Frederic Melton
Chili cheese fries are a universally loved snack and side dish. They are a combination of crispy fries, melty cheese, and meaty chili. While there are many ways to make and serve them, they are a hard dish to get right. The best chili cheese fries have a familial quality, and the perfect ratio of each component. Many restaurants offer chili cheese fries, including Sonic drive-in, Dairy Queen, Blue Collar Burger, Shake Shack, and Jim's in Long Beach. Some people even make their own at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, preferably hand-grated |
| Type of meat | Ground beef |
| Other ingredients | White onion, garlic, guajillo chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, black pepper, kosher salt, beef broth, chipotle puree, chopped tomatoes, red enchilada sauce, canned chili with beans, green onions, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, milk, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, pickled jalapeños, crisp bacon |
| Cooking method | Air fryer, oven, grill, microwave |
| Serving suggestion | Serve promptly |
| Best places to eat | Carney's, Weinerschnitzel, Langers, Jim's Burgers, The Hat, Earle's, In-N-Out |
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What You'll Learn
Chili cheese fries in Los Angeles
Chili cheese fries are a popular dish in Los Angeles, with many restaurants offering their own unique takes on this comforting classic. Here is a guide to some of the best spots to satisfy your chili cheese fry cravings in LA:
Carney's
Carney's is a popular choice for chili cheese fries in LA. With locations in Studio City and West Hollywood, Carney's offers a solid and classic version of this dish, with their signature crispy fries smothered in a generous portion of chili and cheese.
Tommy's
Tommy's, with its locations in Westlake and Pico Sepulveda, is another well-known spot for chili cheese fry enthusiasts. Their version features a combination of crispy and mushy fries, topped with a hearty chili and the option to add grilled onions.
The Hat
The Hat is known for its enormous portion sizes and real cheese. Their chili cheese fries are a favourite among many Angelenos, with some preferring their fries well-done for extra crispness.
Langers
Langers is mentioned by some as having the best chili cheese fries in LA, with their pastrami chili cheese fries being a particular standout. Their to-go orders are generously portioned, making it a perfect option for indulging in the comfort of your own home.
Jim's Burgers
Jim's Burgers in Pico Rivera is another spot to consider for your chili cheese fry fix. Their regular chili cheese fries are well-regarded, but if you're feeling adventurous, their DUI fries, loaded with carne asada, pastrami, and chili cheese, are a true indulgence.
In-N-Out
For a more DIY approach, some suggest ordering the well-done crispy fries from In-N-Out and dipping them in chili. You can then add your own melted cheese at home to create your ultimate chili cheese fry experience.
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Air fryer recipes
Air fryers are a great way to make healthier, crispy "fried" foods without the excess oil of deep frying. They work by circulating hot air around food to create a fried exterior and tender interior. This air fryer recipe for chili cheese fries is a delicious, indulgent comfort food that can be served as a snack, appetizer, or meal. It's perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
- Frozen French fries (or make your own from scratch)
- Hearty chili (use a chicken or turkey chili recipe for a leaner option)
- Cheese shredded cheddar is recommended, but any cheese will work
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon, chives, jalapeños, sour cream, avocado, green onions, feta, queso, etc.
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F for a couple of minutes.
- Place the frozen French fries into the air fryer basket and set the cook time for 10-25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries. Stir gently halfway through, and check to ensure they don't get too brown.
- Once the fries are fully cooked, remove them from the air fryer and top them with warm chili.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili and return the fries to the air fryer for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from the air fryer and add your desired toppings.
Tips
- Keep the fries separate from the chili and heat the cheese over the chili before serving, to prevent sogginess.
- Use homemade chili for added flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetarian chili and omit the bacon.
- If making your own French fries, lightly coat the air fryer with cooking spray before adding the potatoes.
- For a sweet and sour bite, add unsweetened cocoa powder to your chili.
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Homemade beef chili
To make homemade beef chili, you'll need the following ingredients:
Ingredients
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes
- One 15-ounce can of red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- One 6-ounce can of tomato paste
- 1 cup of beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for serving
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Cook and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, beef broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the chili in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped green onions.
