When you think of Cincinnati chili, you probably picture a plate of spaghetti topped with a rich, spiced meat sauce, cheese, and onions. But what happens when you combine this Midwest staple with slow-smoked BBQ?
The result? A flavor explosion that takes the best of Cincinnati’s Greek-inspired chili and blends it with the deep, smoky essence of BBQ. This fusion is gaining popularity, and it’s something every BBQ lover needs to try.
Let’s dive into the history, flavors, and best ways to enjoy Cincinnati Chili BBQ.
🔥 What is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati chili isn’t your typical Tex-Mex chili. It’s a Greek-inspired, Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce, originally created in the 1920s by Greek immigrants who settled in Cincinnati.
🔥 What Makes Cincinnati Chili Unique?
✔️ Thinner than traditional chili, almost like a meat sauce.
✔️ Spiced with cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder—giving it a distinct sweet & savory balance.
✔️ Served over spaghetti or hot dogs (Coney style).
💡 Pro Tip: Cincinnati chili is not served in a bowl like Texas chili—it’s meant to be poured over something!
🔥 How Does Cincinnati Chili Work with BBQ?
Cincinnati chili’s sweet and spiced flavor profile pairs surprisingly well with smoked meats. When combined with BBQ, it creates a fusion of Midwest comfort food and Southern-style smoking techniques.
Here’s how pitmasters are blending Cincinnati chili with BBQ:
🔥 1. Cincinnati Chili Pulled Pork Sandwiches
✔️ Smoked pulled pork piled on a bun.
✔️ Topped with a rich layer of Cincinnati chili.
✔️ Finished with shredded cheese, onions, and mustard.
🔥 2. Cincinnati Chili BBQ Ribs
✔️ Classic hickory-smoked pork ribs, coated in a Cincinnati chili glaze.
✔️ The spices from the chili enhance the smoky pork flavor.
✔️ Served with a side of cheesy macaroni or cornbread.
🔥 3. Cincinnati Chili Brisket Mac & Cheese
✔️ Smoked brisket chopped into cheesy macaroni.
✔️ Drizzled with a light layer of Cincinnati chili sauce for a unique twist.
✔️ Topped with crispy fried onions or jalapeños.
💡 Pro Tip: The key to Cincinnati Chili BBQ is balancing the sweetness and spice with the richness of smoked meats.
🔥 Where to Try Cincinnati Chili BBQ
While Cincinnati is best known for Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili, there are a few spots blending BBQ with chili for a next-level experience.
✔️ Eli’s BBQ (Cincinnati, OH) – Famous for BBQ sandwiches & smoked meats, often experimenting with chili flavors.
✔️ Just Q’in BBQ (Cincinnati, OH) – A black-owned BBQ joint known for mixing traditional Midwest flavors with BBQ.
✔️ Lucius Q (Cincinnati, OH) – Serves killer ribs & pulled pork with creative twists, including chili-infused BBQ sauces.
✔️ Montgomery Inn (Cincinnati, OH) – Known for saucy ribs, sometimes offering Cincinnati chili-inspired dishes.
💡 Pro Tip: If you can’t find Cincinnati Chili BBQ on a menu, order a BBQ sandwich and a side of chili—then combine them yourself!
🔥 How Cincinnati Chili BBQ Compares to Other BBQ Styles
| BBQ Style | Meat Choice | Sauce Type | Cooking Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Chili BBQ | Pulled Pork, Ribs, Brisket | Sweet, spiced chili-based sauce | Smoked low & slow |
| Texas BBQ | Brisket, Beef Ribs, Sausage | Dry rub, minimal sauce | Low & Slow Smoking |
| Kansas City BBQ | Burnt Ends, Ribs, Pulled Pork | Thick, molasses-based | Low & Slow Smoking |
| Carolina BBQ | Whole Hog, Pork Shoulder | Vinegar-based (Eastern) or Tomato-based (Western) | Low & Slow Smoking |
💡 Conclusion: If you love sweet & smoky BBQ with a unique spice kick, Cincinnati Chili BBQ is a must-try.
🔥 Why Cincinnati Chili & BBQ are a Perfect Match
At first glance, chili and BBQ might seem like two completely different worlds—but in Cincinnati, they work together in the best way possible.
✅ Cincinnati chili’s spices bring out the smoky richness of BBQ.
✅ The thin consistency of chili works as a bold glaze for smoked meats.
✅ It’s a true Midwest fusion—bringing together two beloved comfort foods.
🔥 If you love BBQ and you’ve never tried it with Cincinnati chili, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated BBQ fusions in the U.S.
🔥 Have You Tried Cincinnati Chili BBQ?
Would you put chili on your pulled pork sandwich? Let us know in the comments! 👇🔥