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Homemade tater tots

Shaved brussels sprouts salad

Give your chili dog meal a nutritious boost with this shaved brussels sprouts salad.

This dish features a zippy, tart red wine vinaigrette that mellows out the bitterness of the sprouts – leaving you with a perfectly balanced bite.

For best results, slice your sprouts as thin as you can with a knife, mandoline, or a food processor.

Why we love this recipe: it only has 112 calories per serving.

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Shaved brussels sprouts salad
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Ranch pasta salad

Planning to serve chili dogs at your upcoming potluck or picnic?

Pair them with a hefty serving of this ranch pasta salad.

Aside from the pasta, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and bacon bits for an added crunchy bite.

Just thinking about that creamy, tangy ranch dressing mixing with smoky, savory chili dogs is enough to make my mouth water.

Why we love this recipe: everyone will be lining up for seconds of this.

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Ranch pasta salad
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Classic macaroni salad
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Southwest pasta salad

Chili mac and cheese

If you’re feeling indulgent, try topping your hot dog sandwich with chili mac instead of plain chili.

With this combo, you’re getting twice the carbs, but that’s easy to overlook with how delicious this is.

The addition of shredded cheese gives your chili’s rich, savory stew a delectable hint of creaminess that takes your chili dog to a whole new level.

Why we love this recipe: I always crave more chili when I eat chili dogs. (Maybe it’s just me?!)

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Chili mac and cheese
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One-pot vegan chili mac and cheese
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Stuffed mini peppers

Step aside jalapeno poppers – there’s a new stuffed pepper snack you’re bound to get hooked on.

These mini peppers aren’t exactly spicy, but the heat lies with the stuffing made from a mixture of cream cheese, horseradish, and green onions.

This recipe calls for up to two teaspoons of horseradish, but you can easily add more if you want more heat.

Why we love this recipe: they’re the perfect game-day party treat.

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Zesty cream cheese stuffed mini peppers
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Baked jalapeno poppers
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Bacon-wrapped stuffed sweet peppers

Pineapple salsa

Feeling adventurous? Bring some delicious tropical flavors to your chili dogs 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 that’ll elevate your humble chili dog.

Spoon this salsa on top of your chili dogs to get that sweet-tart flavor in every bite.

Why we love this recipe: There’s zero hands-on cooking involved.

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Pineapple salsa
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Potato cheese balls

Take a break from french fries by turning your spuds into these creamy, decadent cheese-stuffed balls.

Underneath each morsel’s crispy panko crust lies cheesy lava in a pillowy soft potato dough.

My kids love smashing a couple of these on top of their chili dog for a super indulgent and cheesy treat.

Why we love this recipe: it transforms simple ingredients into an indulgent treat.

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Potato cheese balls
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Twice-fried French fries
Make it fun
Paprika parmesan smashed potatoes

Guacamole

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/648096202640308156/

Guacamole isn’t just for your tortilla chips and tacos – they’re fabulous with chili dogs too.

The combination of lime juice, jalapenos, chopped cilantro, and sharp onions with creamy avocados brings a refreshing, zesty bite that a savory dish like chili dogs needs.

You could always use pre-made guac, but you only need ten minutes and five ingredients to make this recipe from scratch.

Why we love this recipe: you don’t need to do a grocery store run to make this easy guac recipe.

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Guacamole
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The best side dishes for chili dogs

Dill pickle relish
Crispy onion strings
Buttermilk coleslaw
Lemon basil three-bean salad
Baked tortilla chips
Sweet potato parmesan tots
Shaved brussels sprouts salad
Ranch pasta salad
Chili mac and cheese
Stuffed mini peppers
Pineapple salsa
Potato cheese balls
Guacamole