For an extra touch, you can also prepare your own chili cheese fries by layering crispy French fries with this homemade beef chili and topping it off with shredded cheese, chopped onions, and even some sour cream or guacamole for an indulgent treat.
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Best toppings
There are endless possibilities for toppings when it comes to chilli cheese fries. The toppings can be customised to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas for toppings that can elevate your chilli cheese fries:
Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream can add a tangy and creamy dimension to the dish. For a healthier option, you can opt for non-fat sour cream.
Onions
Chopped or diced onions, especially red onions, can provide a crunchy texture and a sharp flavour to the chilli cheese fries. Green onions or scallions are also a great choice for a milder onion flavour.
Herbs
Cilantro or chopped coriander leaves can bring a fresh and aromatic touch to the dish.
Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes or cherry tomatoes can add a juicy burst of flavour and a pop of colour to the chilli cheese fries. You can also use canned diced tomatoes or crushed San Marzano tomatoes for a more intense flavour.
Spicy Peppers
Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeños can bring a spicy kick to the dish. If you prefer a milder heat, you can use sliced serrano peppers or green chillies.
Avocado
Diced avocado can add a creamy texture and a healthy dose of good fats to the chilli cheese fries.
Beans
Black beans or refried beans can be a great addition to the chilli cheese fries, providing extra protein and a hearty texture.
Salsa or Pico de Gallo
A scoop of salsa or pico de gallo can bring a fresh and tangy flavour to the dish, with the added benefit of more tomato goodness.
Corn Chips
Crushing some corn chips or tortilla chips on top can add a crunchy texture and a savoury corn flavour to the chilli cheese fries.
Cheese
While cheese is already a key component of chilli cheese fries, you can take it up a notch by adding extra shredded cheese or grated cheese on top. This will create an even cheesier and more decadent dish.
Feel free to experiment with other toppings of your choice, such as sliced olives, chopped scallions, or even crumbled bacon bits. The key is to have fun and indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience!
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Cheese sauce recipes
Cheese Sauce with Butter, Flour, and Milk
This cheese sauce recipe starts with melting butter in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Next, whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, add in the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika. Whisk in the milk until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened. Finally, reduce the heat and slowly whisk in the cheddar until smooth and melted.
Cheese Sauce with Cornstarch, Milk, and Margarine
Start by stirring cornstarch and water in a small cup until the cornstarch dissolves; set aside. Bring milk and margarine to a boil in a saucepan, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and whisk the cornstarch mixture into the milk mixture, bringing it to a simmer. Cook and stir until the mixture is thick and smooth. Add the cheese to the milk mixture and stir until melted and well combined.
Cheese Sauce with Butter, Flour, and Cream
For this cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it turns light brown. Add in the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens. Add cheese to the pan one cup at a time, allowing it to melt before adding more. Once all the cheese has been added, whisk until fully melted and then remove from the heat.
Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Fries
For crispy fries, consider using an air fryer. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake the fries in the oven according to the package instructions. For optimum results, use thick and hearty chili, which will help keep the fries crispy longer.
When making the cheese sauce, it's best to use hand-grated cheese as it melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Additionally, the higher the quality of cheese, the better the flavor. If your cheese sauce becomes too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of milk to adjust the consistency.
For a lighter option, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken in the chili. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pepper Jack Cheese or white queso, to add a kick of spice.
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Frequently asked questions
Chili cheese fries are a combination of fries, chili, and cheese. They can be served as a side dish or a whole meal.
Chili cheese fries are made with fries, ground beef, red enchilada sauce, canned chili with beans, spices, and cheese.
For optimum flavor, purchase good quality sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese. Hand-grated cheese also tends to melt better than pre-shredded cheese.
There is no definitive answer, but some popular options include The Hat in Los Angeles, Blue Collar Burger in Brooklyn, and Shake Shack.
Start by cooking your favorite frozen or homemade fries. Then, layer them with your choice of chili and cheese. For best results, use an air fryer to cook the fries and serve promptly.
