Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

Spread the love

Why make this recipe

Loaded Chili Cheese Fries are a crowd-pleaser for any gathering or movie night. This dish combines crispy French fries with hearty chili and melted cheese, making it a delicious comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, and you can customize it based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer or a fulfilling main dish, Loaded Chili Cheese Fries will surely satisfy everyone. The combination of flavors and textures creates an irresistible dish that pairs well with friends and family.

How to make Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

Making Loaded Chili Cheese Fries is simple and requires just a few steps.

Ingredients:

Frozen French fries
Ground beef or turkey
Kidney beans
Chili powder
Diced tomatoes
Onion
Garlic
Shredded cheese (cheddar or nacho cheese)
Salt and pepper
Green onions (for garnish)
Sour cream (optional)
Jalapeños (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Fries
Begin by preparing the frozen French fries according to the package instructions. Bake, fry, or air fry them until they are nice and crispy. This will provide a solid base for your delicious toppings.
Cook the Meat
While the fries are cooking, take a skillet and heat it on medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks to create small crumbles.
Add the Chili Ingredients
Once the meat is cooked, it’s time to bring in the flavors! Stir in the kidney beans, chili powder, and diced tomatoes. Season this mixture with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a tasty chili that will top your fries.
Assemble the Dish
After your fries are done and nicely crispy, transfer them to a serving platter or a large baking tray. Pour the hot chili mixture generously over the fries. Make sure to cover them well so every bite is full of flavor.
Melt the Cheese
Now it’s time for the best part! Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the chili-covered fries. Place the platter under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.
Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is melted to perfection, remove the platter from the oven. Garnish your Loaded Chili Cheese Fries with sliced green onions. You can also add optional toppings such as dollops of sour cream and slices of jalapeños for extra flavor and spice. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to serve Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

Serve Loaded Chili Cheese Fries as a fun appetizer or snack during a game day or family movie night. They are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey. Offer a side of sour cream, jalapeños, or any other toppings on the side, so guests can customize their fries according to their preference. These fries can also be served as a main dish. Pair them with a cold drink to complete the meal.

How to store Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

If you have leftovers, you can store Loaded Chili Cheese Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3 days. When you reheat them, the fries may lose some of their crispiness, but you can put them back in an oven or an air fryer to help revive some texture. Just remember, it’s best to reheat them in small batches for even heating.

Tips to make Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

Choose the Right Fries: Look for thick-cut or crinkle-cut fries, as they hold up well under the chili and cheese. Thin fries can become soggy more easily.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili in advance and store it separately. When you’re ready to serve, cook the fries and combine them with the heated chili and cheese for a fresh taste.
Experiment with Cheese: For a different flavor, mix different types of cheese. Try pepper jack for some heat or gouda for a smoky taste.
Add More Toppings: Customize your fries by adding more toppings like avocado, diced tomatoes, or even some corn salsa on top of the chili for additional layers of flavor.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding some spicy chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the chili mixture for an extra kick.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to mix things up, there are several variations of Loaded Chili Cheese Fries you can try:

Vegetarian Chili Cheese Fries: Substitute ground meat with a plant-based alternative or additional beans and vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Tex-Mex Style: Top the fries with guacamole, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a Tex-Mex twist.
BBQ Chicken Cheese Fries: Replace the chili with shredded BBQ chicken and top with cheddar cheese, giving a sweet and smoky alternative.
Breakfast Version: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on top of the loaded fries for a breakfast twist.
Bacon Lovers: Mix crispy bacon pieces into the chili or sprinkle them on top of the finished product for a delicious, meaty flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh potatoes. Simply slice them into fry shapes and fry or bake them until crispy. This is a great way to make your dish more homestyle.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground meat with lentils, plant-based meat alternatives, or simply double the beans. Use vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.

How do I make the recipe spicier?

To spice things up, add more chili powder, incorporate diced jalapeños into the chili, or offer hot sauce as an option for your guests. You can also use spicy cheese if available.

Can I freeze Loaded Chili Cheese Fries?

Yes, you can freeze the chili part separately, but it’s best to cook the fries fresh when you are ready to serve. Freezing the combination might make the fries soggy.

What can I serve as a side dish with Loaded Chili Cheese Fries?

Simple green salad, coleslaw, or a fresh fruit salad can make a nice balance to the rich flavors of Loaded Chili Cheese Fries.

Loaded Chili Cheese Fries are fun, easy to prepare, and customizable. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!