Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (2024)

ThisChili Cheese Fries recipe is the perfect appetizer or main dish for parties, game day, or any time the craving hits. Crispy French fries are topped with a smoky chili and a rich, melty homemade cheese sauce. These are a crowd favorite!

There’s nothing more tempting than a big tray of gooey chili cheese fries when you need an easy appetizer recipe. With options like Pepperoni Pizza Dip, Roasted Guacamole, and Meatball Crescent Cups, you’ll never run out of ideas for your next gathering.

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (1)

Are you drooling yet? I mean, these melty, gooey, chili smothered French fries are what indulgent foodie dreams are made of!

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (2)

When I dropped this tray of french fry heaven in front of my family, it all but disappeared within mere minutes.

Everyone was a fan, and they’ve asked for it many times since! It’s perfect for game days, Super Bowl parties, and even for weekend movie nights like we enjoyed it for.

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (3)

Not only are these chili cheese fries incredibly delicious, they’re easy to make. The chili topping and the cheese sauce are both homemade, making every luscious bite rich and so flavorful.

Ingredients for Chili Cheese Fries

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (4)

frozen French fries //ground beef //onion //minced garlic //chili powder// cumin

salt + pepper //tomato paste //can of Rotel //can of kidney beans //butter

flour //onion powder //garlic powder //heavy cream //sharp cheddar cheese

How to Make Chili Cheese Fries – Step by Step

Step 1: Bake the Fries

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Linea large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper then add the French fries in an even layer.Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

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Step 2: Brown the meat

In the meantime, add the ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

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Step 3: Simmer

Stir in the tomato paste, Rotel, and kidney beans and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until it has thickened.

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Step 4: Prepare the cheese sauce

While the chili is simmering, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.Whisk in the flour until it starts to turn a light brown color. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt.

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Step 5: Whisk the cheese sauce

Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce starts to thicken.Add cheese to the pan one cup at a time. Allow it to fully melt before adding another cup.Once all the cheese has been added to the pan, continue to whisk until fully melted then remove the pan from the heat.

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Step 6: Assemble and serve

Add 4-5 large scoops of the chili to the fries then pour the cheese sauce over the top. Serve with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for garnish if desired.

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Tips and Notes

  • You can substitute the French fries for frozen tater tots, or even tortilla chips for chili cheese nachos!
  • The chili can be made with ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef.
  • This tastes best when served immediately. If the fries sit for too long they can get soggy, but they probably won’t last long enough for that to happen!
  • If making the chili ahead of time or to store on its own, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

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More Delicious Game Day Recipes You Might Enjoy!

  • Game Day Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Ball
  • Baked Buffalo Chicken Fingers
  • Cheesy Bacon Stuffed Mini Peppers

5 from 17 ratings

Recipe: Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Yield: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 45 minutes mins

TheseChili Cheese Friesare the perfect appetizer or main dish for parties, game day, or any time the craving hits. Crispy French fries are topped with a smoky chili and a rich, melty homemade cheese sauce. These are a crowd favorite!

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Ingredients

Chili

  • 32 ounces frozen regular or steak cut French fries
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 10 ounce can of Rotel, spice level to your preference
  • 16 ounce can of red kidney beans, drained

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Linea large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper then add the French fries in an even layer.Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even baking.

  • In the meantime, add the ground beef and onion to a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble the beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

  • Stir in the tomato paste, Rotel, and drained kidney beans and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 15 minutes or until it has thickened.

  • While the chili is simmering, prepare the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.Whisk in the flour until it starts to turn a light brown color. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, pepper, and salt.

  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce starts to thicken.Add cheese to the pan one cup at a time. Allow it to fully melt before adding another cup.Once all the cheese has been added to the pan, continue to whisk until fully melted then remove the pan from the heat.

  • Add 4-5 large scoops of the chili to the fries then pour the cheese sauce over the top. Serve with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for garnish if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute the French fries for frozen tater tots, or even tortilla chips for chili cheese nachos!
  • The chili can be made with ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef.
  • This tastes best when served immediately. If the fries sit for too long they can get soggy, but they probably won't last long enough for that to happen!
  • If making the chili ahead of time or to store on its own, place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer, Main Dish

Author: Ashlyn Edwards | Belle of the Kitchen

Calories: 1037kcal, Carbohydrates: 73g, Protein: 39g, Fat: 67g, Saturated Fat: 34g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 26g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 187mg, Sodium: 1589mg, Potassium: 1595mg, Fiber: 14g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1939IU, Vitamin C: 20mg, Calcium: 392mg, Iron: 8mg

Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @TheBelleoftheKitchen on Instagram or tag #BelleoftheKitchen.

This site contains affiliate links, if you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission.

