Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Indulge in a flavor-packed delight with this mouthwatering Chili Cheese Fries recipe made with crispy golden fries smothered in zesty homemade chili and topped with a generous blanket of melted cheese. This easy-to-make comfort food is perfect for game nights, parties, or a cozy night in. Customize with your favorite toppings for a tasty twist on a classic favorite!

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If you’ve ever enjoyed the chili cheese fries from places like Sonic, Freddy’s, the movie theater, local bars…..then you know it’s one fabulous combination.

Until now it never dawned on me that this is an excellent way to use up leftover chili. I still love to freeze chili for easy meal prep meals, but this is a fun way to use it up and it’s filling!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Taste: The combination of crispy fries, savory chili, and gooey melted cheese creates a delicious taste experience. It’s a mix of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
• Comfort Food: It’s a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction.
• Easy to Customize: You can customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer a spicier chili, different types of cheese, or additional toppings like jalapeños or bacon, it’s a flexible dish that can suit various tastes.
• Great for Events: It can be a crowd-pleaser at parties or gatherings. It’s a fun and indulgent dish that’s often enjoyed in a casual or social setting.
• Nostalgia: For some, it might evoke nostalgic memories of enjoying this dish at diners, sports events, or movie nights.

What Type of Fries to Use

You can use whatever type of fries you like. If you like store-bought, frozen fries, go for it! They will work for this recipe.

In general, I recommend thicker cut fries. Those will hold the chili much better than thin shoe-string potato fries. If that matters to you, use something like steak fries.

If you are making your own fries, slice the potato into slices about 1/2 an inch thick. If you have a mandolin that allows you to control the size, that will work great! You want nice, even slices.

If you slice the potatoes unevenly, the fries won’t cook at a consistent temperature. The smaller, thinner fries will cook first which may result in some burnt fries.

If you are slicing by hand you will likely end up with some uneven slices. It happens to me every time! Try to separate the smaller slices into a separate batch. Cook them separate from the others. This will help ensure consistency.

How to Make the Fries

I like to add a little kick to the fries by seasoning them with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can season them any way you wish. You can also bake or air fry these. I like to use my Air Fryer French Fries recipe.

I love to use the air fryer because you don’t have to use much oil, this is the same case for baked fries. You can cut out a ton of fat found in traditional restaurant servings.

Soaking the Potatoes

If you’re making homemade fries you will need to budget time to soak the potatoes. This is important if you want crispy fries. Soaking the potatoes in water will remove excess starch. Allow at least 30 minutes, 60 minutes is optimal.

What Type of Cheese to Use

You can use any cheese you like. The best part of making this homemade is you can avoid a fake cheese sauce! Many of the restaurant versions are made with cheese that comes from a can.

I like to use cheddar cheese. I buy the cheese in block form and grate myself. Trust me, it makes a difference. If you have ever made my Southern Soul Food Mac and Cheese you have heard me discuss the difference in pre-shredded cheese that comes in a bag and cheese that you have to grate.

Pre-shredded cheese is coated with potato starch and chemical preservatives to keep it “fresh” longer. The potato starch adds a waxy coating to the cheese, so it won’t melt as well. And you don’t really need the chemical preservatives.

Other cheeses that will work well:

• Mozzarella (Works the best if you want a nice cheese pull)
• Pepperjack
• Swiss
• White Cheddar

What Type of Chili to Use

This dish is most commonly made with beef chili. You also want to use a thick chili. Watery chili will result in really soggy fries. You can use any type of chili you want.

You can use store bought chili if you wish.

How to Make Chili Cheese Fries

Full detailed instructions and ingredients are listed below in the recipe card.

1. Cook your fries (air fry, bake, or pan fry)
2. Heat a Dutch oven or soup pot on medium-high heat and add the olive oil, onions, green peppers, and red peppers. Saute for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Add in garlic and ground beef. Break down the ground beef.
4. Add in beef broth, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all of the spices. Stir.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer.
6. Preheat the oven to Low Broil.
7. Spread the fries out on your serving dish.
8. Load the fries with chili. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese.
9. Bake for 4-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Other Toppings and Ideas

• Green Onions
• Tomatoes
• Bacon
• Ranch Dressing
• Jalapenos
• Sour Cream or plain Greek yogurt

How to Keep Them From Getting Soggy

Keep the fries separate from the chili. Heat the cheese over the chili and then serve alongside the fries.

How Many Calories

One serving has 400 calories.

How to Store It

This dish is best consumed same day. You can store leftover chili in the fridge (tightly sealed) for 3-4 days. Store leftover chili separate from fries.

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat both the fries and chili together is in the oven or air fryer. You can use 350 degrees for both methods and heat until warm.

You can also make a new batch of fries and serve the chili warm (using the microwave or stove to heat it up).

More Chili Recipes

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe
Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
Keto Low Carb Chili
Instant Pot Beef Chili
Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Sweet Potato Chili
Leftover Turkey Chili
Creamy Seafood Chili
Buffalo Chicken Chili
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac

Check out our full listing of Chili Recipes here.

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Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Air Fryer Frozen Burgers