Does Skyline Chili Have Pork in It? Uncovering the Secret Behind This Cincinnati Favorite

As a native Cincinnatian, I grew up loving Skyline Chili. There’s nothing quite like a cheese coney or a three-way (spaghetti topped with chili and cheese) after a night out in the city. But like many people who didn’t grow up eating Skyline, I never really thought about what was in that famous chili. Is there pork mixed in with the beef? Or something else entirely?

Skyline Chili has been a Cincinnati staple since 1949 but the question about whether it contains pork has confused people for decades. The ingredients have evolved over the years, resulting in some ambiguity about what actually goes into each batch of chili.

In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about Skyline Chili’s make-up and settle the debate over pork once and for all. I’ll also share tips for making your own version of Cincinnati chili so you can get a taste of this Midwestern favorite regardless of where you live.

A Brief History of Skyline Chili

To understand if Skyline Chili contains pork, we first need to look at its origins. Skyline was founded by Nicholas Lambrinides, a Greek immigrant who based his recipe on the Mediterranean-style dishes his mother and grandmother made.

When Lambrinides opened the first Skyline Chili in 1949, he only sold it by the bowl topped with shredded cheddar cheese and onions. This reflected the Greek tradition of eating spiced meat stews served over rice.

In the 1960s, Skyline introduced some menu items that are now classics – cheese coneys and three-ways with spaghetti. By layering chili over pasta and hot dogs, Skyline had invented an entirely new type of dish that became beloved in Cincinnati.

Over the next few decades, Skyline expanded to over 130 locations across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida. It’s safe to say Nicholas Lambrinides’ recipe really took off!

Decoding Skyline’s Ingredients

The exact recipe for Skyline Chili is a closely guarded secret. But the company has revealed some information about what goes into that signature flavor.

According to Skyline, the original 1949 chili recipe contained ground beef, tomato puree, seasonings, spices, and water. Some of the key spices used were cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and chocolate, which resulted in a rich, meaty chili with a hint of sweetness.

Notable ingredients that were not included in the early recipe? Beans, pasta, and pork.

So why does everyone assume Skyline Chili has pork in it? There are a few reasons for the confusion:

• Other Cincinnati chili recipes contain pork – For example, Empress Chili and Dixie Chili both use a blend of pork and beef.

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

• Individual locations may tweak recipes – Franchisees can customize ingredients, so some Skyline Chili restaurants could potentially add pork.

• Perception of chili in general – Most traditional chili recipes call for beef or pork. People assume all chili is meat-based.

The bottom line is that while the original Skyline Chili was made without pork, ingredients likely vary between franchise locations. If you have dietary restrictions, your best bet is to ask at each restaurant.

The Vegetarian Chili Controversy

In the 2000s, Skyline began offering a veggie chili option to appeal to vegetarians and flexitarians. However, this caused some controversy among Skyline’s meat-loving fans.

Many felt the vegetarian chili couldn’t truly mimic the flavors of the classic beef chili. At the same time, interest in plant-based eating continued to grow. Skyline had to find a balance between tradition and changing tastes.

The current solution is to offer both the original beef chili and a vegetarian soy-based version. This allows Skyline to stay true to its roots while also accommodating more dietary needs.

Personally, I think the vegetable chili still tastes pretty similar! It has the same spices and texture, even if the beefy flavor is hard to perfectly replicate. For those looking to cut back on meat, the vegetarian chili is definitely worth a try.

What Makes Skyline Chili Unique

Besides the air of mystery around the recipe, several factors make Skyline Chili really stand out:

• Smooth, thin texture – Unlike chunky chili, Skyline’s is smooth and spreads easily over hot dogs and spaghetti.

• Greek-inspired spices – Cinnamon, chocolate, and allspice aren’t common in American chili but give Skyline richness.

• Cheddar cheese pairing – Locals insist the cheese balances the spices and adds a cooling creaminess.

• Cult following – For Cincinnati natives, Skyline Chili evokes pride, comfort, and nostalgia. No other city embraces a chili this much!

Skyline Chili has become an iconic part of what defines Cincinnati’s food scene. Locals cherish it as a taste of home.

Recreating the Trademark Taste at Home

Want to get a taste of Skyline Chili without visiting Cincinnati? Here are my tips for making a copycat recipe:

• Use a blend of 85% lean ground beef and pork for optimal flavor.

• Double up on spices like cumin, cinnamon, paprika, and oregano to build depth.

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

• Cook slowly for 2-3 hours so the flavors develop fully.

• Mix in tomato sauce or puree for tang. Beef broth boosts the meaty notes.

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

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

The Final Verdict on Pork

Now 70+ years later, Skyline Chili remains a staple of Cincinnati’s food scene. Whatever their secret recipe may be, Skyline has managed to capture the tastes and smells that define the city for so many fans.

Next time you visit Cincinnati, be sure to try a cheese coney or three-way piled high with Skyline’s one-of-a-kind chili. Just don’t wear anything too fancy – it can get messy!

So does Skyline Chili contain pork? While the original 1949 recipe was pork-free, many locations now use a pork/beef blend for the closest match to that signature Cincinnati flavor. But you may want to double check the ingredients with each franchise just to be safe.

Either way, Skyline Chili has earned its place in Cincinnati history. And you don’t have to be from Ohio to appreciate why this Mediterranean-inspired dish is so beloved.