Chili Cheese Fries Fiesta

$- 4 large russet potatoes - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup chili (homemade or canned) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated - ¼ cup sour cream - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional) - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional) Gathering these ingredients will help you make the best chili cheese fries. Start with large russet potatoes. They make thick, hearty fries. Use extra virgin olive oil for great flavor. Season with sea salt and black pepper. Smoked paprika adds a lovely, warm flavor. You can choose your chili. Homemade chili tastes amazing, but canned chili works too. For cheese, freshly grated sharp cheddar melts beautifully. Sour cream adds creaminess. Chopped green onions give a nice crunch. If you like heat, add sliced jalapeños. Fresh cilantro brightens the dish. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious and filling meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This makes sure your fries cook perfectly. Take 4 large russet potatoes. Cut them into thick fries. Put them in a big bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika over the fries. Toss them well. Make sure every fry gets coated. Spread the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. Bake them for 30-35 minutes. Turn them halfway through. This helps them get golden brown and crispy. While the fries bake, grab a small saucepan. Pour in 1 cup of chili. You can use homemade or canned chili. Heat it on medium. Stir it from time to time until it’s hot. When the fries are crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle 1 cup of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese over the fries. Put them back in the oven for 5-7 minutes. Wait until the cheese melts and bubbles. Carefully remove the fries from the oven. Spoon the warm chili over the cheesy fries. Make sure to spread it evenly. Top the dish with a dollop of sour cream in the center. Add chopped green onions and jalapeño slices if you like. For a fresh taste, sprinkle with cilantro leaves. Serve on a colorful platter for a fun look. To get the crispiest fries, start with russet potatoes. They have the right starch content. Cut them thick, but not too thick. A half-inch width works great. Toss the fries in olive oil and seasonings. This helps them crisp up nicely. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this leads to steaming instead of crisping. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for best results. Turn the fries halfway through baking for even cooking. For gooey cheese, choose sharp cheddar. It has a strong flavor that pairs well with chili. Grate your cheese fresh for better meltability. When the fries come out of the oven, sprinkle the cheese right away. This helps it melt faster. Return the fries to the oven for just a few minutes. Watch closely so the cheese doesn't burn. You want it bubbly and golden. To elevate your chili cheese fries, think about extra toppings. Sour cream adds creaminess and balances heat. Green onions give a fresh crunch and a pop of color. If you like spice, add thinly sliced jalapeños. For a touch of freshness, toss on cilantro leaves. You can also sprinkle smoked paprika for a smoky flavor boost. These small additions make a big difference in taste. Enjoy making your dish unique! Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for fries because they have a high starch content, resulting in a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet: Spread the fries in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the fries before baking for an extra flavor kick. Garlic powder or chili powder can be great additions! Serve Immediately: Chili cheese fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the fries are hot and crispy. Serve right away for the ultimate experience! {{image_4}} You can easily make chili cheese fries vegetarian. Just use plant-based chili. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic meat flavors. You can also make your own chili with beans, tomatoes, and spices. This keeps the dish hearty and filling. You still get that rich flavor without meat. Top it with cheese and enjoy a great meal. Cheese can change the whole dish. While sharp cheddar is classic, you might try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist. Monterey Jack melts smoothly, adding creaminess. Pepper Jack gives a spicy kick. Mix and match cheeses for fun flavors. Consider blue cheese for a bold taste. Each cheese option gives a new experience. Want to spice it up? Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. This gives your fries a fiery kick. For a sweet touch, consider honey or caramelized onions. Sweet toppings balance the heat well. You can also sprinkle some barbecue sauce on top for a smoky flavor. These variations make your chili cheese fries unique and exciting. To keep your chili cheese fries fresh, store them properly. First, let the fries cool to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chili and cheese from the fries. This way, they will stay fresh longer. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. The fries may lose some crispiness, but they will still taste great. Reheating chili cheese fries can be tricky. You want them hot and crispy again. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet. Add the chili and cheese on top. Heat them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps keep the fries crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the fries will not be as crunchy. If you must use a microwave, heat them in short bursts. Check often to avoid soggy fries. You can freeze chili cheese fries, but it is best to freeze them before adding toppings. Prepare the fries and let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to one month. When you are ready to eat, bake them from frozen at 425°F (220°C) for about 30-35 minutes. Add chili and cheese after they bake. Just remember, frozen fries may not be as crispy as fresh ones. For chili cheese fries, choose a chili that packs flavor. A classic beef chili works well. You can also try turkey or chicken chili for a lighter option. If you prefer vegetarian dishes, a bean chili is great. Look for chili with spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the taste. The right chili adds warmth and depth to the fries. Yes, you can make chili cheese fries ahead of time. Prepare the fries and chili separately. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. When ready, reheat the fries in the oven for crispiness. Warm the chili on the stove, then layer it on the fries. This method keeps them tasty and fresh. Chili cheese fries can be gluten-free. Use fresh potatoes and check your chili ingredients. Many canned chilis are gluten-free, but always look for labels. If you use store-bought chili, avoid those with gluten. Choose the right cheese and toppings to keep everything safe for gluten-free diets. Chili cheese fries pair well with various sides. A crisp garden salad adds freshness. You can also serve coleslaw for a crunchy bite. For a fun twist, offer jalapeño poppers or stuffed peppers. These sides balance the rich flavors of the fries and make your meal more exciting. To sum it up, we covered how to make tasty chili cheese fries from scratch. You now know the best ingredients, steps to bake crispy fries, and tips to make them perfect. Remember to get creative with toppings and variations. Whether you want a veggie option or different cheeses, the choices are endless. This dish is great for sharing or keeping for later. Enjoy making this fun meal that everyone loves!$

A delicious dish of crispy fries topped with chili and melted cheese, perfect for sharing.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

4 large russet potatoes, cut into thick fries
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup chili
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
¼ cup sour cream
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
to taste fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the fries.
Prepare the Fries: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cut potatoes with olive oil. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss well, ensuring each fry is evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Bake the Fries: Lay the seasoned fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they become golden brown and crispy.
Heat the Chili: While the fries are baking, pour the chili into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Add Cheese: Once the fries are crispy, take them out of the oven and immediately sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese generously over the top. Return the fries to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and starts to bubble.
Assemble the Dish: Carefully remove the cheesy fries from the oven. Spoon the warm chili generously over the top of the loaded fries, ensuring an even distribution.
Garnish and Serve: Finish off your dish with a dollop of sour cream in the center, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and jalapeño slices if using. For an added burst of flavor, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

Serve on a colorful platter with extra sour cream and cilantro for garnish.

Keyword appetizer, cheese, chili, fries