4 Cincinnati Chili Recipes You Can Make at Home

Cincinnati is chock-full of incredible food. We know this.

But there's one dish that will forever hold the hearts of Queen City dwellers (... and simultaneously confuse outsiders).

Cincinnati-style chili.

For those of us native to the 'Nati, there's nothing that tastes more like home than that oh-so-addicting, sweet & spicy flavor. But if you truly want to take your Cincy-ness to the next level, you've gotta try your hand at making your own version of this Queen City staple at home.

Here are a few easy ways to get started.

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CHILI
Making Cincinnati-style chili in your own kitchen may seem like a daunting task, but this simple, 30-minute recipe will make it feel easy. Whether you throw it over noodles, hot dogs, or eat it straight, this back-to-basics approach is a must-know for all locals.

Recipe: One Strange Herd

CHILI DIP
There isn't a tailgate, graduation party, or block party in the Greater Cincinnati area that doesn't include this favorite dip. If you're unfamiliar with the classic (really?), it's basically just layers of cream cheese, chili, and shredded cheese. In this particular recipe, though, the dish is stacked with a little extra oomph: tomatoes, green onions, and chiles. Enjoy.

Recipe: Soup Addict

CHILI CONEY
It wouldn't be a Reds game without a classic coney in hand, right? But hey, why limit yourself to the stadium? Pour that sweet & spicy chili over a hot dog and top with a mound of cheese You've got an as-good-as-the-restaurant version of your Cincy favorite. The only downside of these bad boys? They disappear faster than you can say "Coney Island." (So, you know Make a bunch.)

Recipe: Lemons for Lulu

CHILI 3-WAY
We don't pick favorites when it comes to Cincy-style chili, but if we did the classic "3-way" would be tough to beat. In the restaurant, it takes mere moments for them to spoon out the perfect ratios of noodles, chili, and cheese. Whipping up your own perfect copycat version may take a little longer, but when it's worth it It's worth it.

Recipe: The Frugal Foodie Mama

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Whether you're looking to feed a crowd or just a few folks, these classic dishes are sure to get a standing ovation. Check out the blogs above for the full recipes and feel free to invite us over for the taste test!

Special thanks to One Strange Herd, Soup Addict, Lemons for Lulu, and The Frugal Foodie Mama for sharing the recipe magic!