What is Cincinnati Chili?
Cincinnati chili is a unique style of chili that originated in Cincinnati, Ohio. Unlike traditional chili, which is often thick, chunky, and heavily tomato-based, Cincinnati chili is a thin, meat-based sauce infused with Mediterranean-inspired spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and cocoa powder. It is most commonly served over spaghetti or used as a topping for hot dogs, known as “Coney dogs.”
This chili is often enjoyed using the famous “way” system, which refers to different ways of layering the ingredients:
- 2-Way: Chili over spaghetti
- 3-Way: Chili and spaghetti topped with shredded cheddar cheese
- 4-Way: Adds either onions or beans
- 5-Way: Includes both onions and beans
While it may seem unusual to those unfamiliar with it, Cincinnati chili has developed a loyal following, making it a must-try dish when visiting the city.
Why is Cincinnati Chili Different?
Cincinnati chili stands out from other chili styles for several reasons:
- Spices: The use of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and cocoa powder gives it a distinct sweet and savory flavor.
- Thin Consistency: Unlike chunky chili, Cincinnati chili has a smooth, sauce-like texture.
- Serving Method: Instead of being eaten in a bowl, it’s typically served over spaghetti or on hot dogs.
- Origins: Its Mediterranean influence, brought by Greek immigrants, sets it apart from traditional American chili recipes.
Cincinnati chili may not be for everyone, but those who love it often become lifelong fans. The combination of flavors, the unique serving style, and the city’s deep-rooted chili culture make it an essential part of Cincinnati’s culinary identity.
History of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili has a fascinating history that reflects the city’s immigrant roots and culinary innovation. While it may seem like an American dish today, its origins are deeply connected to Mediterranean cuisine, brought to the U.S. by Greek and Macedonian immigrants. Let’s take a closer look at how this unique style of chili was born and how it became one of Cincinnati’s most beloved dishes.
🔹 The Origins of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili was created in the early 1920s by Greek immigrant brothers Tom and John Kiradjieff, who moved to the United States from Macedonia (then part of the Ottoman Empire). Like many immigrants, they brought with them their native flavors and cooking traditions.
The Kiradjieff brothers opened a small restaurant in Cincinnati called “Empress Chili” in 1922. Their goal was to introduce Americans to Greek-style cuisine, but they quickly realized that traditional Greek dishes were unfamiliar to local customers. Instead of serving Greek stews and pasta dishes directly, they modified one of their favorite recipes into something more appealing to American tastes.
They developed a meat-based sauce infused with Mediterranean spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and cocoa powder—ingredients commonly found in Greek and Middle Eastern dishes. However, instead of serving it as a stew, they poured it over spaghetti and called it “chili spaghetti.” The dish became an instant hit with customers, and a new food tradition was born.
🔹 Growth and Popularity in Cincinnati
The success of Empress Chili led to the spread of Cincinnati chili across the city. Many of the restaurant’s employees and customers were inspired to open their own chili parlors, leading to the rise of competing Cincinnati chili brands, including:
- Skyline Chili (founded in 1949 by Nicholas Lambrinides)
- Gold Star Chili (founded in 1965 by the Daoud brothers)
- Camp Washington Chili (established in 1940)
Each of these restaurants put their own slight twist on the original recipe, but the core concept of Cincinnati chili remained the same. The competition between these chains helped popularize the dish even further, making it a staple of the city’s food culture.
By the mid-20th century, Cincinnati chili had become a regional specialty, with dozens of chili parlors popping up across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Today, Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili have expanded their franchises beyond Ohio, spreading the unique flavors of Cincinnati chili to other states.
🔹 Cincinnati Chili’s Cultural Significance
Cincinnati chili isn’t just a dish—it’s a part of the city’s identity. Whether served at a family dinner, enjoyed at a late-night diner, or ordered at a sports game, Cincinnati chili has become a symbol of community and tradition. It has also made its way into pop culture, appearing in television shows, movies, and national food rankings.
For many Cincinnati residents, eating at Skyline or Gold Star is a childhood memory, a game-day tradition, or simply a comforting meal. The dish’s strong local pride has ensured that Cincinnati chili remains a defining feature of the city’s culinary landscape.
