4-Way
Spaghetti topped with Skyline's famous chili, onions, and a mound of shredded cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Cincinnati chili, the base of 4-Way, originated in the 1920s when immigrant brothers from Macedonia, Tom and John Kiradjieff, began serving a Mediterranean-spiced stew as a topping for spaghetti at their restaurant, Empress Chili. They adapted it to appeal to American tastes, creating a unique blend of spices.
Cincinnati chili, particularly the 4-Way, is a deeply ingrained part of Cincinnati's culinary identity and local culture, inspiring strong opinions and nostalgic affection.
Cincinnati Staple
Cincinnati chili is considered a regional delicacy and a must-try for visitors. It's a point of local pride and a topic of frequent discussion among residents.
Skyline Chili
Skyline Chili is the most popular chain serving Cincinnati chili, and the 4-Way is one of their signature dishes, instantly recognizable and associated with the brand.
Chili Parlors
Cincinnati is known for its chili parlors, casual restaurants that specialize in serving Cincinnati chili in its various forms.
Five-Way Variation
While 4-Way includes spaghetti, chili, onions, and cheese, the Five-Way adds beans to the mix, creating a more substantial and hearty meal.
The 4-Way offers a savory, sweet, and subtly spiced flavor profile, balanced by the sharpness of cheddar and the bite of onions.
The spaghetti provides a base for the chili. Skyline's chili is distinctively flavored with a blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes even a touch of chocolate, creating a sweet and savory taste. Diced onions add a pungent and slightly sweet counterpoint, while the generous mound of shredded cheddar cheese contributes a creamy, sharp, and tangy element. The overall experience is a complex combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
Cheese Quality
Use a good quality, freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melting properties. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose that hinders melting.
Onion Size
The onions should be finely diced, providing a uniform texture and allowing the flavor to disperse evenly.
Chili Temperature
Ensure the chili is hot before serving to properly melt the cheese and enhance the overall flavor.
Eat it Cincinnati Style
Cincinnati natives often eat their chili with oyster crackers and a generous amount of hot sauce, if desired.
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