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To make chili cheese fries, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup chili (homemade or canned, vegetarian or meat-based) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - ¼ cup sour cream - 2 green onions, chopped - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional) - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes for a sweeter flavor. If you want a healthier option, try using air fryer cooking spray instead of olive oil. For cheese lovers, pepper jack cheese adds a nice kick. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangy twist. If you prefer a milder taste, omit the jalapeño. Using fresh, quality ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh potatoes give you crispier fries and better flavor. High-quality chili enhances the overall dish. Whether you use homemade or store-bought, choose a chili that you enjoy. Sharp cheddar cheese melts well and adds a rich taste. Always select the best ingredients you can find. This ensures your chili cheese fries are delicious and satisfying. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, let's prepare the fries. Take 4 large russet potatoes and cut them into thick strips. This gives you the perfect fry shape. In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika for flavor. Mix well until all fries are coated. This step makes sure your fries are tasty. Next, we need to bake the fries. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not crowded. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden and crispy. Watch them closely to avoid burning. Now it’s time to assemble your chili cheese fries! While the fries bake, heat 1 cup of chili in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. Once the fries are golden, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries. Put them back in the oven for 5-7 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble. After that, spoon the warm chili over the cheesy fries. For the final touch, add a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices if you like some heat. Finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation! For crisp fries, choose large russet potatoes. They have less moisture and turn golden. After cutting them into fries, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes. This step removes excess starch. Dry them well before tossing with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. To get the best cheese melt, use sharp cheddar cheese. Grate it yourself for a better texture. Once your fries are golden, sprinkle the cheese evenly over them. Then, return them to the oven for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. You want it bubbly and slightly browned, not burnt. Add depth to your chili cheese fries with extra toppings. Consider dollops of sour cream for creaminess. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch. If you like heat, sliced jalapeños are great. Fresh cilantro gives a burst of flavor as a garnish. You can also mix spices like cumin or chili powder into your chili for more warmth. Pro Tips Cut Uniformly: Ensure that the potato fries are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking and crispiness. Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique flavor twist. Customize Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Add ingredients like diced tomatoes, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can make chili cheese fries vegetarian or vegan. For vegetarian options, use a hearty chili with beans and veggies. If you want vegan, swap the cheese for a vegan cheese alternative. You can also use cashew cream or a blend of mashed avocado and lime for a creamy touch. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Chili comes in many flavors. You can go classic with beef chili or try turkey for a lighter option. For a spicy kick, use chili con carne. If you prefer a milder taste, opt for white chili made with chicken or beans. You can even use a lentil chili for a plant-based twist. Each type brings a unique flavor to your fries. Toppings can change the whole dish. Besides cheese and sour cream, consider adding guacamole or pico de gallo. A drizzle of hot sauce or ranch dressing can spice things up. You might also enjoy adding pickled jalapeños for heat or fresh corn for sweetness. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add color and freshness too. Mix and match to find your perfect combo! To keep your chili cheese fries fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure to store them in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. Avoid stacking them to keep the fries crispy. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. Freezing chili cheese fries is also an option. First, cool them completely. Then, place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can last up to a month in the freezer. To enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight, and reheat as mentioned. For the best fries, use large russet potatoes. They are starchy and make crispy fries. You can also try Yukon Gold potatoes. They are creamier and taste great too. Always cut them evenly to ensure they cook at the same time. Chili cheese fries last about three days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. The fries may get soft, but the flavor stays good. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat them in the oven for best results. Yes, you can make chili cheese fries in an air fryer! Cut the potatoes and toss them in oil and spices. Cook them at 400°F for about 20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Then add cheese and chili for a tasty finish. Chili cheese fries pair well with many sides. Try serving them with a fresh salad for balance. You can also add grilled meat or a hearty sandwich. For drinks, cold soda or a light beer works great. In this post, we explored making chili cheese fries from scratch. We covered key ingredients, handy tips, and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to create crisp fries, melt cheese perfectly, and add tasty toppings. Remember, using quality ingredients matters for great flavor. Now you can enjoy delicious chili cheese fries at home. Experiment with variations and have fun!

Chili Cheese Fries Fiesta

A delicious and hearty dish featuring crispy fries topped with chili and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup chili (homemade or canned, vegetarian or meat-based)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 0.25 cup sour cream
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced optional
  • 1 for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a large bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until evenly coated.
  • Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
  • While the fries are baking, heat the chili in a small saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries. Return to the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove the fries from the oven and spoon the warm chili generously over the cheesy fries.
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices if desired. Finish with a sprinkling of fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Notes

Serve on a large platter with extra sour cream and cilantro for a fun presentation.
Keyword appetizer, cheese fries, chili, comfort food, vegetarian