How to Make Chili Cheese Fries
Making these delicious chili cheese fries is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how you can make this ultimate comfort food:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if using frozen fries. If making homemade fries, peel and cut your potatoes into thin strips, toss with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 2: Bake the frozen fries for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. If using homemade fries, bake them for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
Step 3: While the fries are baking, heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer a bit longer. Keep it warm.
Step 4: Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish or individual bowls.
Step 5: Pour the hot chili generously over the fries, ensuring they’re well-covered.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili-covered fries. You can pop them back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese, or simply let the heat of the chili do the work.
Step 7: Top the dish with a dollop of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and chopped fresh parsley for extra flavor and color.
Step 8: Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy fries, savory chili, melty cheese, and creamy sour cream.
How Long to Bake Fries
Baking times for fries can vary depending on whether you’re using frozen fries or homemade ones. Here’s a general guide to help you achieve the perfect crispness:
- Frozen French Fries – Bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Homemade Fries – Bake for 35-40 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Keep an eye on the fries, as different brands or homemade fries may need slight adjustments in baking time. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftover chili cheese fries, here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigerator – Store any leftover chili cheese fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. The fries may lose some crispiness but will still be delicious.
- Freezer – While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the fries’ crispy texture, you can freeze the chili and fries separately. Store the chili in an airtight container for up to 3 months and the fries in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat by baking both the chili and fries and then combining.
Tips for Perfect Chili Cheese Fries
To ensure your chili cheese fries are a hit every time, consider these tips:
- Use Freshly Made Chili – While store-bought chili is convenient, homemade chili gives you the best flavor and control over the spice levels. Make it a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld.
- Get the Right Fries – Whether you go for frozen or homemade, the key is crispy fries. Make sure they’re golden and crisp before topping them with chili and cheese.
- Customize the Toppings – Add other toppings such as jalapeños for a bit of heat, bacon bits for extra crunch, or green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve Immediately – Chili cheese fries are best served hot and fresh. If you’re making them in advance, keep the fries and chili separate and assemble just before serving to maintain the crispiness.
Enjoy your delicious and indulgent chili cheese fries!
