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- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup hearty chili (homemade or canned) - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper - 1/2 cup creamy sour cream - Fresh jalapeño and green onions - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper When making chili cheese fries, the ingredients are key to great taste. I choose large russet potatoes for their perfect fry texture. They turn crispy and golden when baked right. Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese is a must. It melts beautifully and gives that rich flavor everyone loves. For the chili, you can go homemade or use your favorite canned version. Both options work well. I often use hearty chili for a fuller taste. Don't forget the olive oil and seasonings! A dash of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper brings out the flavors. For a creamy touch, sour cream is fantastic. Fresh jalapeño and green onions add a nice crunch and brightness. If you want to spice things up, consider smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. They add a warm kick that makes the dish even better. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. You will love how simple these ingredients can transform into a delicious dish! First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy fries. Next, take four large russet potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into fry shapes. Place the cut fries in a large bowl. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toss everything together to coat each fry evenly. This makes sure they are tasty. Now, spread the fries out on a lined baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Bake the fries in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the fries. This helps them turn golden-brown all over. To get the best crispy texture, watch them closely. You want them to be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. While the fries bake, heat one cup of chili in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the chili now and then so it warms evenly. Once the fries are baked, pull them from the oven. Immediately sprinkle one cup of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot fries. This will make the cheese melt perfectly. For extra goodness, return the fries to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and melted. After that, drizzle half a cup of creamy sour cream on top. Garnish with chopped jalapeños and sliced green onions. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Enjoy your spicy chili cheese fries while they are hot and gooey. They are perfect for sharing or savoring on your own! If you want to see the full process, check the Full Recipe. To get the best fries, you want a crispy outside and a soft inside. Start with russet potatoes. They are starchy and fry well. Cut them into even sticks for uniform cooking. - Soak the cut fries in cold water for about 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps them crisp up. - Dry the fries well before adding oil and seasonings. Moisture can lead to soggy fries. - Use just enough oil to coat the fries lightly. Too much oil makes them greasy. You want your cheese to melt perfectly for that gooey goodness. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese. - Sprinkle the cheese on the fries right after they come out of the oven. This allows the heat from the fries to start melting the cheese. - Return the loaded fries to the oven for a few minutes. This creates a melty, bubbly cheese layer. If you want to try different cheeses, consider these alternatives: - Monterey Jack for a mild flavor with great melt. - Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. - Queso fresco for a crumbly texture. Chili cheese fries are great on their own, but you can enhance the meal with sides. - Serve them with a crisp salad or crunchy veggies to balance the richness. - Pair with a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch, to add flavor. For presentation, serve the fries on a large platter. This makes sharing easy. - Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions and jalapeños on top for color. - Use parchment paper under the fries for a rustic, casual look. For a full recipe, check out Spicy Velvet Chili Cheese Fries . {{image_4}} Chili cheese fries can be made in many exciting ways. Here are some fun ideas to try. Texas-style chili cheese fries are a popular take. They use a thicker, meatier chili. This chili is often spiced with cumin and topped with diced onions. You will love the rich flavors of Texas-style chili. Vegetarian chili options are great for those who prefer plant-based meals. You can use black beans, lentils, or mushrooms. These ingredients still pack a punch of flavor. They make a hearty, satisfying topping for your fries. You can add toppings like nacho cheese or avocado to your chili cheese fries. Nacho cheese gives a creamy, cheesy layer. Avocado adds a fresh, smooth texture that balances the heat. Both options make your dish even more delicious and fun. Another idea is to use sweet potato fries instead of regular ones. Sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness. They pair well with the spicy chili and cheese. This twist adds color and new flavors to your meal. For those needing gluten-free options, use gluten-free fries. Many brands offer frozen gluten-free fries. Just be sure to check the label. If you want low-calorie adaptations, try using less cheese or a lighter chili. You can also bake your fries instead of frying them. These changes keep the dish tasty while cutting down on calories. Experiment with these variations to find your favorite chili cheese fries recipe. For the full recipe, check out Spicy Velvet Chili Cheese Fries. To store leftover chili cheese fries, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents them from drying out. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the fries may lose their texture and flavor. When reheating, I recommend using an oven or an air fryer. These methods help maintain the crispiness of the fries. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the fries on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the fries soggy. You can freeze chili cheese fries for future meals. First, let them cool completely. Then, layer them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer again. This ensures the fries stay crispy and the cheese melts well. Chili cheese fries can last about three to four days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container for best results. Be sure to cool them down to room temperature before sealing. This helps keep them fresh and safe to eat later. Yes, you can make chili cheese fries without meat. Use a hearty vegetarian chili or a meat substitute like lentils or black beans. These options provide great flavor and texture. You can also add extra veggies to boost nutrition and taste. If you want a gluten-free base, try sweet potatoes or cauliflower. Both provide a tasty twist and work well in this dish. You can slice sweet potatoes into fries or mash cauliflower for a unique base. These alternatives are healthy and delicious. To spice up your chili cheese fries, add fresh jalapeños or diced serrano peppers. You can also sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. Experiment with different spicy sauces like sriracha or hot sauce to find your perfect heat level. For chili cheese fries, a thick and hearty chili works best. You can use classic beef chili or a spicy turkey chili. If you prefer vegetarian, go for a chili with beans and lots of spices. Choose a chili that matches your taste, and enjoy! For the full recipe, check out the Spicy Velvet Chili Cheese Fries! Chili cheese fries offer a delicious mix of flavors and textures. By following the outlined steps, you can create a tasty dish from scratch. Don't forget to experiment with toppings and variations to make it your own. Store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Whether you prefer classic or unique twists, chili cheese fries can satisfy many cravings. Enjoy making and sharing this comfort food classic!

Chili Cheese Fries

Elevate your snack game with these Spicy Velvet Chili Cheese Fries! Featuring crispy baked fries topped with melted cheddar, hearty chili, and a drizzle of creamy sour cream, this recipe is a flavor explosion that’s easy to make. Perfect for game days or cozy nights in, these indulgent fries will satisfy your cravings. Click to explore this delicious recipe and treat yourself to a mouthwatering experience!
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Ingredients
  

4 large russet potatoes, thoroughly washed and cut into fries

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon fresh jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder flavor)

1 cup hearty chili (homemade or your favorite canned variety, meat-based or vegetarian)

1/2 cup creamy sour cream

1/4 cup fresh green onions, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for those who crave extra spice)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Fries: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut russet potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Ensure each fry is well-coated. Spread the fries out evenly on a lined baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.

    Bake the Fries: Bake your seasoned fries in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to encourage a golden-brown, crispy texture on all sides.

      Heat the Chili: While the fries are baking, place the chili in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the chili occasionally, allowing it to warm through completely.

        Assemble the Dish: Once the fries are perfectly baked, take them out of the oven. Immediately sprinkle the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese generously over the fries, allowing it to melt slightly before adding the chili.

          Melt the Cheese: Return the loaded fries to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling with excitement.

            Add the Toppings: After removing the fries from the oven, drizzle creamy sour cream on top. Garnish with the chopped jalapeños and sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. If you're feeling adventurous, add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

              Serve: Serve the spicy chili cheese fries immediately while they are hot, gooey, and ready to be devoured. Enjoy a deliciously indulgent dish that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4