I love to recreate some of my favorite restaurant foods at home such as mozzarella sticks, spinach artichoke dip, and these loaded chili fries.
French fries are great on their own, but they’re even better when you cover them in flavorful toppings. These chili cheese fries are the perfect blend of zesty chili, creamy cheese and crispy fries. The ultimate indulgence that’s always a hit with both kids and adults.
How do you make chili cheese fries?
Start by preparing your chili, whether it be store bought or homemade. Place frozen french fries on a sheet pan, then bake them until golden brown and crispy. Spoon the chili over the top of the fries, and add a sprinkle of cheese. Bake the fries until the cheese is melted. Add any extra toppings as desired, then serve immediately and enjoy.
Homemade chili
You will get the best results with this dish if you make your own chili. I have provided my all time favorite chili recipe, which includes ground beef, plenty of spices, tomatoes and beans. This thick and hearty chili can be made in about an hour start to finish, and pairs perfectly with fries. That being said, feel free to use your favorite chili recipe, or make some chili seasoning to add some extra zip to store bought chili.
Tips for the perfect fries
You can use any shape fry you like for this dish. I recommend a larger cut fry rather than the shoestring variety. Try using steak fries, waffle fries, or thick cut traditional fries. The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance. I often make a pot of chili for dinner, then use the leftovers the second day to prepare this dish. Skip the store bought pre-shredded cheese and grate your own cheddar. The shredded cheese that comes in bags is often coated in preservatives and anti-caking agents and does not melt smoothly. Serve your cheese fries right away, as the potatoes will become soft as they sit under the chili.
Chili cheese fries toppings
The best part about these fries is all the topping options! I typically add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of green onions, but the possibilities are endless.
Cooked crumbled bacon Diced red onions Chopped tomatoes Sliced avocado Black olives Chopped Cilantro
Flavor Variations
While I love this recipe as-is, feel free to change up the ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.
Potatoes: Try sweet potato fries or wedges for a different flavor combination. Chili: You can use any type of chili you like. Turkey, beef, vegetarian, beans, no beans. They all will work just fine! Cheese: Instead of cheddar, try using colby jack mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. You can also use a cheese sauce if you prefer.
This is a must-make recipe for those days where you feel like a satisfying snack that’s packed with flavor.
More snacks to savor
Bacon Wrapped Dates Crockpot Little Smokies Mini Pizzas Bacon Cheese Fries Onion Rings
Chili Cheese Fries Video
