Cheese Options For Chili Cheese Fries: A Guide

Chili cheese fries are a popular snack or appetizer, often served at parties or on game day. They are made by layering crispy French fries with chili and cheese. While the type of cheese used is a matter of personal preference, popular options include shredded cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack. For a vegan option, a plant-based cheese sauce can be used.

Cheddar cheese sauce

A good cheese sauce can make or break a dish. Luckily, it's a simple recipe that's versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheddar cheese sauce that you can use on your chilli cheese fries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole milk (or reduced-fat milk)
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese (use full-fat cheese and grate it yourself for the smoothest and creamiest sauce)
• 3/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne or store-bought/homemade hot sauce (adjust to your preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• Cornstarch
• Evaporated milk
• Mayonnaise
• Cream cheese

Instructions:

• Heat the milk in a large saucepan over medium heat. Keep heating until small bubbles start to form around the edges of the pan.
• In a separate saucepan, melt the butter.
• Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter.
• Stir the mixture constantly until it forms a thick paste, also known as a roux. It's okay if it becomes quite thick and paste-like. This should take around 1-2 minutes.
• While constantly whisking, slowly pour the warm milk into the flour and butter mixture.
• Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be thick but still spreadable and pourable.
• Stir in the cheese and whisk until it is completely melted.
• Season the sauce with cayenne or hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth.
• If you want a completely smooth sauce, strain it through a sieve to remove any lumps before serving.

Tips:

• Avoid boiling the milk as this can cause it to curdle.
• Don't let the cheese sauce boil after adding the cheese, or it may become grainy.
• Use full-fat, hand-shredded cheddar cheese to avoid a grainy texture.
• If your sauce becomes too thick, you can add a couple of tablespoons of milk at a time to adjust the consistency.
• For optimum flavour, use good quality sharp cheddar or white cheddar.

This cheddar cheese sauce is perfect for chilli cheese fries, but it's also versatile enough to use on burgers, tater tots, broccoli, nachos, cauliflower, baked potatoes, and more! Enjoy experimenting and indulging in this rich and gooey sauce!

Beef chilli

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cumin
• Chilli powder
• Tomatoes
• Tomato paste/sauce
• Kidney beans
• Cheese (cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
• French fries
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Other seasonings (e.g. paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, brown sugar, cocoa powder)
• Toppings (e.g. sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the beef chilli

Start by preparing the beef chilli. In a large pot or skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain off any excess grease, then add in the seasonings, tomatoes, tomato paste/sauce, and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for around 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chilli has thickened. If using, add the kidney beans and cook for a further 10 minutes. Taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce (optional)

If you want to add an extra cheesy kick to your chilli cheese fries, you can prepare a cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until it turns a light brown colour. Stir in seasonings such as onion powder, garlic powder, chilli powder, cumin, pepper, and salt. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking constantly, until the sauce starts to thicken. Add shredded cheese to the pan a cup at a time, allowing it to melt fully before adding more. Once all the cheese has melted, remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3: Cook the French fries

While the chilli is cooking, prepare the French fries according to the package directions. For extra crispy fries, bake them in the oven in a single layer on a sheet pan until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the chilli cheese fries

Place the cooked French fries on a serving platter or baking sheet. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese, followed by a few scoops of the beef chilli. If using, pour the prepared cheese sauce over the top.

Step 5: Add toppings and serve

Top the chilli cheese fries with your desired toppings, such as sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro, or bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• For the best results, use a larger cut fry such as steak fries, waffle fries, or thick-cut traditional fries.
• If you have the time, make your own chilli and grate your own cheese for the best flavour and texture.
• The chilli can be made up to 3 days in advance, and any leftovers can be frozen for future use.
• Serve the chilli cheese fries immediately as they will get soggy if left to sit for too long.

Variations

• For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or chipotle puree to the beef chilli.
• Try using different types of cheese such as colby jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
• For an extra indulgent dish, add extra cheese sauce or top with a dollop of sour cream.
• If you prefer your chilli thicker, simply let it simmer for a little longer or add more beef broth at the end.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and use vegetarian chilli instead.

