Take Your Chili To New Heights With This Breakfast-Style Topping (It Boosts Flavor And Protein)

A pinch of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream ... it's been done. What's new? We could, of course, only be talking about tried-and-true chili toppings. Even a good bowl of chili is only as memorable as the colorful, flavorful, texturally dynamic toppings that sit on top of it. Otherwise, it's just meat and beans. That's why we're shining the spotlight on one undersung, oft-overlooked chili topping that can take any bowl to the next level (and there's a good chance it's sitting in your fridge right now): An egg. Specifically, a fried egg.

The crispy skirt of the egg creates an intriguing mouthfeel alongside the toothy meat and hearty beans in the chili. Meanwhile, that perfectly runny yolk cascades over each spicy bowlful, draping everything in an umami-packed richness for a more cohesive bowl. Plus, from a nutritional standpoint, one large egg packs six grams of protein to help foodies meet their daily nutrition goals, so it's one of the best toppings for a better bowl of chili.

To take your next bowl of chili to new heights, simply prepare your go-to chili recipe as you normally might, then top the assembled bowlful with a single fried egg. Word to the wise: We've broken down a step-by-step guide to help nail the perfect fried egg every single time. Whether you prefer to go the homemade or store-bought chili route, finishing the bowl with a fried egg can level up your chili game in a big way — especially if you pair it with the most complementary recipes. 

Though just about any chili would benefit from a fried egg topping, we think some types of chili work better than others. A perfectly fried egg would work well with traditional Texas Red Chili, packed with ground beef and tomatoes. Or, for fans of bolder chilis, the umami-creaminess of the runny egg yolk could help quell the spiciness in this ultra-robust, cinnamon-infused bison chili recipe. On the other end of the spectrum, that versatile fried egg topping would also help add body and intrigue to milder varieties, like this Instant Pot white chicken chili recipe. A fried egg even works for vegetarian chili recipes, like this vibrant tomatillo and white bean chili, adding a hearty element and a bit more protein while keeping it meat-free.

The toppings party doesn't have to stop there, either. Slamming on a fried egg could further zhuzh up the other existing chili toppings you normally use. Atop a plate of classic Cincinnati chili, for instance, that runny egg yolk would intermingle with the generous cap of shredded cheddar cheese, creating a gooey-cheesy bite that's oh-so-right. A runny yolk would similarly meld over fresh avocado slices or spicy jalapeño wheels for a majorly luscious mouthfeel.

In a pinch, adding a fried egg can even make a flavorful (and filling) way to elevate store-bought canned chili — a warming, satisfying, cost-effective meal for busy weeknights at the end of the pay period. Here at Tasting Table, we're loving Tony Packo's Cafe chili with beans for its perfectly balanced ratio of ingredients and surprisingly dimensional bouquet of flavors.