Whether you're looking for the ultimate game day appetizer or in the mood for a cheesy at-home movie snack, chili cheese fries will never let you down. Turn bland fries into a finger lickin' treat with a recipe that's homemade all around. Bake a crispy tray of fries and smother them with an easy chili recipe that will have everyone's mouth watering.
How to Make Chili Cheese Fries
The chorizo in this recipe gives your chili cheese fries a spicy kick, but if spicy isn't up your alley, you can substitute the meat with an equal amount of ground beef. There are three parts to this dish. The recipe serves 4.
Chili Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1 pound bulk chorizo (or ground beef)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can kidney beans, drained
- 2 (14-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Fries Ingredients
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into one-inch thick fries
- 4 tablespoons oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions for Chili
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil on medium-high until it shimmers.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper and stir occasionally until the veggies are soft.
- Add in the chorizo or hamburger and cook, crumbling, until it is browned. Toss in minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add kidney beans and crushed tomatoes. Stir the chili occasionally.
- Next, add in seasoning. Add in chili powder, chipotle powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for about 15 minutes.
Got a busy day? Mix all the chili ingredients (brown the chorizo first) and let your crock pot do all the work. Cook on low setting for about six to eight hours.
Instructions for Fries
- Preheat your oven to 450°F.
- Brush two baking sheets with two tablespoons of the oil. Preheat them in the oven for five minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the remaining two tablespoons of oil. Put them in a single layer on the hot baking sheets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Turn occasionally until the fries are crispy. Season with the salt.
Soak your potatoes for an hour to remove starch. Pat completely dry before baking in the oven. This helps the fries to come out crispy.
Game Day: Set Up a Toppings and Garnish Bar
What makes chili cheese fries amazing is the endless toppings and garnish options. We're talking the sky is the limit here. Make them as cheesy as you want, or load them with as much sour cream as your heart desires. There's no judgment. Everyone loves a bar with endless topping options.
- Grated cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or Mexican cheese blend
- Nacho cheese sauce
- Green onions, chopped
- Jalapeno rings
- Cilantro, chopped
- Tomatoes, chopped
- Avocadoes, chopped
- Onions, chopped
- Sour cream
- Ranch or BBQ sauce
- Bacon bits
- Fried onions
Go Big With Chili Cheese Fries
Next time you're craving a meaty and cheesy dish, have a hearty serving of chili cheese fries. Everyone loves a loaded plate of french fries with all the works. This simple recipe makes for a delicious appetizer that can quickly become your favorite comfort food.
