What Starter Goes With Chilli Con Carne? 9 BEST Ideas!
If you need ideas for what starter goes with chilli, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re in the very best place!
Here, we’re going to look at quick ideas and easy to follow recipes for Mexican inspired appetisers that pair perfectly with a big and comforting bowl of spicy chilli con carne.
By the way, for more inspiration, be sure that you also check out the best salads to serve with chilli, best bread to serve with chilli, and my guide to what to serve with chilli con carne instead of rice!
What starters go with chilli con carne?
Homemade guacamole with tortilla chips is a fantastic option for a starter for chilli. It’s fresh, vibrant, nutritious, and absolutely delicious, not to mention super simple to prepare and not too filling ahead of a big meal!
Some other tasty choices that you might want to consider include cheesy potato skins, Mexican street corn salad, mini taco bites, Mexican roasted cauliflower, and jalapeño poppers. Keep reading for more ideas, plus tried and tested recipes to follow…
1. Homemade guacamole and tortilla chips
Chilli is a pretty substantial meal, so you might decide that you want to save your appetite for the main event by serving a light starter.
Homemade guacamole fits the bill here, and you’ll need just a handful of ingredients including avocado, tomato, lime, coriander, red onion, and red chilli.
Add some tortilla chips to a bowl, and you’re good to go!
You can make your own by cutting up corn tortillas, and gently frying or baking in the oven.
2. Cheesy potato skins
Loaded potato skins are easy to make, and really family friendly. Kids and adults alike love them, and you can tailor the toppings to your own tastes.
This recipe for loaded potato skins is my favourite, and the combination of sour cream, cheese, and spring onion makes for a perfect appetiser for a spicy chilli con carne.
(Love potato skins? Check out what to serve with potato skins for more inspiration!)
3. Mexican street corn salad
This Mexican street corn salad is another good choice if you want something that’s fairly light, but you don’t want to compromise on flavour!
It’s smoky, spicy, and tangy, and combines a variety of vibrant ingredients including corn (of course!), chopped veggies, avocado, lime juice, sour cream, and plenty of fresh coriander.
It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, so make more than you need and save some lunches over the next few days.
It’s fantastic served with grilled chicken or prawns for a quick and healthy meal.
4. Mini taco bites
Tacos are fun, informal, and perfect for those evenings when you’re feeding a crowd or you have the family over for dinner.
Of course, they can be a main course in their own right, but these mini taco bites are perfect for serving as an appetiser or as a nibble with a couple of drinks at the start of the evening.
Feel free to get experimental with the topping ideas, so you can incorporate your favourites.
You could substitute the taco mince for shredded chicken, for example, or skip the meat altogether and simply use lots of colourful, crunchy veggies.
5. Mexican roasted cauliflower
If you’re always searching for fun ways to get your family to eat more veggies, you need to try this Mexican roasted cauliflower recipe!
It’s so simple yet tasty, and light enough to serve as a starter before a filling main course like chilli con carne.
Cauliflower florets are tossed in a mix of spices and roasted until caramelised and crispy, before serving with zesty lime juice, coriander, red onion, and some fresh and creamy avocado.
6. Chipotle prawns
If you love Mexican flavours and the beautiful simplicity of a chilli prawn starter, try these chipotle prawns.
They take just twenty minutes from start to finish, and they’re wonderful served on their own with some lemon wedges, or with a side of crusty bread for mopping up the delicious sauce.
If you’re cooking for fussy eaters then you might want to take the shells off, though this dish looks particularly impressive when you leave the shells on.
Just make sure that you have some wipes or water bowls at the table to deal with messy fingers!
7. Halloumi skewers
One of those super handy ingredients that I always like to have in my fridge is a block of halloumi.
It typically has a decent shelf life, and it comes in useful for creating all kinds of dishes, from a healthy but satisfying lunch to a quick and easy starter for when you have guests round for dinner.
Just shred chunks of the salty cheese on to sticks, add some of your favourite veggies if you like, spritz with a little olive oil, and cook in a griddle pan or under the grill until slightly charred, melty, and delicious.
If you like, you can get experimental by adding different herbs and spices.
I like to keep things simple and just serve with some wedges of lemon, chilli flakes, and freshly chopped coriander.
8. Cheesy jalapeno poppers
Cheesy jalapeño poppers are so tasty and versatile, and I make them for so many different occasions.
Add them to a buffet, offer them as nibbles alongside cocktails, or serve them as a starter for chilli con carne!
This recipe for jalapeño poppers is baked, not fried, so it’s a little lighter yet compromises nothing when it comes to flavour and satisfaction.
You’ll stuff your peppers with a creamy, cheesy mixture, and then top with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
9. Grilled Mexican street corn
For casual street food style vibes, try this grilled Mexican street corn! Top chargrilled corn with a tangy, creamy sauce, add some crumbled cheese, and you’re good to go.
It requires hardly any prep at all, and it’s fresh, colourful, vibrant, and also really fun to eat.
Why not give it a try for your next Mexican night?
Final thoughts on appetisers for chilli con carne
Whether you’re looking for something light and informal, or something that requires a little more love in the kitchen, there are plenty of choice for a starter for chilli con carne that will impress your dinner guests.
Choose from:
- Homemade guacamole with tortilla chips
- Cheesy potato skins
- Mexican street corn salad
- Mini taco bites
- Mexican roasted cauliflower
- Chipotle prawns
- Halloumi skewers
- Cheesy jalapeno poppers
- Grilled Mexican street corn
Add a margarita or two, and you’ll have a delicious Mexican feast fit for a hungry crowd!