🔹 Why Cincinnati Chili Continues to Thrive
- Unique Flavor – The blend of spices makes it stand out from other chili styles.
- Affordable and Fast – Cincinnati chili is quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it a popular choice for busy people.
- Versatility – It can be enjoyed in multiple ways (over spaghetti, on hot dogs, or even on fries).
- Deep-Rooted Tradition – Many Cincinnatians grow up eating it and pass the love for it down to future generations.
Cincinnati chili may have started as a simple immigrant adaptation of Mediterranean cuisine, but today, it is a Midwestern classic that continues to bring people together over a warm, flavorful meal.
Ingredients and Unique Flavor Profile of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili stands out from other chili styles due to its unique blend of ingredients and spices. While most American chili recipes focus on bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, Cincinnati chili leans towards a savory-sweet balance with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. The combination of unexpected ingredients, slow cooking, and its thin, sauce-like consistency makes it a one-of-a-kind dish.
In this section, we’ll explore the key ingredients that define Cincinnati chili, the role of its unique spice blend, and how it differs from traditional chili recipes.
🔹 Key Ingredients of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili consists of a few basic components that work together to create its signature flavor:
1. Ground Beef
- The base of Cincinnati chili is finely ground beef, which gives the sauce its smooth texture.
- Unlike Texas chili, where the meat is browned first, Cincinnati chili is traditionally boiled in water or broth before adding other ingredients. This results in a thinner consistency.
2. Tomato Paste or Sauce
- Tomato paste or sauce is used to add richness and a mild tangy flavor to the chili.
- Unlike some other chili recipes, Cincinnati chili doesn’t rely heavily on tomatoes, keeping the sauce smooth rather than chunky.
3. Onion and Garlic
- Fresh onions and garlic provide a savory depth to the chili.
- Onions are often cooked into the sauce, while raw onions are sometimes used as a topping in 4-Way and 5-Way Cincinnati chili.
4. Broth or Water
- Water or beef broth is used to simmer the chili and break down the ingredients into a sauce-like consistency.
- The liquid helps distribute the spices evenly, ensuring a smooth and flavorful chili.
5. Worcestershire Sauce
- This umami-rich sauce adds depth to the chili, complementing both the beef and spices.
- It enhances the savory flavors and gives the chili a richer, more complex taste.
🔹 The Signature Cincinnati Chili Spice Blend
The spice mixture is what truly sets Cincinnati chili apart. Unlike traditional chili, which features cumin, chili powder, and smoky paprika, Cincinnati chili incorporates warm and aromatic spices that are more commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Here are the essential spices used in Cincinnati chili:
- Cinnamon – Adds warmth and slight sweetness.
- Allspice – Contributes a deep, earthy spice.
- Cloves – Enhances the complexity of the flavor.
- Nutmeg – Brings a subtle nuttiness and depth.
- Cocoa Powder or Unsweetened Chocolate – Provides richness and balances acidity.
- Chili Powder – Adds mild heat and a traditional chili flavor.
- Cumin – A common spice in chili, adding warmth and earthiness.
- Bay Leaves – Infuse a mild herbal aroma.
- Sugar (Optional) – Some recipes include a small amount of sugar to enhance the sweetness.
This unexpected combination of spices creates a chili that is not overly spicy but rather complex, with layers of flavor that develop as it simmers. The cinnamon and chocolate may seem unusual in a chili recipe, but they work together to give Cincinnati chili its distinctive sweet-savory balance.
🔹 How Cincinnati Chili Differs from Other Chili Styles
| Feature | Cincinnati Chili | Texas Chili (Chili con Carne) | Midwestern/Standard Chili |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat Texture | Finely ground beef, boiled in broth or water | Large chunks of beef, slow-cooked | Ground beef, browned in a pan |
| Consistency | Thin, sauce-like | Thick and hearty | Thick but not as chunky |
| Spices | Cinnamon, cocoa powder, cloves, allspice | Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika | Chili powder, cumin |
| Serving Style | Over spaghetti or hot dogs (Coney) | In a bowl, no noodles | In a bowl with crackers/bread |
| Heat Level | Mild, complex flavors | Often spicy and bold | Medium spice, balanced flavors |
The biggest differences are in the spices and serving style. While Texas chili is bold, smoky, and focused on meat, and Midwestern chili is tomato-heavy with beans, Cincinnati chili is all about the Mediterranean-inspired spice mix and smooth texture.
