Cincinnati Chili stands as a culinary marvel, a unique American chili distinguished by its distinctive spice blend, ground beef (without beans in the chili itself), and its signature serving style atop a mound of spaghetti noodles, lavishly topped with shredded cheese. This iconic dish is famously served by the beloved restaurant chain, Skyline Chili, and this comprehensive guide will equip you with a remarkable copycat recipe to recreate their legendary and unique chili in your own kitchen. Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that captures the true essence of Cincinnati’s gastronomic heritage.
Discovering the Magic of Cincinnati Chili: A Quest for Authenticity
As October rolls around, marking National Chili Month, it’s the perfect occasion to delve into a new and exciting chili experience. My long-standing desire has been to share an authentic Cincinnati Chili recipe on this website, but it was crucial to ensure absolute fidelity to the original. I sought the “real deal,” something genuinely authentic. This quest led me to our friend Joe, a resident of the Cincinnati area, hoping he could share a time-tested recipe.
His response was simple yet perplexing: “I don’t need one.”
Initially, I thought, “That’s not very helpful, Joe!” But he quickly clarified that he doesn’t need a recipe because whenever a craving strikes, they head straight to Skyline Chili, proclaiming it the absolute best. This insight provided my crucial starting point. Since authentic chili parlors like Skyline are scarce where I live, extensive research became my only option. My detective work began, scouring various corners of the internet, leading to the development of this copycat Skyline Chili Recipe, which we believe comes remarkably close to their closely guarded secret blend.
Unraveling the Mystery: Where to Find Authentic Skyline Chili
The original Skyline Cincinnati chili recipe is indeed one of the culinary world’s most well-kept secrets. It’s so clandestine that even many Skyline franchisees are not privy to its exact formulation. This necessitated a deep dive into the quiet, mysterious realms of the internet, digging for clues and hints to unlock its essence.
My determination was unwavering: only the truly authentic would suffice. For those fortunate enough to live near one, you can always find a Skyline Chili franchise across the country and experience the original firsthand. However, with no location nearby, my mission was clear: decipher the culinary puzzle. With my husband, a seasoned veteran of Skyline Chili, serving as my discerning taste tester, I am confident that this copycat recipe is incredibly close to the real thing! If you’ve never had the pleasure of dining at Skyline Chili, prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary plateful of Cincinnati Style Chili – a truly unique flavor adventure!
What Exactly is Cincinnati Chili? Defining a Culinary Icon
Yes, there are those who argue that Skyline chili isn’t “real” chili. As the saying goes, “haters gonna hate.” But let’s clarify: a recipe containing meat and chili powder, at its core, is undeniably chili. While it boasts a rich array of other ingredients and an unusually diverse blend of spices, these elements merely elevate it, making it a particularly interesting and complex chili.
It’s true that Cincinnati Chili is often soupier than traditional varieties and typically doesn’t include beans in the chili itself (though beans can be added as a topping). And yes, it’s most famously served over spaghetti. Yet, despite these unique characteristics, it remains a distinct and beloved chili. Feel free to call it spaghetti chili, if that helps distinguish its special nature.
The Rich and Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili
Why is it named Cincinnati Chili? While the name suggests its invention in Ohio, the full story is more nuanced. A closer look at the ingredients reveals a fascinating heritage. The original Skyline recipe was the brainchild of its founder, Nicholas Lambrinides, a Greek immigrant. This explains the subtle Mediterranean influences in what might initially seem like a straightforward chili.
Lambrinides was not only a skilled cook but also a shrewd marketer. Recognizing the widespread popularity of chili at the time, he wisely chose to brand his unique creation as “Ohio Chili” rather than attempting to convince patrons to try a “Mediterranean stew.” It was a simple, effective strategy. Since his restaurant offered a prime view of the city’s iconic skyline, the name “Skyline Chili” naturally followed, a name that perfectly captured its local identity and instantly resonated with customers.
Crafting the Flavor: Essential Ingredients for Copycat Skyline Style Cincinnati Chili
To create authentic Cincinnati Chili, often fondly referred to as “Ohio Chili,” you’ll need a base of familiar chili ingredients, but prepare for a delightful twist with a few unusual additions that define its unique flavor profile. These special components are key to replicating the famous Skyline taste.
For the Chili: The Heart of the Dish
- Water: The liquid base for this stew-like chili.
