Hey, Kitchies! 🍽️ If you love crispy fries smothered in rich, meaty chili and gooey melted cheese, you’re about to fall in love with these Cheesy Chili Fries! Whether you’re making them for game day, a weekend treat, or just a serious comfort food craving, these fries are loaded with bold flavors and impossible to resist.
I first made these for a movie night, and let me tell you—my family went crazy over them. My husband said, “These are better than any restaurant!”, and ever since, they’ve been a must-have for parties, game nights, and even random midnight cravings. The best part? You can make them in just 30 minutes!
What makes these fries next level? A thick, beefy chili with the perfect blend of spices, crispy golden fries that stay crunchy, and melty, stretchy cheese that pulls with every bite. Serve them with sour cream, jalapeños, and a drizzle of hot sauce, and you’ve got the ultimate cheesy, meaty, indulgent snack!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Chili Fries
✔️ Crispy & Crunchy – The fries stay crisp under all that chili & cheese.
✔️ Loaded with Flavor – A bold, meaty chili with just the right amount of spice.
✔️ Super Easy & Fast – Ready in 30 minutes or less!
✔️ Customizable – Add toppings like jalapeños, bacon, or sour cream!
✔️ Perfect for Sharing – Great for game nights, parties, or family dinners.
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food / Game-Day Favorite
Tips for the Best Cheesy Chili Fries
🔥 Use Thick-Cut Fries – They hold up better under all that chili & cheese!
🧀 Shred Your Own Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded.
🌿 Season Your Fries – A little garlic powder or smoked paprika adds extra flavor!
🍅 Let the Chili Simmer – The longer it cooks, the richer the flavor.
🥓 Make It Even More Indulgent – Add crispy bacon or pulled pork on top!
Substitutions and Variations
🍗 Make It with Chicken: Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
🥬 Go Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use black beans & mushrooms instead.
🌮 Turn It Into Chili Cheese Nachos: Swap fries for tortilla chips!
🌶 Add More Spice: Use hot chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños.
Make a Healthier Version
✅ Use Baked Sweet Potato Fries – A lighter, nutrient-rich alternative.
✅ Swap Beef for Turkey – Lean but still packed with flavor.
✅ Use Reduced-Fat Cheese – Still melty but with fewer calories.
✅ Go Low-Carb – Serve chili & cheese over roasted cauliflower instead of fries!
And there you have it!
A bold, cheesy, indulgent plate of Cheesy Chili Fries that’s crispy, melty, and packed with flavor! Whether you’re making them for game night, a party, or a satisfying weekend snack, these fries are guaranteed to disappear in minutes.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 🍟🧀🌶
Categories: Appetizers, Snacks, Comfort Food, Game-Day Recipes
Tags: chili cheese fries, loaded fries, game-day snacks, easy recipes, comfort food
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the chili ahead of time?
Yes! The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
2. How do I keep my fries from getting soggy?
Use thick-cut fries, bake them extra crispy, and serve immediately!
3. What’s the best cheese for chili fries?
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella gives the best melt.
4. Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry the fries at 400°F for 12-15 minutes for extra crispiness.
5. Can I freeze the chili?
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
6. What dipping sauces go well with chili fries?
Try ranch, sour cream, chipotle mayo, or hot sauce!
7. Can I use canned chili instead of homemade?
Yes, but homemade tastes so much better!
Who’s ready to dig into the best Cheesy Chili Fries ever? 🍟🔥 Let’s get cooking! 🎉
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Cheesy Chili Fries
Description
If you love crispy fries smothered in rich, meaty chili and gooey melted cheese, you’re about to fall in love with these Cheesy Chili Fries!
Ingredients
For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Fries:
- 1 bag (16 oz) frozen French fries (or homemade)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for crispier fries)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar & Monterey Jack)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup jalapeños, sliced (optional)
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Fries:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Spread fries on a baking sheet, drizzle with vegetable oil, and sprinkle garlic powder (for extra crispiness!).
- Bake according to package instructions (usually 20-25 minutes) until crispy & golden.
2. Make the Chili:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Add onions & garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt & pepper.
- Let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. (If using beans, add them now!)
3. Assemble the Fries:
- Place crispy fries on a serving platter or baking sheet.
- Spoon hot chili generously over the fries.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top.
4. Melt the Cheese & Serve:
- Option 1: Place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted & bubbly.
- Option 2: Let the heat from the chili naturally melt the cheese.
- Top with sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, and hot sauce.
- Dig in while hot & gooey!
