Description
A quick, indulgent, and customizable weeknight meal made with frozen fries, chili, and melted cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal prep and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 pounds frozen French fries (crinkle-cut or steak fries)
- 2–3 cups chili (homemade or jarred)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3–4 green onions, sliced
- 1–2 jalapeños, sliced or diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Spread frozen fries in a single layer on the baking sheet. Do not crowd the pan.
- Bake fries for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- While fries bake, heat the chili in a saucepan or microwave until hot.
- Remove fries from the oven and immediately sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over them.
- Turn on the oven broiler. Place the pan back in the oven 6 inches from the heat source and broil for 1-2 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and ladle hot chili over the cheesy fries.
- Top with crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Do not thaw frozen fries before baking. Use a single layer to ensure crispiness. Serve immediately to prevent sogginess. For dietary modifications, use gluten-free fries/chili or dairy-free alternatives. Leftover chili can be frozen separately; do not freeze the fries.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/6 of
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: chili cheese fries, football party food, weeknight dinner, quick meals, comfort food, easy recipes, family friendly