Description
This isn’t just a snack—it’s a full-on experience. Golden, crispy fries smothered in rich, savory chili, blanketed in molten cheddar, and finished with a pop of fresh green onions (plus all your favorite toppings). Perfect for game day, movie night, or any time you want a hearty, indulgent treat!
Ingredients
Fries & Chili:
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1 (28 oz) bag frozen French fries (steak fries or crinkle-cut recommended)
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2 cups chili (homemade or canned; beef, turkey, or vegetarian options work)
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1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melt)
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¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional Toppings:
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt
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Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños
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Hot sauce
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Crispy crumbled bacon
Instructions
1. Bake the Fries
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Preheat oven and bake fries according to package instructions.
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Pro-tip: Add 3–5 extra minutes for a sturdier, crispier base. Spread fries in a single layer to avoid steaming.
2. Heat the Chili
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While fries bake, warm chili in a saucepan over medium heat.
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If using refrigerated homemade chili, add a splash of water or broth for perfect spoonable consistency.
3. Assemble the Fries
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Transfer hot fries to an oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
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Spoon chili evenly over fries, leaving some peaks of fries exposed for texture.
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Sprinkle shredded cheese over chili-covered fries.
4. Melt the Cheese
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Switch oven to BROIL.
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Broil fries 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
5. Garnish & Serve
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Sprinkle chopped green onions and optional toppings over the fries.
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Serve immediately while cheese is stretchy and fries are at their peak crispness.
Notes
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BBQ Bacon Ranch: Swap chili for pulled pork or baked beans, use a cheddar/Monterey Jack blend, drizzle with ranch, and add crumbled bacon.
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Loaded Potato Style: Skip chili; top fries with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives.
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Spicy Fiesta: Use chorizo-beef chili, Pepper Jack cheese, jalapeños, sriracha, and fresh cilantro.
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Breakfast of Champions: Top fries with breakfast sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, and cheddar, then broil.
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Air Fryer Version: Cook fries in air fryer until crispy; assemble with chili and cheese in air fryer-safe dish; cook 3–4 minutes at 370°F.