Welcome to a spicy twist on the traditional charcuterie board! If you love chili and crave a cozy, flavor-packed spread, this chili charcuterie board is the perfect way to add warmth to your gathering. Imagine a mouthwatering setup filled with hearty chili, a selection of toppings, savory sides, and even a few creative dippers. It’s a fun, crowd-pleasing option that’s easy to customize and perfect for everything from game days to family nights.
This is such a fun dinner to make and really is a showstopper if you are hosting or heading to a party.
Contents
Why You’ll Love a Chili Charcuterie Board
- Perfect for Chilly Days: A warm, comforting spread that’s ideal for fall and winter gatherings.
- Customizable for Everyone: Load it with your favorite toppings so each guest can make their own perfect bowl.
- Easy to Prep: Many elements can be made in advance, making assembly a breeze.
- Fun and Interactive: Guests will love building their own chili bowls, adding a fun, social element to your spread.
- Great for Game Day: Pairs perfectly with the excitement of game night or any cozy get-together.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with satisfying flavors and textures to keep everyone happy and full.
- Endless Flavor Combos: From classic toppings like cheese and sour cream to creative extras like cornbread bites and hot sauce.
Ingredients for Making a Chili Charcuterie Board
This board starts with the main ingredient – Chili. You can simply use your favorite chili recipe, choose a recipe from a book, or search online for the perfect chili recipe. Then you can to choose your favorite ingredients to add to the board – include some sides like cornbread. You can see what I used in the recipe below but here is a more complete list of ideas for your chili charcuterie board.
Toppings
- Cheeses: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For a cool, creamy touch
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds a smooth, rich flavor
- Chopped Onions: Red, white, or green onions for crunch
- Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled for a spicy kick
- Diced Tomatoes: Fresh or fire-roasted
- Cilantro: A fresh garnish that adds brightness
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances flavors
- Hot Sauce: An assortment for guests to choose their heat level
Dippers & Sides
- Cornbread Muffins or Bites: Great for dipping or as a side
- Tortilla Chips: Adds crunch and is perfect for scooping
- Saltine or Oyster Crackers: A classic chili pairing
- Breadsticks or Baguette Slices: For hearty dipping
- Soft Pretzels or Pretzel Bites: Salty and perfect with chili
Extra Add-Ons
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sliced into rounds for a smoky-sweet side
- Sliced Sausages or Hot Dogs: For a chili dog twist
- Stuffed Mini Peppers: Filled with cream cheese or cheese
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn
- Pickled Veggies: Pickled jalapeños, carrots, or radishes for tang
Sweet Touches
- Honey Butter: To spread on cornbread or muffins
- Chocolate Chips: A fun, surprising twist to sprinkle on top of chili for added richness
Tips to Assemble a Chili Charcuterie Board
Assembling a chili charcuterie board is all about balancing warmth, texture, and fun! Start by placing your chili pot or bowls in the center as the focal point, making sure it’s easy to ladle out servings. Arrange toppings around the chili in small bowls or ramekins, grouping similar flavors and textures together—like cheeses, spicy add-ins, and creamy toppings. To keep it visually appealing, use various colors and heights: stack avocado slices and shredded cheese in neat piles, and place taller items like sour cream and hot sauce bottles at the back. Next, add your dippers and sides.
Place cornbread muffins, tortilla chips, and crackers around the edges for easy access, and scatter in smaller items, like lime wedges or pickled jalapeños, to fill any gaps. Don’t forget utensils like spoons, scoops, and serving tongs so guests can help themselves effortlessly. Finally, add a few festive extras, like mini chalkboard labels for toppings or small napkins in a cozy fall color, to tie it all together and create a truly inviting chili spread!
Chili Charcuterie Board Recipe
Chili Charcuterie Board
Equipment
- medium to large charcuterie board
- Bowls and serving spoons
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board and Knife
Ingredients
- Chili (make your favorite recipe)
- Sour Cream
- Corn Bread
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Cut Limes
- Scallions
- Avocados
- Oyster Crackers
- Fritos or Corn Chips
- Tomatoes
Instructions
- Make your Chili (you can make this ahead of time)
- Cut up all your ingredients
- Place your chili in the center of the board (put it on a hot pad so it doesn’t mark your board)
- Put the ingredients on the board in bowls or directly on the board. Divide up the ingredients to add interest to the board.
- Serve you chili charcuterie board with spoons and make sure the chili is hot!
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