🔹 Why This Unique Flavor Works
You might wonder, why add cinnamon and chocolate to chili? The answer lies in the way these ingredients interact with the beef and tomato base.
- Cinnamon and cloves create a subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Cocoa powder enhances the depth of flavor, much like it does in Mexican mole sauces.
- Allspice and nutmeg add complexity, making each bite taste layered and rich.
Together, these ingredients make Cincinnati chili a comforting, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful dish that is unlike any other type of chili.
🔹 The Secret to Getting the Perfect Flavor
If you want to make authentic Cincinnati chili at home, here are a few pro tips to achieve the best flavor:
✅ Simmer Slowly: The chili needs at least 1.5 to 2 hours of slow simmering to allow the flavors to meld.
✅ Use Fresh Spices: Since spices are the star of the show, using fresh cinnamon, allspice, and cloves makes a big difference.
✅ Don’t Skip the Chocolate: Even if it sounds strange, cocoa powder or a small piece of unsweetened chocolate is essential for the signature flavor.
✅ Let It Rest: Some people say Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day, as the spices continue to develop overnight.
🔹 Final Thoughts on the Unique Flavor of Cincinnati Chili
Cincinnati chili is a perfect example of culinary fusion, blending American comfort food with Mediterranean flavors. The spice blend, thin texture, and unique serving style make it a standout dish in the world of chili. While it may not be for everyone, those who love it appreciate its rich, aromatic, and slightly sweet taste.
If you’ve never tried Cincinnati chili before, it’s worth experiencing at least once. Whether you enjoy it over spaghetti, on a hot dog, or with your own twist, it’s a dish that represents both Cincinnati’s history and its love for flavorful, comforting food.
How Cincinnati Chili is Made (Step-by-Step Cooking Guide)
Now that we’ve covered the history, ingredients, and unique flavor profile of Cincinnati chili, it’s time to dive into how it’s actually made. Unlike traditional chili, which often starts by browning the meat, Cincinnati chili follows a different method—boiling the ground beef—to achieve its signature smooth, sauce-like consistency.
In this section, we’ll walk through the entire step-by-step cooking process, including tips and techniques to help you make an authentic Cincinnati chili at home.
🔹 Ingredients Needed
Before we start cooking, here’s what you’ll need for a classic Cincinnati chili recipe (serves 6-8 people):
Main Ingredients:
✅ 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 for the best texture)
✅ 4 cups water or beef broth (for boiling the meat)
✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped
✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
✅ 1 (15 oz) can of tomato sauce
✅ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
✅ 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
✅ 1 teaspoon salt
✅ ½ teaspoon black pepper
Spices (The Secret to Cincinnati Chili!):
✅ 2 tablespoons chili powder
✅ 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (or ½ oz unsweetened chocolate)
✅ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
✅ ½ teaspoon ground allspice
✅ ½ teaspoon ground cloves
✅ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
✅ 1 bay leaf
✅ 1 teaspoon cumin
✅ 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)
Optional Toppings & Serving Suggestions:
🧀 Shredded cheddar cheese
🌰 Chopped onions
🫘 Red kidney beans
🌶️ Hot sauce (if you like it spicy!)
🔹 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make authentic Cincinnati chili at home:
Step 1: Boil the Ground Beef
Unlike traditional chili, Cincinnati chili doesn’t start with browning the beef. Instead, the beef is boiled to create a finer, smoother texture.
1️⃣ In a large pot, add 4 cups of water (or beef broth) and bring to a boil over medium heat.
2️⃣ Crumble the raw ground beef into the boiling water and stir to break it up. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Once the beef has turned brown and is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
4️⃣ Use a fine-mesh strainer or slotted spoon to skim off any excess fat from the surface.
💡 Pro Tip: Some people prefer to let the chili cool and refrigerate it overnight, which makes it easier to remove excess fat before reheating.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Tomato Base
5️⃣ Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Stir well.
