Andy Montoya
Chili cheese fries are a fun and tasty dish, perfect for a family dinner or a game day snack. They are made by topping crispy French fries with chili and cheese, and baking until the cheese is melted. You can use frozen fries, or make your own, and top with leftover homemade or canned chili and shredded cheese or a cheese sauce. You can also add extra toppings like sliced green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, or chives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Snack, Dinner |
| Main Ingredients | French Fries, Cheese, Leftover Chili |
| French Fries Type | Frozen, Shoestring, Steak, Waffle, Thick-Cut, Sweet Potato, Tater Tots |
| Cheese Type | Shredded, Cheddar, Colby-Jack, Pepper Jack, Vegan |
| Toppings | Sour Cream, Chives, Scallions, Jalapeños, Cilantro |
| Cooking Method | Baked, Air Fryer |
| Nutrition (per serving) | Calories: 296-403kcal, Carbohydrates: 4-28g, Protein: 15-36g, Fat: 18-26g |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook the fries
To cook the fries, you can use fresh or frozen fries. If you're using frozen fries, spread them in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake them according to the package instructions until they're golden brown and
It's important to note that the oven temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the type of fries you're using, so refer to the package directions or a specific recipe for the best results. Some recipes suggest baking the fries at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Others recommend baking at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, for crispy results.
You can also add seasonings to your fries before baking them. Seasoned salt or other seasoning blends can enhance the flavor. Additionally, if you're using plain fries, you might consider adding some spices or herbs to your taste preferences.
Once your fries are cooked and crispy, you can move on to the next step of assembling your chili cheese fries by adding the chili and cheese.
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How to prepare leftover chili
Preparing leftover chili into a new dish is a great way to reduce food waste and get creative in the kitchen. Chili cheese fries are a fun, indulgent, and tasty option for using up leftover chili. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare leftover chili and transform it into delicious chili cheese fries:
Prepare the Leftover Chili
Start by warming up your leftover chili in a small saucepan on the stove. You can also use a microwave if you prefer. Heat the chili until it's nice and hot, and give it a good stir to ensure it's heated evenly. If your leftover chili is particularly thick, you can add a small amount of water or broth to thin it out slightly. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Choose Your Fries
For the best results, opt for frozen french fries, either shoestring or thicker cuts like steak fries or waffle fries. You can also use sweet potato fries or tater tots for a slightly healthier option. Follow the package directions to cook the fries, ensuring they are crispy and golden brown. If desired, you can add extra seasoning to the fries, such as seasoned salt or another seasoning blend.
Assemble the Chili Cheese Fries
Place the cooked fries on a baking sheet or in a skillet for a restaurant-style presentation. Spread the fries out in a single layer. Generously spoon your warmed leftover chili over the fries, ensuring that each fry gets a good coating. You can also create layers by adding a layer of shredded cheese first, followed by the chili, and then another layer of cheese on top. Common cheese choices include cheddar, Colby-Jack, or pepper Jack, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
Bake and Serve
Once you've assembled the chili cheese fries, place them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. If you're using a skillet, you can finish the dish on the stovetop over low heat until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.
Toppings and Variations
Chili cheese fries are delicious on their own, but you can take them to the next level with various toppings. Sliced green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, chives, and cilantro are all great options. For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese sauce and chili, and top with your favorite vegan-friendly toppings.
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How to melt cheese
To melt cheese for leftover chilli cheese fries, it is recommended to use freshly shredded cheese as it does not contain preservatives and melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with potato starch and preservatives to keep it "fresh" for longer, which can prevent it from melting as well.
When melting cheese for chilli cheese fries, it is best to use a thick chilli, as a watery chilli will make the fries soggy. You can use any type of chilli you like, such as turkey, beef, vegetarian, or bean chilli. For the cheese, cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use Colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese.
To melt the cheese, you can return the chilli-loaded fries to the oven and bake for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, or until the cheese is melted. If you want gooey cheese, it will take about 2-3 minutes, while fully melted cheese will take 4-5 minutes. You can also melt the cheese separately on the stovetop. To do this, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is thickened and simmering, remove it from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
Another option is to use a cheese sauce. To make a cheddar cheese sauce, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Then, whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika. Slowly stream in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until thickened and simmering. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
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How to select toppings
The toppings you choose for your chilli cheese fries can make or break the dish. Here are some tips to help you select the best toppings:
Keep it simple
You don't need to overcomplicate things when it comes to toppings. Shredded cheese is a great option and is easier to work with than a cheese sauce. You can use cheddar, Colby-Jack, or even a vegan cheese sauce. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can always add more cheese on top of the chilli before baking.
Freshness
Adding some fresh toppings can help to balance out the richness of the chilli and cheese. Sliced green onions or scallions, jalapeños, and cilantro are all great options to add a fresh, spicy kick to your chilli cheese fries.
Creamy toppings
Sour cream is a popular choice to add a creamy, tangy element to your chilli cheese fries. You could also try adding chives or sliced avocado for extra freshness.
Customise to your taste
Ultimately, the toppings you choose should reflect your personal taste preferences. If you like things spicy, add more jalapeños or chilli flakes. If you prefer a more indulgent dish, add extra cheese or bacon bits. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect chilli cheese fry topping combination.
Remember, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process of creating your ultimate chilli cheese fries!
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How to serve
To serve, place your cooked chilli cheese fries in a large bowl, on a baking sheet, or on a plate. You could also use a skillet for a restaurant-style presentation. Top with optional sour cream, chives, sliced green onions, jalapeños, or cilantro.
For a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese sauce and chilli, and top with desired toppings.
Leftover chilli cheese fries can be frozen for later if they haven't been left out for more than 2 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Shredded cheese is a common topping for classic chili cheese fries. You can also use cheese sauce, or a combination of both.
Common toppings include sliced green onions, jalapeños, sour cream, chives, and cilantro.
You can use frozen shoestring french fries or make your own homemade fries. It is recommended to use a larger cut fry such as steak fries, waffle fries, or thick-cut traditional fries.
Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-8 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
Yes, leftover chili cheese fries can be frozen as long as they are not left out for more than 2 hours.