Chili Cheese Fries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are chili cheese fries made of? ›

They're made with your choice of crispy fries layered with melty cheddar cheese, made-from-scratch beef chili, and all the best toppings!

Are chili cheese fries poutine? ›

Chili cheese fries is America's version of/answer to your poutine. It's a big plate of yummy, fried, messy, food-coma inducing goodness.

Does chili cheese fries contain meat? ›

Typically, chili cheese fries are smothered in beef chili. In my vegan version, I make homemade chili with plant-based ground meat instead. I love its hearty texture and smoky, spicy flavor in this recipe, but if you prefer, you can substitute regular veggie chili.

What main dish goes with french fries? ›

  • Here are some delicious foods that pair perfectly with French fries:
  • * Burgers: The quintessential combo! Fries are the perfect side for a juicy burger, whether it's a classic beef burger, a veggie burger, or even a salmon burger.
  • * Hot Dogs: A classic American pairing. ...
  • * Fried Chicken: Cr.
Oct 1, 2017

What does chili's fry their fries in? ›

All items are listed as served , unless otherwise noted. **Soy Allergies -Many of our foods contain soybean oil and our fried items are prepared in 100% soybean oil. Under FDA regulations highly refined soybean oil is not considered allergenic and is exempt from labeling.

Why did Mcdonald's discontinue the chilli cheese fries? ›

These were taken off the menu back in January, and McDs explained that they were on promotion for a limited time only.

What is poutine called in us? ›

The original Québec poutine now has cousins in the rest of Canada! In the United States, some restaurants of New York and New Jersey propose their own mix of fries, gravy and cheese, called « Disco Fries ».

What the heck is poutine? ›

Classic poutine is made of a plate of hot and crispy French fries, topped with chunks of just melting fresh cheese curds, and smothered in a savory and salty brown gravy. It can be found in anywhere from fast food joints to gussied-up versions in more upscale restaurants.

What is poutine called in New Jersey? ›

A variant of poutine called Disco Fries is considered a classic New Jersey diner dish, using shredded Cheddar cheese or mozzarella in place of cheese curds.

Who invented chili cheese fries? ›

Cheese fries have been said to have grown in popularity in the United States after canned cheese products such as Cheez Whiz were introduced in 1952. Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented the chili cheese fry variation, at the age of 16, in Tomball, Texas.

What kind of cheese does Wendy's use on their cheese fries? ›

Our natural-cut, skin-on, sea-salted fries topped with warm, creamy cheese sauce, shredded cheddar, and crispy Applewood smoked bacon.

What cheese does Weinersnitchel use? ›

A Wienerschnitzel favorite! Golden brown French Fries topped with Wienerschnitzel's world famous, secret recipe Chili and melted shredded cheddar cheese.

What do French people dip their fries in? ›

Mayonnaise

Mayo is the go-to fry dip in Belgium, France, and the Netherlands where they call the sauce fritessaus (fries sauce); it's a little sweeter and less fatty than your typical Canadian mayo.

What do British people eat with french fries? ›

On French fries, usually ketchup, sometimes mayonnaise, quite often salt and vinegar. On chip shop chips, salt and vinegar and nothing else.

What does McDonald's fry their fries with? ›

Once in our kitchens, we cook them in our canola-blend oil so you can have them crispy and hot—just the way you like them. Want to hear more about our fry ingredients? Get the down low on how we flavor our fries.

What does chili cheese contain? ›

CORN, VEGETABLE OIL (CORN AND/OR CANOLA OIL), WHEY, SALT, SPICES, MALTODEXTRIN (MADE FROM CORN), CHEDDAR CHEESE (MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), POTASSIUM SALT, TOMATO POWDER, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, ONION POWDER, NATURAL FLAVORS, ROMANO CHEESE (COW'S MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES), DEXTROSE, SUGAR, ...

Are chili cheese fries unhealthy? ›

Key Takeaways: Indulge in chili cheese fries in moderation due to their high calorie, fat, and sodium content. Consider healthier alternatives like baked fries and reduced-fat cheese for a guilt-free treat. Chili cheese fries are low in protein and fiber but high in carbohydrates.

Where does chili cheese fries come from? ›

Don A. Jenkins is said to have invented the chili cheese fry variation, at the age of 16, in Tomball, Texas. Another report claims that a young fry cook named Austin Ruse was the first to serve this dish while working at Dairy Queen in St. Charles, Missouri.

What are Mcdonald's fries made out of? ›

French Fries

Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [wheat And Milk Derivatives]*), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (maintain Color), Salt. *natural Beef Flavor Contains Hydrolyzed Wheat And Hydrolyzed Milk As Starting Ingredients.

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