6️⃣ Mix in the tomato paste and tomato sauce, stirring until fully combined.
7️⃣ Add Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
💡 Why Apple Cider Vinegar? It enhances the tangy, slightly sweet taste that makes Cincinnati chili unique!
Step 3: Add the Signature Spice Blend
8️⃣ Stir in the chili powder, cinnamon, cocoa powder, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, and sugar (if using).
9️⃣ Drop in the bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.
🔟 Reduce heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
💡 Why Simmer for So Long? The extended cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop and blend together. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
Step 4: Adjust the Flavor & Serve
1️⃣1️⃣ After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, cinnamon, or even a little more Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
1️⃣2️⃣ Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Now, your Cincinnati chili is ready to be enjoyed!
🔹 How to Serve Cincinnati Chili (The “Way” System)
Cincinnati chili is not served like a traditional bowl of chili. Instead, it follows a unique “Way” system that dictates how the dish is layered.
🥄 2-Way: Spaghetti topped with Cincinnati chili
🧀 3-Way: Spaghetti, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese
🫘 4-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, and either onions OR kidney beans
🌰 5-Way: Spaghetti, chili, cheese, onions, and kidney beans
💡 Don’t Forget the Oyster Crackers! Many Cincinnati chili lovers enjoy their meal with a side of crunchy oyster crackers for added texture.
🔹 Additional Serving Options
While the “Way” system is the most common way to eat Cincinnati chili, there are other delicious ways to enjoy it:
🌭 Coney Dog – A grilled hot dog topped with chili, mustard, onions, and shredded cheddar cheese.
🍟 Chili Cheese Fries – French fries smothered in Cincinnati chili and topped with melted cheese.
🍞 Chili Sliders – Serve the chili on small slider buns with cheese and onions.
🥣 Chili Bowl – If you prefer, you can eat Cincinnati chili in a bowl with crackers and hot sauce!
🔹 Pro Tips for Making the Best Cincinnati Chili
✅ Use Fresh Spices – Since the spice blend is the key to the dish, using fresh, high-quality spices makes a huge difference.
✅ Let It Rest Overnight – Many people say Cincinnati chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. If possible, refrigerate it overnight and reheat before serving.
✅ Don’t Rush the Simmering Process – The longer you let it cook, the richer and more flavorful the chili will be.
✅ Try Different “Ways” – Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect Cincinnati chili combination!
🔹 Final Thoughts on Making Cincinnati Chili
Making Cincinnati chili at home is easy, fun, and rewarding. The secret lies in the slow simmering process and the unique blend of Mediterranean-inspired spices, which give the dish its signature taste.
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different spice levels, toppings, and serving styles to make it your own. Whether you prefer a classic 3-Way, a loaded 5-Way, or a Coney dog, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.
Why Cincinnati Chili is a Must-Try Dish
Cincinnati chili is more than just a regional specialty—it’s a unique culinary experience that blends Mediterranean spices with American comfort food. Its distinctive flavor, thin, sauce-like consistency, and iconic serving styles set it apart from traditional chili recipes. Whether you enjoy it as a 2-Way over spaghetti, a loaded 5-Way, or on a Coney dog, this dish offers a one-of-a-kind taste that keeps people coming back for more.
The rich history of Cincinnati chili, dating back to Greek immigrants in the 1920s, adds to its cultural significance. Over the years, it has become a beloved Midwestern tradition, with local chili parlors like Skyline, Gold Star, and Camp Washington Chili keeping the tradition alive.
Why You Should Try Cincinnati Chili
✔ Unique Flavor: The combination of cinnamon, cocoa, and warm spices creates a complex, slightly sweet, and savory taste.
✔ Versatile Serving Styles: Whether over pasta, hot dogs, or fries, there’s a way for everyone to enjoy it.
✔ Easy to Make at Home: With the right spices and slow-simmering method, you can recreate this dish in your own kitchen.
✔ Part of American Food Culture: Cincinnati chili is a must-try for food lovers, history buffs, and chili enthusiasts alike.
If you’ve never tasted Cincinnati chili, now is the time to give it a try! Whether you visit a local chili parlor or make it at home, you’re in for a flavorful and comforting meal.