- Tomato Paste: Provides rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Some prefer tomato sauce; if using, adjust water content.
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to minimize excess grease.
- Onion: Diced white or yellow onion adds aromatic depth.
- Chili Powder: The foundational spice for any chili.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a crucial tang and brightness, balancing the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes umami and complexity.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: A surprising but essential ingredient that deepens the color and adds a subtle richness without making it taste like chocolate. Unsweetened chocolate can also be melted and used.
- Cinnamon: One of the most distinctive spices in Cincinnati Chili, providing warmth and an aromatic sweetness.
- Cumin: Essential for that classic chili flavor, complementing the other spices.
- Cayenne Pepper: Allows you to customize the heat level. This recipe leans towards a spicier side.
- Allspice: Another unique spice, adding complex, warm notes.
- Cloves: A small touch of ground cloves enhances the aromatic profile.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic for robust flavor.
- Bay Leaf: Infuses subtle herbal notes during simmering.
- Sugar or Brown Sugar: A touch of sweetness is vital to balance the savory and spice elements.
For Serving: The Signature “Ways”
The serving options for Cincinnati Chili are as unique as the chili itself. These traditional toppings transform a simple bowl into a memorable meal, allowing for personalized culinary experiences.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Absolutely non-negotiable for authenticity. A generous heap is customary.
- Diced Raw Onion: Yellow onion is common, but white or red onions offer their own distinct sharpness.
- Red Kidney Beans: Crucially, these are served *on top* or *on the side*, not cooked *in* the chili.
- Oyster Crackers: A classic crunchy accompaniment.
- Spaghetti Noodles: The most famous base for Cincinnati Chili.
- Hot Dogs on Steamed Buns: For the iconic “coney style” serving.
The two most popular and beloved ways to enjoy Skyline Cincinnati Chili are served generously over spaghetti noodles, or in the delightful “coney style.” Coney style involves a steamed hot dog bun, a juicy hot dog, a ladle of chili, a mountain of shredded cheddar cheese, and often a touch of mustard and diced raw white onion.
A pro tip for the perfect coney: always steam your hot dog buns to make them wonderfully warm and soft, elevating the entire experience!
The Sweet Secret: Is There Chocolate in Cincinnati Chili?
Indeed, there is! One of the surprising elements that gives Cincinnati chili its distinctive depth and balance is a subtle sweetness. This sweetness works harmoniously to cut through the robust, savory, and spicy notes of cumin and chili powder. The unique blend comes from the inclusion of unsweetened cocoa powder (or sometimes melted unsweetened chocolate), a generous hint of cinnamon, and a touch of sugar or brown sugar. These ingredients don’t make the chili taste like dessert, but rather contribute to its unparalleled richness and complexity, making it an unforgettable flavor experience.
Mastering the Craft: How to Make Cincinnati Chili
Achieving the rich, developed flavor of Cincinnati-style chili, much like any other exceptional chili or stew, truly benefits from a patient, low, and slow cooking process. This method allows all the unique spices and ingredients to meld together perfectly.
**Step 1: Prepare the Base.** In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, vigorously whisk together the water and tomato paste over medium-high heat until well combined.
**Step 2: Add the Beef.** Introduce the raw lean ground beef into the mixture, using your fingers to break it apart and crumble it directly into the liquid. Do not brown the beef beforehand; this is a key technique for Cincinnati Chili.
**Step 3: Combine and Simmer.** Now, add all the remaining ingredients—diced onion, chili powder, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper, allspice, cloves, minced garlic, bay leaf, and sugar. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all components are well integrated. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot and let it gently simmer for a full 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage even flavor development.
**Step 4: The Overnight Chill.** Once the chili has finished simmering, remove it from the stove and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the covered pot to the refrigerator and chill it overnight. This crucial step not only allows the flavors to deepen and meld but also makes the next step significantly easier.
**Step 5: Skim and Serve.** The following day, a layer of solidified grease will have risen to the top. Carefully skim this grease off the surface before gently reheating the chili to serve. This overnight chilling and skimming process is essential for achieving the authentic texture and rich, clean flavor of Cincinnati Chili.
