Skyline Chili Ice Cream: A Unique Twist on a Classic American Favorite
- Renan
- Feb 1
- 4 min read
Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Skyline Chili is a beloved and iconic dish from Cincinnati, Ohio, known for its unique blend of flavors: a rich, meaty chili served over spaghetti and topped with shredded cheddar cheese.

But what if you could experience this one-of-a-kind chili flavor in a totally unexpected way? Enter Skyline Chili Ice Cream — a creative and bold fusion of savory and sweet that has been taking dessert enthusiasts by surprise!
In this article, we’ll show you how to make Skyline Chili Ice Cream at home, step by step. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Skyline Chili or someone looking to experiment with new and unusual flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy your curiosity and taste buds.
What is Skyline Chili Ice Cream?
Skyline Chili Ice Cream combines the distinctively tangy, spiced chili flavors of Cincinnati’s famous Skyline Chili with the creamy, smooth texture of ice cream. It’s a daring dessert that mixes savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
While it may sound strange at first, the combination actually works surprisingly well! The chili's richness contrasts with the sweetness of the ice cream, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and adventurous.
Ingredients for Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the ingredients you’ll need to bring this one-of-a-kind dessert to life. You might already have most of them in your kitchen!
For the Ice Cream Base:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Skyline Chili Mixture:
1 tbsp Skyline Chili seasoning (or substitute with a similar chili spice mix)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 cup cooked ground beef (or vegetarian ground meat if you prefer)
1 tsp cocoa powder (to replicate the distinctive cocoa note in Skyline Chili)
½ tsp cinnamon (for that signature Skyline flavor)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Skyline Chili Mixture
First, you'll need to create the Skyline Chili-inspired base for your ice cream. Start by cooking the ground beef (or vegetarian option) in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat until browned.
Drain any excess fat, then add the tomato paste, chili seasoning, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is well combined and cooked through.
Let this mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together. Once it's done, remove from heat and allow it to cool completely. The key here is to ensure the chili mixture has a nice, balanced flavor – savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy.
Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Base
While the chili mixture is cooling, you can start making the ice cream base. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they become slightly pale. Gradually add a small amount of the hot cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Slowly add the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the cream mixture. Stir constantly over low heat until the custard thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
Remove the custard from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool slightly, then refrigerate until completely chilled (at least 4 hours or overnight).
Step 3: Combine Chili and Ice Cream Base
Once both your chili mixture and ice cream base are fully cooled, it’s time to combine them! Take the chili mixture and gently fold it into the chilled ice cream base.
You want to make sure the chili is well-distributed throughout the ice cream, but don’t over-mix to keep some of the chili’s texture intact.
At this point, you can decide how intense you want the chili flavor to be. If you prefer a more subtle hint of chili, use less of the chili mixture; if you're looking for a stronger flavor, add more.
Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour the combined mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Most machines will require about 20-30 minutes of churning. When done, the ice cream should have a thick and creamy consistency.
Step 5: Freeze and Serve
Once the ice cream is churned, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
When you're ready to serve, scoop out the Skyline Chili Ice Cream and enjoy this bold and unique dessert.
Tips and Variations for Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Add Toppings: For an extra flair, consider topping your Skyline Chili Ice Cream with shredded cheddar cheese or finely chopped onions, just like you would with a traditional Skyline Chili dish.
Make It Spicy: If you like a little more heat, add some finely chopped jalapeños to the chili mixture for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat to make a vegetarian version of Skyline Chili Ice Cream.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, cocoa powder, and chili seasoning to your taste preferences. Everyone’s version of Skyline Chili can be a little different, so have fun with it!
Why You Should Try Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Skyline Chili Ice Cream may sound like an unusual combination, but it’s a fun and creative way to experience one of Cincinnati’s most iconic dishes in a new form. The sweet and savory balance is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something different or for fans of Skyline Chili who want to explore a new twist on their favorite comfort food. Whether served at a party or enjoyed on a quiet night in, Skyline Chili Ice Cream will definitely leave an impression.
Skyline Chili Ice Cream is more than just a dessert – it’s a bold fusion of two iconic flavors that you never thought would come together. The creamy ice cream with the rich, spiced chili offers a truly unique experience for your taste buds. With this simple, step-by-step recipe, you can create this surprising treat right in your own kitchen and share it with family and friends. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite dessert!
Tags:
Skyline Chili
Ice Cream Recipe
Unique Desserts
Chili Ice Cream
Skyline Chili Ice Cream
Cincinnati Recipes
Sweet and Savory Desserts
Creative Ice Cream
Homemade Ice Cream
Savory Ice Cream





Comments