Fully Loaded Chili Cheese Fries Explosion
A delightful comfort food dish featuring crispy fries smothered in hearty chili and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for gatherings and indulgent nights in.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 750kcal
Ingredients
For the fries
- 1 bag frozen crinkle-cut fries For a crispy base
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil Used to coat the fries before baking
For the chili
- 1 can 15 oz spicy chipotle baked beans Adds heat and flavor to the chili
- 1/2 lb ground beef or plant-based alternative Your choice of protein
- 1 tbsp tomato paste To enhance the chili flavor
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds smokiness to the dish
- to taste salt & pepper For seasoning
For the cheese sauce
- 1 tbsp butter Used as a base for the sauce
- 1 tbsp flour To thicken the cheese sauce
- 3/4 cup milk To create the sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar For a rich cheese flavor
For garnishing
- to taste sour cream or Mexican crema For added creaminess
- to taste diced red onions For a crunchy topping
- to taste fresh chopped cilantro For freshness
- to taste hot sauce or chipotle drizzle Optional for extra heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and toss the frozen crinkle-cut fries in vegetable oil until well-coated. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and irresistibly crisp.
Cooking the chili
- In a large skillet, brown your choice of ground beef or plant-based alternative over medium heat.
- Mix in the spicy chipotle baked beans, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
Making the cheese sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, then add the shredded cheddar and whisk until melted.
Assembly
- Once the fries are baked, layer them on a large serving plate. Spoon the chili mixture over the fries.
- Drizzle the cheese sauce on top and add sour cream, diced red onions, and cilantro as desired.
- Finish with a splash of hot sauce or chipotle drizzle if desired.
Notes
For extra crispy fries, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adding lime juice to toppings brightens the dish. Customize with jalapeños or avocado for flavor variations.