The Perfect Chili Cheese Fries Companion

Chili cheese fries are a hearty snack or meal, and there are endless ways to customise them. You can use any type of chilli, cheese, and fries, and there are plenty of toppings to choose from. Some popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and red onion. If you want to add some spice, you can include jalapeños, or if you're looking for something more refreshing, add a scoop of pineapple salsa or pico de gallo. For extra meat, you can add carne asada, corn dogs, or popcorn chicken.

Guacamole, sour cream, and sliced green onions

Chili cheese fries are a delicious treat, and adding guacamole, sour cream, and sliced green onions can take them to the next level! Here's how:

Guacamole

Guacamole is a fantastic addition to chili cheese fries. It provides a cooling contrast to the spicy and cheesy flavors. While you can buy ready-made guacamole, making your own ensures it is fresh and creamy. All you need are a few simple ingredients, such as avocados, lime juice, and cilantro. For an extra kick, you can add some diced jalapenos or use a dill pickle avocado spread.

Sour Cream

Sour cream is a classic topping for chili cheese fries and adds a delicious tanginess. It is best served on the side for dipping or drizzled over the top. If you're looking for a healthier option, plain nonfat Greek yogurt can be a great alternative, as it has a similar taste but with fewer calories and more protein.

Sliced Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, add a wonderful zesty flavor to chili cheese fries. They are often used in Texas Cheese Fries, a similar dish that includes crispy seasoned fries loaded with melted cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. The green onions provide a fresh crunch and a bright flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Putting It All Together

When preparing your chili cheese fries, start by cooking your favorite crispy fries. Then, top them with your desired amount of chili, shredded cheese, and the aforementioned toppings. You can also add some chopped cilantro for garnish. This combination of flavors and textures will create an indulgent and satisfying meal that's perfect for a fun dinner or game day!

Pickled jalapeños

You can make your own pickled jalapeños at home in just 10 minutes. All you need is fresh jalapeño peppers, vinegar (either white or apple cider vinegar), water, honey or sugar, salt, and pickling spices such as bay leaf, Mexican oregano, and black peppercorns. Simply slice the jalapeños into rings, discarding the stems, and stuff them into a jar. Next, make the pickling brine by adding the remaining ingredients to a pot, bringing it to a boil, and then removing it from the heat. Pour the brine over the jalapeños in the jar, seal, and refrigerate. Your pickled jalapeños will be ready to enjoy in a day or two, but it's best to let them sit for at least a week to develop more flavour.

When making chili cheese fries, you can use baked, frozen, or freshly fried potatoes. Top the cooked fries with shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, and toss lightly. Then, add your pickled jalapeños and place the fries back in the oven to bake until the cheese is completely melted. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like chives and additional chillies for extra flavour and heat.

Buttermilk coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup real cultured buttermilk (purchased or homemade)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (preferably raw)
• Juice of half a lemon
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 small head cabbage, cored and thinly sliced or coarsely shredded (about 8 cups)
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into very thin matchsticks or coarsely shredded (about 2 cups)

Instructions:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
• Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrot and cover.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• For the best flavour, let the coleslaw rest in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.
• When stored in an airtight container, the coleslaw will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Toss well before serving.

This buttermilk coleslaw is a simple yet perfect side dish that will complement the chilli cheese fries and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and greasy flavours. Enjoy your meal!

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad

If you're looking for a light and refreshing side dish to go with your chili cheese fries, look no further than a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. This salad is the perfect contrast to the rich and indulgent flavors of the fries, and it only takes a handful of ingredients to whip up.

The key to this dish is using raw Brussels sprouts, which provides a nice crunchy texture and a mild bitterness that is balanced by other sweet and salty ingredients. To prepare the sprouts, simply shave them as thinly as you can using a mandoline, a food processor with a slicing attachment, or a sharp chef's knife. You can also use store-bought pre-shredded Brussels sprouts to save some time.

Once you have your shaved sprouts, toss them with a bright and tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar. Then, mix in some dried cranberries, nuts or seeds, and shaved or grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese. The cranberries and nuts add sweetness and crunch, while the salty cheese brings it all together.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can also add in some diced apple for extra sweetness and freshness. This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, so it's a great option if you're meal-prepping or feeding a crowd. It's the perfect side dish to balance out the hearty flavors of chili cheese fries, and it's a fun way to switch up your regular leafy green salad.

Corn dogs

First, cook the corn dogs according to the package instructions. The bigger the corn dogs, the better. Then, carefully remove the wooden sticks and slice each corn dog vertically down the centre, ensuring you don't cut all the way through. Next, fill the corn dogs with your homemade chili, cheese, onion, and jalapeno pepper. The type of cheese is up to you, but a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack are popular choices. Finally, serve immediately and enjoy!

If you want to make this dish even more indulgent, you can add extra toppings to the corn dogs. Some suggestions include chopped onions, sour cream, and bacon bits.

These chili cheese corn dogs can be served as a main course or an appetizer, depending on their size. If serving as a main course, they go well with sides like macaroni and cheese, potato chips, roasted sweet potatoes, potato salad, or cornbread.

Frequently asked questions