Chili Cheese Fries Recipe for Your Next Snack Time

Who doesn’t love a plate of hot, crispy fries smothered in hearty chili and melted cheese? This Chili Cheese Fries Recipe brings comfort food to a whole new level, combining the crunch of perfectly baked fries with the savory goodness of homemade chili.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, throwing a casual get-together, or just craving a hearty snack on a cozy evening, these chili cheese fries are sure to hit the spot. The layers of zesty chili, creamy cheese, and crispy fries come together in a delightful symphony of flavors that’s both indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients For Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Creating the perfect Chili Cheese Fries Recipe starts with gathering the right ingredients. The quality and freshness of your ingredients will make a significant difference in the final dish, ensuring each bite is as delicious as the next. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

For the Chili:

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt, divided use
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

For the Fries:

• 32 ounces frozen French fries
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Assorted toppings (sour cream, green onions)

Required Equipment:

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Sheet pan
• Cooking spray
• Grater for cheese

Required Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Having the right ingredients and equipment on hand makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions to bring this dish to life.

Step By Step Instructions For Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Making Chili Cheese Fries Recipe at home is straightforward, but attention to detail can elevate the dish to restaurant-quality status. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a mouthwatering result:

Prepare the Chili

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned. Be sure to break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the finely diced onion to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and the remaining salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Let the chili cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together.

5. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Prepare the Fries

1. Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature.
2. Carefully add the frozen potato strips to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to become tender but not browned. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Assemble the Dish

1. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of the prepared chili over the fries, ensuring they are well-covered but not soaked.

2. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili.

3. Return the fries to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Once out of the oven, add your favorite toppings, such as a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy the indulgent treat.

These steps guide you through the process of making a hearty and delicious Chili Cheese Fries Recipe. The combination of crispy fries, savory chili, and melted cheese is truly irresistible.

Tips For Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

To ensure your Chili Cheese Fries Recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips:

1. Choose the Right Fries: Opt for thicker-cut fries like steak fries, waffle fries, or thick-cut traditional fries. These varieties hold up better under the weight of chili and cheese, maintaining their crispy texture.
2. Prep in Advance: The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to assemble the fries.
3. Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and preservatives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
4. Serve Immediately: To prevent the fries from becoming soggy, serve them right away after assembling. The longer they sit under the chili, the softer they will get.
5. Experiment with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Besides sour cream and green onions, try adding cooked crumbled bacon, diced red onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, black olives, or chopped cilantro.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

👉Steak Chili Recipe
👉Mexican Chili Recipe
👉Southern Chili Recipe
👉Cowboy Chili Recipe

Serving Tips For Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Serving your Chili Cheese Fries Recipe hot and fresh is key to enjoying them at their best. Here are some serving tips to enhance your dining experience:

1. Topping Options: Beyond the basics of sour cream and green onions, consider additional toppings to add more flavor and texture. Crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch, diced red onions provide a sharp bite, and chopped tomatoes offer a fresh, juicy element. Sliced avocado brings a creamy, rich contrast, while black olives add a briny kick. Chopped cilantro can give a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
2. Presentation: For a rustic, restaurant-style presentation, serve the fries in a skillet. This not only looks impressive but also helps keep the fries hot longer. If you’re hosting a casual gathering, serving the fries on a sheet pan makes for easy sharing and cleanup.
3. Pairing: These hearty fries pair well with lighter sides to balance the richness. Consider serving them alongside a crisp green salad, fresh guacamole, or a tangy salsa. For beverages, a cold beer or a refreshing soda can complement the flavors perfectly.

Nutrition in Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Understanding the nutritional content of your Chili Cheese Fries Recipe helps in mindful eating. Here’s a detailed look at what you’re consuming with each indulgent serving:

• Calories: Approximately 296 per serving
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 83mg
• Sodium: 614mg
• Potassium: 575mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 1165IU
• Vitamin C: 3.4mg
• Calcium: 26mg
• Iron: 2.4mg

This nutritional breakdown provides a clear picture of the energy and nutrients you’re getting from this dish. While it’s an indulgent treat, being aware of its nutritional content helps you balance it within your diet.

Conclusion

This Chili Cheese Fries Recipe is a perfect blend of crispy fries, zesty chili, and gooey cheese, offering a delicious treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making it for a party, a casual family dinner, or just as a satisfying snack, these fries are sure to be a hit.

The combination of flavors and textures creates a comfort dish that rivals any restaurant fare. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction of a homemade treat that brings joy with every bite.

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