What Bread Goes With Chilli Con Carne? [9 BEST Choices!]
Chilli con carne is a much loved family favourite, and it’s delicious served with fluffy white rice and a green side salad.
But what about a side serving of bread?
It’s a versatile accompaniment that’s perfect for dipping and dunking, and in this guide, I’m going to share the very best types of bread that pair with a spicy bowl of chilli!
Let’s get going…
If you love chilli, make sure you also check out these expert guides…
- Salads to serve with chilli
- How to fix bland chilli
- How to make chilli less spicy
- What to serve with chilli instead of rice
- Starters for chilli con carne
1. Cornbread
If you’re looking for an authentic option for bread to serve with chilli con carne, your go-to choice should definitely be cornbread!
It’s light and crumbly, has a very distinct, almost grainy texture, and it’s often served alongside Mexican and South American cuisine.
If you want to really impress your guests, try this recipe for Mexican cornbread.
It’s stuffed with spices, cheese, jalapeños, green onion, and corn, and it’s the special kind of side dish that everyone will definitely request time and time again.
I like to serve this whilst it’s still slightly warm from the oven!
2. Pitta Bread
For a customisable chilli con carne experience, try pitta bread.
Its flat, round shape is ideal for scooping up chilli, while its soft texture doesn’t overpower the dish’s spiciness.
When I choose this option for bread that goes with chilli, I like to add extra toppings to the middle of the table so everyone can get stuck in and build their own stuffed pittas.
Good choices include cheese, coriander, avocado, and corn salsa.
3. French Baguette
A good French baguette has a crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, creating a satisfying texture and more-ish crunch when served with chilli con carne.
It’s ideal for dipping, or if you want to shake things up a little, you could even make your own chilli loaded baguette sandwiches, with plenty of cheese.
It’s definitely not authentic or traditional, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t absolutely delicious!
I like to pick up the part-baked varieties available in most supermarkets.
This way, you can always serve freshly baked bread, warm from the oven, without any of the hassle associated with making it from scratch.
4. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough’s thick crust, complex flavour and tartness can enhance the flavours in your chilli con carne.
The varieties that you find in many supermarkets are often way less processed than your typical white loaf, so it’s usually my go-to whether I’m making toast for breakfast or serving up bread alongside a main course for dinner.
I’ve recently acquired a sourdough starter, and I’m looking forward to being able to make my own whenever I’m in the mood for fresh bread!
5. Rye Bread
Rye bread has a strong flavour and dense texture that holds up well against chilli con carne.
Use any leftovers to make open faced sandwiches the next day.
Some delicious toppings include salt beef and mustard, smoked salmon and cream cheese, and fresh guacamole with plenty of chilli flakes and lime juice.
6. Pumpernickel Bread
With its rich and hearty flavour and dense texture, pumpernickel bread is a wonderful match for the meaty richness of chilli con carne.
The dark colour also adds visual appeal to the dish, and makes for an interesting talking point at the table.
7. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is a flat, leavened bread that’s most typically enjoyed alongside Italian cuisine.
If you’re not too concerned about keeping things traditional though, it also makes a wonderful pairing for chilli con carne!
You can keep things simple by serving it plain or with a scattering of your favourite herbs, or you can really get creative and experiment with different flavours.
Some of my favourite focaccia toppings include pesto and mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and feta, and caramelised onions.
If you love focaccia, take a look at what to serve with focaccia for more inspiration.
8. Naan
Naan bread is another non-authentic option that just works so well with chilli.
Making your own always creates much better results than buying a pre-packaged variety, and this naan bread recipe is my go-to.
It’s fluffy, bubbly, and chewy, and you’ll be amazed at just how easy it is!
9. Garlic Bread
My final recommendation for what bread goes with chilli con carne is good old fashioned garlic bread.
This one is always a winner as it tends to be a hit with the whole family (even fussy kids!) and you can keep things super simple or dress it up with your favourite chopped herbs.
Making your own always feels like an extra indulgent treat, but if you just don’t have the time, take a look at how to improve store bought garlic bread.
By the way, you might also want to check out more meals that go with garlic bread for a little meal planning inspiration!
Which of these bread options will you be serving with your chilli?
