Kamil Perry
Chili cheese fries are a delicious, indulgent treat, but what should you serve with them? There are plenty of options to choose from, depending on your preferences. If you're a fan of crispy, golden potatoes, why not try them as a side dish? You can season them with garlic butter, herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra kick. If you're looking for something more substantial, baked potatoes or sweet potato fries can be a great option, especially when loaded with sour cream, chives, and extra cheese. For a classic pairing, cornbread is a perfect match for chili, and you can even take it up a notch with sweet potato cornbread and homemade maple butter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizer, Side Dish |
| Main Ingredients | Cheese, Fries, Chili |
| Cheese Options | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan |
| Fry Options | Steak, Waffle, Classic, Tots, Sweet Potato |
| Toppings | Red Onions, Jalapeños, Cilantro, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Salsa, Chives, Beef, Tomatoes |
| Sides | Cornbread, Baked Potato, Potato Salad, Green Salad, Cucumber Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, Crescent Rolls, Onion Rings, Kettle Chips, Biscuits |
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What You'll Learn
Cornbread
Ingredients:
- Cornmeal
- Wheat flour (self-raising or plain/all-purpose with baking powder)
- Bicarbonate of soda
- Chilli flakes
- Salt and pepper
- Eggs
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Grated mature Cheddar cheese
- Sweetcorn
- Pickled chillies or fresh chillies
Method:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
- In a bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: cornmeal, flour, bicarbonate of soda, chilli flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a separate jug, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, and yogurt.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Melt the butter and add it to the batter, along with the grated cheese, sweetcorn, and chopped chillies.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lined cake tin.
- Bake for 20-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
This chilli cheese cornbread is a perfect side dish to serve with chilli cheese fries, adding a rustic, spongy texture and a delicious flavour to your meal.
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Crispy potatoes
Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a good option as they are high-starch potatoes, which means they can get very crispy when roasted. However, they tend to have a dry interior and not much flavour. Yukon Golds are a better choice for a creamier, richer, and nuttier flavour. They are medium-starch potatoes, so they can get crispy but not as crispy as Russets.
Secondly, the size of the potato chunks matters. Larger chunks of potato will give you a better contrast between the crispy exterior and the creamy interior. Parboiling the potatoes in alkaline water helps break down their surfaces, creating a starchy slurry that adds surface area and crunch. A splash of vinegar in the water can also help prevent the potatoes from falling apart.
Now, let's talk about the importance of salt. Potatoes need a lot of salt to bring out their flavour. Make sure to generously salt the parboiling water and season the potatoes with salt before roasting. After tossing the parboiled potatoes with olive oil and salt, taste a small piece. It should taste slightly salty, as the saltiness will mellow out during roasting.
Don't skimp on the oil! A higher ratio of oil to potatoes will result in a better texture and crispiness. You can use olive oil, or for extra flavour, use duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat. Infusing the oil or fat with garlic and herbs will give the potato crust extra flavour.
Finally, use a roasting pan instead of a standard rimmed sheet pan if possible. Roasting pans retain and distribute heat more evenly, locking in moisture and preventing the potatoes from drying out.
By following these tips, you'll end up with delicious, crispy potatoes that pair perfectly with chilli cheese fries!
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Salads
Green Salad: A simple salad with fresh greens, fruit, and a light vinaigrette dressing can be a refreshing contrast to the hearty chilli cheese fries. The crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette provide a nice break from the richness of the fries, cleansing the palate and refreshing the taste buds.
Cucumber Salad: For a cooling and crisp side dish, a cucumber salad with dill and vinegar is an excellent choice. The cucumber's high water content and mild flavour, paired with the tangy vinegar and aromatic dill, create a refreshing companion to the spicy and cheesy chilli fries.
Potato Salad: A classic potato salad with a creamy dressing is another option to consider. The starchiness of the potatoes complements the cheese and chilli, while the creamy dressing adds a nice contrast in texture and temperature. This salad is a hearty and satisfying option that won't overwhelm the main dish.
You could also serve a side of fresh vegetables, such as a garden salad with a variety of raw or lightly steamed veggies. This option adds a healthy and crisp element to the meal, providing a crunchy texture and a fresh taste to go along with the indulgent chilli cheese fries.
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Biscuits
Buttermilk coleslaw is another side dish that can be served with chilli cheese fries. The crunchy texture of the coleslaw complements the richness of the chilli cheese fries.
If you're looking for something lighter, a simple side salad or a green salad with shaved Brussels sprouts can also be served with chilli cheese fries.
For extra meat, you can serve carne asada, corn dogs, or popcorn chicken with chilli cheese fries.
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Rolls
If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your chili cheese fries, rolls are a great option. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Buttermilk Rolls
Buttermilk rolls are a classic choice that can add a tangy twist to your meal. The slight tanginess of the buttermilk will complement the cheesiness of the fries, while the softness of the roll will provide a textural contrast to the crispy fries.
Jalapeno Rolls
If you're a fan of spice, consider making jalapeno rolls. The jalapenos will add a kick of heat that will pair well with the chili in your fries. These rolls will also add a pop of green to your plate, making for an visually appealing meal.
Cheddar Rolls
For an extra cheesy experience, try making cheddar rolls. The sharpness of cheddar cheese will complement the other flavors in your meal, and the melted cheese will create a delicious pull-apart effect in your rolls.
Green Onion Rolls
Green onion rolls can add a subtle onion flavor to your meal without being too overpowering. The green onions will also bring a bright pop of color to your dish, making it more visually appealing.
Sweet Potato Rolls
Sweet potato rolls can add a touch of sweetness to your meal, which will go well with the spiciness of the chili cheese fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes will be a unique and tasty addition to your rolls.
Tater Tot Rolls
For a more creative option, consider making tater tot rolls. This idea combines the concept of tater tots and rolls, resulting in a unique side dish that will surely impress your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
Some side dishes that go well with chili cheese fries include:
- Onion rings
- Crispy kettle chips
- Baked potatoes
- Cornbread
- Potato salad
- Green salad
Some toppings that can be added to chili cheese fries include:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack)
- Diced red onions
- Sliced jalapenos
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
You can use any type of fry for chili cheese fries, such as steak fries, waffle fries, classic fries, or tots.
