# Which do you like with chili: Crackers, cornbread, or tortillas? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [April 11, 2025, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913 "2025-04-11T16:27:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/41 "2025-04-11T23:19:27Z")
I’ve never considered chili with rice, which is strange, because I eat rice with virtually any other type of stew, from beef bourguignon to Japanese curry. It just felt inauthentic, I guess. Now that I know that the natives eat it that way, I might try it out. ---
**Author:** ![Nightaudit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nightaudit/32/17181_2.png) [@Nightaudit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nightaudit)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/42 "2025-04-11T23:29:33Z")
Depends on the type of chili. All meat no beans Texas style: chips, tortillas or cornbread. Cincinnati (cinnamon, allspice and other Greek stuff) pasta or rice… Rest of country ( like Texan but with beans) either or cornbread or saltines\*. - only one ones that are browned on top. For some reason in Austin they sell them very lightly toasted, almost like unbaked soda bread/ hard tack​:face\_vomiting:🤢…I miss the Sunshine brand from the Bay Area that were well brown. Must be a regional thing. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/43 "2025-04-11T23:33:37Z")
I am not remotely Latin American (other than having majored in Spanish), and in this house chili goes with rice (either white or brown), shredded sharp cheddar, and if we’re feeling fancy, possibly sour cream, chopped green onions, or both. ---
**Author:** ![Patx2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/73ab20/32.png) [@Patx2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Patx2)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/44 "2025-04-11T23:39:04Z")
I agree 100%. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Girlfriend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.girlfriend/32/193_2.png) [@Dr.Girlfriend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Girlfriend)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2025, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/45 "2025-04-11T23:41:26Z")
All of the above plus Fritos. Chili mac is also good. Never tried chili over rice but I might have to sometime. I also have a chili recipe that I eat over French fries… probably not that much different than a baked potato. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/46 "2025-04-12T13:40:34Z")
I’ve not come across chili with rice. That seems weird to me, but it also makes sense given the other chili-like foods I eat with rice. But for me, chili needs corn flavors, so either Fritos, warmed corn tortillas, or corn bread, roughly in that order. ---
**Author:** ![SCAdian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scadian/32/3292_2.png) [@SCAdian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SCAdian)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/47 "2025-04-12T14:13:36Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Crackers used as a utensil to stuff it in my face. That’s how I ate it as a kid, but now I’m more likely to use tortilla chips – partly because we’re more likely to have chips on hand. > [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > That said, I don’t usually bother with any of these. Ditto. > [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > I might toss some shredded cheese on top if I have some handy. I usually make my chili spicier than I can stand, then add sour cream and shredded cheese to tone it down. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/48 "2025-04-12T14:42:54Z")
In Switzerland, chili is served over rice. My personal favorite is Ritz crackers and grated cheese - either cheddar or Manchego. Typically we only have cheese, but if I remember in time, I’ll make cornbread. With sugar, because that’s my husband’s preference. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/49 "2025-04-12T15:37:34Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > Chili over rice is the standard in the UK > [@Die\_Capacitrix](#): > > In Switzerland, chili is served over rice. Is chili in the UK or Switzerland the same thing as chili in the US (or one of its particular regional variations)? ---
**Author:** ![Snarky\_Kong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a183cd/32.png) [@Snarky\_Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snarky_Kong)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/50 "2025-04-12T15:53:50Z")
Generally nothing, but cheese, sour cream or macaroni can make appearances. Have never had or even heard of tortillas with chili. Interesting. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/51 "2025-04-12T16:20:29Z")
More or less, but probably not as flavorful. Here’s a recipe, which includes a picture: > **[Chili con carne mit Reis - Rezept](https://www.gutekueche.ch/chili-con-carne-mit-reis-rezept-14204)** > > Ein reichhaltiges Chili con carne mit Reis, dass mild abgeschmeckt ist und ein tolles Gericht für die Ganze Familie ergeben wird. Ingredient list, translated: Ground beef Corn (normally canned) Kidney beans Diced tomaties Onion Salt Paprika powder Granulated Beef bouillion Basmati rice My coworker from Poland also grew up with chili and rice. She had never heard of cornbread. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/52 "2025-04-12T16:23:18Z")
Interesting. No cumin or chili peppers (though I guess paprika can qualify.) Or garlic or oregano. Pretty far removed in the spicing department from what qualifies as chili here. But I guess it’s pretty far from the source. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/53 "2025-04-12T16:28:28Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > Is chili in the UK or Switzerland the same thing as chili in the US (or one of its particular regional variations)? This is pretty standard for UK chilli con carne: > **[Chilli con carne recipe](https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/chilli-con-carne-recipe)** > > This great chilli recipe has to be one of the best dishes to serve to friends for a casual get-together. An easy sharing favourite that uses up storecupboard ingredients. Heat comes from chilli powder, and it also contains garlic and other spices. I add marmite when I make chilli, since the veggie mince is kinda lacking in flavour. ---
**Author:** ![Snooooopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ee7513/32.png) [@Snooooopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snooooopy)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/54 "2025-04-12T20:48:44Z")
I tend to pack my chili with so many crackers that it turns into a sludge. You could almost consider it chili-flavored crackers. Sadly, I’ve gotten to the age where I have to start being a lot more careful about what I eat, so those crackers recently transitioned into the kind without salt. (Oh, the agony!) I can’t say I’ve ever given much thought to the other two options, particularly cornbread. That has always struck me as a solo act. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/55 "2025-04-12T21:03:39Z")
> [@Snooooopy](#): > > I tend to pack my chili with so many crackers that it turns into a sludge. Glad to see that somebody else shares my preferred method of eating chili! Crushed-up saltines, oyster crackers, or Fritos corn chips are all acceptable methods of creating sludge. Grated cheese sprinkled over said sludge is an added bonus. Cornbread and/or cinnamon rolls are certainly welcome as side dishes. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/56 "2025-04-12T21:15:07Z")
I sprinkle corn chips on my chili like I’m throwing confetti at wedding, then plop a big hunk of Southern-style cracklin’ cornbread right in the middle like it just belly-flopped into a pool of delicious. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/57 "2025-04-12T21:48:37Z")
I’m not surprised many don’t eat chili with rice. I am surprised many seem to find it strange. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/58 "2025-04-12T22:10:13Z")
> [@Pleonast](#): > > Cinnamon is one of my standard ingredients in chili. Not too much, but it adds another dimension of savory. Ground cloves for me, 1tsp in a two-quart batch. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/59 "2025-04-12T22:19:09Z")
Oh wow that’s a lot of clove! I sometimes put in maybe 1/4 tsp per quart to two. ---
**Author:** ![Dancer\_Flight](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dancer_flight/32/7601_2.png) [@Dancer\_Flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dancer_Flight)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2025, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913/60 "2025-04-12T22:19:52Z")
Served with baking powder biscuits made with cheese, topped w/ Shredded Cheese and Sourcream. Haven’t had cornbread in years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-do-you-like-with-chili-crackers-cornbread-or-tortillas/1016913.md?page=4)