Vegan chilli

Ingredients:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 small carrots, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons ancho chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 x 15-ounce cans red kidney beans, drained
• 2 x 15-ounce cans pinto beans, drained
• 2 x 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth or water
• Optional toppings: green onions, nutritional yeast, vegan sour cream, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips

Instructions:

First, prepare your base vegetables and spices. Warm a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add water or vegetable broth. Add the onion, celery, and green pepper to the pot and cook until the water evaporates and the vegetables start to turn golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take around 10 minutes.

Next, add the garlic, carrots, chilli powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, adding a small splash of water if the mixture starts to stick.

Now, it's time to add the remaining ingredients and simmer. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth or water to the pot. Bring everything to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the lid and cook uncovered for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the chilli has reached your desired thickness. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finally, serve the vegan chilli with your desired toppings. This dish goes well with roasted sweet potatoes or rice for an even heartier meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for later.

Cheese sauce with heavy cream

A good cheese sauce is a key component of the ultimate chili cheese fries. This sauce should be rich, creamy, and indulgent, and can be made with a variety of cheeses and other ingredients. Here is a guide to making a delicious cheese sauce with heavy cream to top off your chili cheese fries.

Ingredients

For a basic cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. This sauce can be made in a large saucepan over medium heat. The following ingredients and their measurements are recommended:

• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of flour
• 1 and 3/4 cups of heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, or a blend of different cheeses)

Optional Ingredients

To add extra flavour to your cheese sauce, you can include:

• Spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, and paprika.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cream cheese or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and enhance its creaminess.

Method

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and stir until a thick paste, or roux, forms.
• Slowly whisk in the heavy cream (or milk) and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
• Add your chosen spices and seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper, and whisk until combined.
• Gradually add the cheese to the saucepan, one cup at a time, whisking until each addition is fully melted before adding more.
• Once all the cheese has been added and melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Tips for the Best Cheese Sauce

To ensure your cheese sauce turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly.
• Avoid boiling the milk or allowing the cheese sauce to boil after adding the cheese, as this can cause graininess or curdling.
• Reheat the sauce slowly over low heat and add milk as needed to loosen it up and prevent lumpiness.
• Use full-fat milk and cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.

Now you're ready to make a mouthwatering cheese sauce with heavy cream to smother your chili cheese fries!

Crispy French fries

The secret to making Crispy French Fries at home is to ensure that the centre of the fries is fully cooked before the outsides get too brown. The best way to achieve this is to cook the fries twice using a particular type of potato and oil.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (also called Idaho or high-starch potatoes)
• Lemon juice
• Refined peanut oil, canola oil, or safflower oil
• Salt

Method

• Before you begin preparing the potatoes, fill a large bowl with cold water and add a tablespoon of lemon juice. As soon as you cut the fries, transfer them to this bowl. This will prevent the potatoes from discolouring.
• Peel the potatoes and remove any eyes.
• Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slabs, then cut each slab into 1/4-inch strips. The fries should be about 3 inches long. Transfer them to the cold water as you go.
• Rinse the potatoes under cold water in the bowl until the water turns clear. This will remove any excess starch.
• Add another tablespoon of lemon juice, then add a few cups of ice to chill the water thoroughly. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the outside of the fries from getting too brown before the inside cooks through.
• Heat the oil to 325°F. Fry the potatoes in the oil for 6 to 8 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly golden.
• Remove the fries from the oil and transfer them to paper-lined pans to drain.
• Heat the oil to 375°F. Return the fries to the oil and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on clean paper, then salt generously and serve immediately.

Tips

• If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil's temperature using the handle of a wooden spoon. If the bubbles crawl up the sides, the oil is ready for frying.
• If you don't have lemon juice, you can use white vinegar or any mild acid.
• If you don't have an ice bath, you can chill the potatoes in the refrigerator for a longer period of time, such as overnight.
• If you don't want to use an oil fryer, you can use a Dutch oven or a heavy saucepan.

Frequently asked questions