Does Skyline Chili Have Pork in It? A Cincinnati Favorite Explained

As a Cincinnati native, I grew up loving Skyline Chili. There’s nothing quite like a three-way (spaghetti topped with chili and cheese) after a night out in the city. But I’ll admit, when I first started eating Skyline as a kid, I never stopped to think about what was actually in that famous chili. Pork? Beef? Something else?

Many people who aren’t from Cincinnati have the same question about Skyline Chili does it contain pork or not? As it turns out the answer is complicated. Skyline’s history and recipes have evolved over decades resulting in some ambiguity about the chili’s ingredients.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the make-up of Skyline Chili and explain where that distinctive flavor comes from. I’ll also share some tips for recreating the taste of Cincinnati chili at home. So read on to get the full scoop on this city’s beloved dish!

A Brief History of Skyline Chili

Before we can tell if Skyline Chili has pork in it, we need to look at where pork comes from. Skyline Chili was founded in 1949 by a Greek immigrant named Nicholas Lambrinides. Lambrinides based the recipe on the Mediterranean-style meals his mother and grandmother used to make in Greece.

Lambrinides opened the first Skyline Chili in a small building in downtown Cincinnati At the time, he only sold chili by the bowl topped with shredded cheddar cheese and onions. This reflected the Greek tradition of eating meaty, spiced stews over rice

In the 1960s, Skyline Chili introduced cheese coneys (chili spooned over hot dogs) and three-ways. By layering chili over spaghetti and adding more cheese, they had invented a completely new dish. It became an instant hit.

Over the decades, Skyline Chili expanded across Cincinnati and into nearby cities like Dayton and Louisville. Today there are over 130 Skyline Chili locations total. It’s safe to say Nicholas Lambrinides’ recipe took the Midwest by storm!

Decoding the Chili’s Ingredients

The exact recipe for Skyline Chili is a closely guarded secret. But the restaurant has confirmed some details about the ingredients over the years.

Skyline says that the first chili was made with ground beef, tomato puree, water, spices, and seasonings. Some of the signature spices included cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and chocolate. This resulted in a rich, meaty chili with a hint of sweetness.

Notable ingredients that weren’t included in the classic recipe? Beans, pasta, and pork.

So why do so many people assume Skyline Chili has pork in it? Here are some of the reasons for the confusion:

• Other Cincinnati chili recipes contain pork: Skyline Chili’s local competitors often use a pork and beef blend. For instance, Empress Chili and Dixie Chili both include ground pork.

• The flavor is reminiscent of sausage: Skyline Chili has an undertone of fennel and other spices that taste pork-like.

• Some individual locations may use pork: Franchisees can tweak recipes. Certain Skyline Chili restaurants could potentially mix pork into their beef chili.

• Perception of chili in general: Many traditional chilis have chunks of pork or beef in the sauce. People assume all chili is meat-based.

The bottom line is that while Skyline Chili’s original recipe was pork-free, the ingredients may vary depending on the location. Your best bet is to ask if you have dietary restrictions or want to avoid pork.

The vegetarian chili controversy

In the 2000s, Skyline Chili introduced a veggie chili to appeal to vegetarians and flexitarians. However, this caused controversy among loyal fans.

Many felt the vegetarian chili couldn’t accurately represent Skyline’s flavor profile without meat. At the same time, interest in plant-based diets kept growing. Skyline had to balance tradition with changing tastes.

The current solution is to offer both classic beef chili and a vegetarian version made with soy instead of meat. That way Skyline Chili can stay true to their roots while also catering to more people.

Personally, I think the vegetable chili tastes pretty similar! It has the same spices and texture. While the beef flavor is hard to perfectly replicate, the vegetarian chili comes surprisingly close. It’s definitely worth trying if you want to limit meat.

What makes Skyline Chili unique?

Besides the hint of mystery surrounding the ingredients, several other factors make Skyline Chili stand out:

• The thin, smooth texture: Skyline Chili is smooth rather than chunky like most chili. It spreads easily over hot dogs and spaghetti.

• The Greek Mediterranean spices: Ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice aren’t often found in American chili. They give Skyline a distinct richness.

• The cheese pairing: Locals insist the cheese is crucial to balance out the spices. Shredded cheddar adds a cooling creaminess.

• The cult following: For Cincinnati natives, Skyline Chili is more than a meal. It represents hometown pride and nostalgia.

No other chili has quite the same cultural status in its city. Skyline is cherished as part of what makes Cincinnati’s food scene special.

Recreating the trademark taste

Want to get a taste of Skyline Chili without visiting Cincinnati? I have some tips for making a copycat recipe at home:

• Use a blend of beef and pork for the closest flavor match. Stick to 85% lean ground beef so it isn’t too greasy.

• Double up on spices like cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and oregano. This builds the complexity.

• Add unsweetened cocoa powder and dark brown sugar to mimic the subtle sweetness.

• Cook the chili low and slow for 2-3 hours so the flavors meld together.

• Mix in tomato sauce or puree for tanginess. Beef broth also enhances the meaty notes.

• Top with freshly shredded cheddar cheese and chopped white onions for authenticity.

While it’s difficult to perfectly replicate the secret recipe, this formula should satisfy your Skyline Chili craving!

Answering the age-old question

Over 70 years later, Skyline Chili is still a quintessential Cincinnati experience. Whatever their secret recipe may be, Skyline has managed to capture the tastes and smells that define the city for so many.

Next time you’re in Cincinnati, embrace the local culture by grabbing a cheese coney or three-way smothered in Skyline’s one-of-a-kind chili. Just don’t wear anything too fancy—it can get messy!