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A delicious bowl of homemade chili topped with cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro.

chili toppings


  • Author: thomes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4-6 peopl 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Take your chili to the next level with these delicious and creative toppings! From classic cheese and sour cream to unique additions like peanut butter and dark chocolate, these toppings will elevate the flavor, texture, and presentation of your chili. Perfect for any chili recipe, whether you’re making beef, turkey, vegetarian, or spicy chili.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup diced onions (red or white)
  • ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 avocado, sliced or mashed
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt (as a sour cream alternative)
  • ½ cup crumbled queso fresco
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese
  • ½ cup melted queso dip

Crunchy Toppings:

  • 1 cup tortilla chips or strips, crushed
  • ½ cup cornbread crumbles
  • ½ cup crispy bacon bits
  • ½ cup fried onions
  • ¼ cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Spicy & Bold Toppings:

  • ¼ cup hot sauce (your favorite brand)
  • ½ cup spicy salsa (roja or verde)
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
  • ½ cup diced roasted poblano peppers

Healthy & Fresh Toppings:

  • ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes (Roma or cherry)
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • ½ cup chopped green onions (scallions)

Protein-Packed Toppings:

  • 1 cup grilled chicken, diced or shredded
  • ½ cup cooked crumbled chorizo or sausage
  • ½ cup black beans or pinto beans
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped or sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled tempeh or tofu

Unconventional & Unique Toppings:

  • 2 tbsp peanut butter, drizzled
  • 2 tbsp grated dark chocolate or cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup toasted coconut flakes
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • ½ cup crushed potato chips or pretzels
  • ¼ cup kimchi or pickled vegetables
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese or feta

Instructions

  • Prepare your chili – Make your favorite chili recipe (beef, turkey, vegetarian, etc.) and keep it hot.
  • Choose your toppings – Select your preferred toppings from the list above.
  • Layer toppings strategically – Start with creamy toppings like cheese or sour cream, followed by crunchy elements for texture. Add fresh ingredients like cilantro or lime juice last to preserve their brightness.
  • Balance flavors – Pair spicy toppings with cooling elements like Greek yogurt or avocado. Mix sweet toppings like dark chocolate with smoky ingredients for depth.
  • Serve immediately – Enjoy your chili while it’s hot and fully loaded with your favorite toppings!

Notes

  • Make it a chili bar – Set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their bowl.
  • Adjust for spice tolerance – If serving a crowd, keep spicy toppings separate for those who prefer milder chili.
  • Storage tips – Leftover toppings can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (assumes chili is already prepared)
  • Category: Toppings
  • Method: Assembling
  • Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl with toppings
  • Calories: ~250 (varies based on toppings)
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Chili toppings