The Signature Servings: How to Enjoy Cincinnati Skyline Chili – 2-Way, 3-Way, 4-Way, 5-Way
Another truly unique aspect of Cincy Chili lies in its distinctive serving traditions. First and foremost, beans are not cooked into the chili itself; they are always an optional addition, served either on the side or artfully placed on top. Ohioans also have a fondness for adding oyster crackers to their Cincinnati chili. While a generous topping of grated cheddar cheese isn’t entirely unusual, the most striking serving tradition is placing this savory “Ohio chili” directly on top of spaghetti noodles!
Sounds unconventional, right? But this is standard practice at ballparks, football stadiums, and all popular Skyline Chili franchises. There, you’d only get a strange look if you *expected* beans to be mixed into the chili rather than offered as a separate topping. And while some certainly enjoy it in a simple bowl, the most common orders are over spaghetti or atop hot dogs in “coney style,” both generously adorned with a heap of shredded cheddar cheese!
These various combinations of ingredients have given rise to the playfully named “2-Way,” “3-Way,” “4-Way,” and “5-Way” serving styles. And yes, ordering a “3-Way” often elicits a chuckle, but rest assured, it’s all part of the fun and tradition surrounding this beloved dish. Let’s embrace the unique charm!
Why Should You Grate Your Own Cheese?
For the ultimate Cincinnati Chili experience, especially when it comes to the generous topping of cheddar cheese, grating your own cheese makes a significant difference. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly and evenly as freshly grated cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts into a wonderfully creamy, rich layer, providing the perfect textural and flavor contrast to the chili and spaghetti. This small effort goes a long way in achieving that truly authentic Skyline Chili experience.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Excited to try this incredible Copycat Skyline Cincinnati Chili recipe? Make sure to pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever that unique chili craving strikes!
More Chili Recipes to Explore
If you’re a true chili enthusiast, you’ll be delighted to know that I participate in an annual chili cook-off with fellow blogger friends, and their fantastic contributions are listed below. Beyond this amazing Cincinnati Chili, my website also hosts a variety of other chili recipes and creative ideas for using leftover chili. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
- White Chicken Chili (pictured above)
- Three Bean Chili
- Chili Cheese Bean Dip
- Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Chili
- Oktoberfest Chili
- Five Bean Chicken Chili
So, the next time a craving for something truly unique and comforting strikes, don’t hesitate! Whip up this incredible Cincinnati Chili, my friends, and savor a taste of Ohio’s iconic culinary tradition!
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Print Recipe
Cincinnati Chili (Skyline Chili Copycat)
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Lodge 6 Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven. Classic Red Enamel Dutch Oven (Island Spice Red)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cups water
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 Tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
Toppings and Servings
- Grated cheddar cheese is a must. Other optional toppings are chopped onions, kidney beans, oyster crackers and hot chili sauce. Serve in a bowl, on a hot dog or on top of the spaghetti noodles. Optional side: a traditional Greek salad.
Instructions
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, whisk together water and tomato paste over medium-high heat.
- Add the raw ground beef to the mixture by breaking it apart and crumbling it with your fingers.
- Add in all of the other ingredients, and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil and reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot and let simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the chili from the stove, and cool. Transfer the covered pot to the refrigerator, and chill overnight.
- The next day, skim the grease from the top of the chili, before warming it to serve.
Notes
Chili leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
To make this recipe in your slow cooker, simply follow the cooking instructions, using your crock pot and slow cook for 6 hours before refrigerating.
Nutrition
Welcome to our 2021 Chili Cook-Off!
October is Chili Cook-Off month! We have delicious recipes from across the country to get your chili-making to the next level of deliciousness!
#ChiliCookOff is an annual blogging event that is hosted by Ashley from Cheese Curd In Paradise.
- Venison Chili from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Colorado Green Chili from The Fresh Cooky
- Leftover Roast Pork Chili from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili from Sweet Beginnings
- Instant Pot Chili from Devour Dinner
- Chili con Carne from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Smoked Turkey Chili from Palatable Pastime
- My Dad’s Contest Winning Chili from The Spiffy Cookie
- Instant Pot Pork Green Chili from Hostess At Heart
- Black Eyed Pea Chili from Leftovers Then Breakfast
- Pork Chili from Art of Natural Living
- Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili from Life Love and Good Food
- White Chicken Chili from Kathryn’s Kitchen Blog
- Pumpkin Chili from Jen Around The World
- Vegan Butternut Squash Chipotle Chili from Magical Ingredients
- Cincinnati Chili from An Affair from the Heart
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin Chili from The Freshman Cook
- Texas Chili from SmartyPantsKitchen