Cheese And Chili: The Perfect Fry Toppings

Chili cheese fries are a hearty snack or meal, perfect for game days, parties, or a cozy night in. They consist of crispy French fries topped with a layer of chili and cheese. While the chili is often made with beef, vegetarian and vegan options are also available. The cheese can be shredded or a cheese sauce, with the sauce being either plant-based or dairy. The fries can be homemade or frozen, and can be regular, sweet potato, or tater tots. They are often served with toppings such as sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños.

French Fries

To make the French fries, the potatoes are cut into the desired shape and baked in the oven or cooked in an air fryer. They are then assembled with the other ingredients.

The key to the success of this dish is to ensure the fries remain crispy, so it is best to serve the dish immediately after preparation.

Cheese

The cheese is a key component of chili cheese fries. It is often melted and layered over the fries and chili, providing a rich, creamy texture and a sharp flavor. The choice of cheese can greatly impact the overall taste and quality of the dish.

Types of Cheese

While cheddar cheese is the most commonly used variety, there are several other options to consider:

• Colby jack
• Mozzarella
• Pepper jack
• White queso
• Vegan cheese (for a plant-based option)

Instead of shredded cheese, you can opt for a cheese sauce. This sauce is typically made with a combination of butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese. The sauce is prepared by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour and various spices, and then gradually adding milk and cheese until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved.

Tips

• For the best melting results, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the latter often contains preservatives and anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• For optimum flavor, opt for a high-quality sharp cheddar or white cheddar cheese.

Chili

Ingredients

The ingredients for the chili can vary depending on personal preference and dietary restrictions, but a basic chili for chili cheese fries typically includes:

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste or sauce
• Beef broth
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
• Optional: Bell peppers, chipotle peppers, beer, etc.

Instructions

• Cook the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir to break up the meat and add seasonings like salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Cook until the meat is browned.
• Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), garlic, and a pinch of salt to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
• Add the tomato paste or sauce and cook until it becomes fragrant and starts to darken.
• Add the chopped tomatoes, beef broth, and beans. Stir to combine, then bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it for a little longer. For a thinner chili, simmer it for less time or add more beef broth.
• Once the chili is to your desired consistency, it's ready to be spooned over the fries!

Tips

• The chili can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, spices, and vegetables to find your perfect chili recipe.
• For a vegetarian or vegan option, use plant-based meat or omit the meat altogether and add more beans and vegetables.

Toppings

Chilli cheese fries are a great dish to get creative with toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a popular choice to add a creamy texture and tangy flavour to chilli cheese fries. It can be added as a dollop on top or drizzled over the fries.

Green Onions/Spring Onions

Chopped green onions or spring onions add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to the dish. They also provide a fresh crunch to contrast the crispy fries and the melted cheese.

Red Onions

Red onions are another option to bring a sharp, pungent flavour to the chilli cheese fries. They can be diced or sliced and used as a garnish.

Jalapeños

Jalapeños are a great way to add a spicy kick to chilli cheese fries. They can be sliced or chopped and used as a garnish, or you can add a drizzle of jalapeño sauce for an extra punch.

Cilantro/Coriander

Chopped cilantro (or coriander) leaves bring a fresh, herbal flavour to the dish. They also add a vibrant colour to the chilli cheese fries.

Avocado

Diced avocado adds a creamy texture and a healthy dose of good fats to the dish. It also provides a beautiful green colour to the chilli cheese fries.

Bacon

Cooked and crumbled bacon bits add a smoky, savoury flavour to the chilli cheese fries. They can be sprinkled on top or mixed in with the other toppings.

Black Olives

Sliced black olives provide a salty, briny contrast to the other flavours in the dish. They also add a pop of deep purple colour.

Cheese

While cheese is already a key ingredient in chilli cheese fries, you can take it to the next level by using different types of cheese or adding extra cheese as a topping. Try using sharp cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. You can also use a cheese sauce or canned cheese sauce for a different texture.

Fritos

Crushed Fritos or other corn chips can add a crunchy texture and a salty flavour to the chilli cheese fries. They can be sprinkled on top or mixed in with the other toppings.

Diced Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes can add a juicy, fresh flavour to the chilli cheese fries. They also provide a burst of colour.

Serrano Peppers

Sliced serrano peppers will bring even more heat to the dish. They can be used as a garnish or mixed in with the chilli.

Feel free to experiment with other toppings and combinations to create your own unique chilli cheese fries!

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Chili cheese fries are a delicious treat, perfect for a snack or a party appetizer. They are a hearty, indulgent dish that can be made at home or bought from a store. But which is better? Let's take a look at the pros and cons of both options.

Homemade Chili Cheese Fries

Making chili cheese fries from scratch allows you to customise the recipe to your taste preferences and dietary requirements. You can choose the type of fries, cheese, and chili you prefer and adjust the seasoning and spices to your liking. For example, you could opt for sweet potato fries, vegetarian chili, or a spicy cheese sauce.

Preparing this dish at home also gives you the option to make it healthier by using less salt, sugar, and fat. You can also control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring they are fresh and free from preservatives. For instance, you could grate your own cheese instead of using store-bought pre-shredded cheese, which often contains preservatives and anti-caking agents that affect the smoothness of the melt.

However, making chili cheese fries from scratch can be time-consuming. The preparation and cooking process can take over an hour, and you will need to plan ahead if you want to make the chili and cheese sauce from scratch. It can also be a lot of work, especially if you are cooking for a large group.

Store-Bought Chili Cheese Fries

The main advantage of store-bought chili cheese fries is convenience. You can find frozen chili cheese fries in most supermarkets, which can be quickly prepared in an oven or air fryer. This is a great option if you are short on time or don't enjoy cooking.

Store-bought chili cheese fries can also be more cost-effective, especially if you are feeding a large group. Buying the ingredients to make chili cheese fries from scratch can be expensive, and you may end up with a lot of leftover ingredients.

However, the quality of store-bought chili cheese fries is often lower than homemade. They may contain preservatives and other additives, and the taste is unlikely to match that of a freshly made dish. The fries may also become soggy, especially if they are not served immediately after preparation.

Both homemade and store-bought chili cheese fries have their pros and cons. If you are short on time or looking for a convenient, affordable option, store-bought chili cheese fries may be the best choice. However, if you want a dish that is customisable, healthier, and of higher quality, making chili cheese fries from scratch is the way to go. Ultimately, the best option depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and budget.

Frequently asked questions