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- 4 large russet potatoes - 1 can (15 oz) chili (any style, meat or vegetarian) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup sour cream - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced - ¼ small red onion, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) To make loaded chili cheese fries, start with large russet potatoes. They are the best choice for crispy fries. You need about four of them. Next, grab a can of chili. You can choose meat or vegetarian chili based on your taste. The chili brings warmth and heartiness to your fries. Shredded cheddar cheese is key for that melty goodness. Use about two cups. It will create a creamy layer over the fries. For toppings, sour cream adds a cool contrast. A sliced jalapeño brings heat, while chopped red onion adds crunch. Don't forget olive oil, salt, and pepper to season your fries. Lastly, fresh cilantro can add a pop of color and flavor if you like. These ingredients come together to create a satisfying treat that you will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat will make the fries crispy. 2. Rinsing and slicing the potatoes: Rinse the large russet potatoes under cold water. Scrub them well to remove dirt. Slice the potatoes into 1/4 inch thick fries. This size helps them cook evenly. 3. Mixing with olive oil and seasoning: In a large bowl, add the sliced fries. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over them. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the fries until they are fully coated. 1. Arranging on the baking sheet: Place the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This keeps them from sticking. 2. Cooking time and flipping instructions: Bake the fries for 30 to 35 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden and crispy when done. 1. Heating the chili: While the fries bake, pour the chili into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Stir it often until it warms through. 2. Adding cheese and guiding the baking process: Once the fries are crispy, take them out of the oven. Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the fries. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble nicely. 3. Topping with chili and other garnishes: After the cheese melts, take the fries out again. Spoon the hot chili over the fries, covering them well. Add dollops of sour cream on top. Then, sprinkle thin jalapeño slices and finely chopped red onion for added flavor. If you like, add fresh cilantro for a nice touch. Serve the loaded fries warm for the best taste. To get those fries nice and crispy, start with the right cut. Slice the russet potatoes into even pieces, about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly and become crispy. Baking in a single layer is key. Spread the fries out on your baking sheet. This way, hot air can reach all sides of the fries. If they overlap, some will turn soggy instead of crispy. You can add fun toppings to make your dish pop. Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also mix in toppings like roasted garlic or olives for extra flavor. For serving, place the loaded fries on a big platter. This looks great and makes sharing easy. Add a few extra jalapeño slices and fresh cilantro on top for color. One mistake is over-seasoning or undercooking the fries. Too much salt can ruin the taste. If they're not cooked long enough, they will be soft. Aim for a golden brown color for the perfect fry. Another common issue is not letting the cheese melt well. After adding cheese, pop the fries back in the oven. This helps the cheese become gooey and delicious. If you skip this step, your dish will not be as tasty. Pro Tips Choose the Right Potatoes: Use russet potatoes for their high starch content, which will give you that perfect crispy texture. Don’t Skip the Flip: Flipping the fries halfway through baking ensures they cook evenly and become golden brown all over. Mix Up the Cheese: For a more complex flavor, consider mixing different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack with the cheddar. Serve Immediately: Loaded fries are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is still gooey and the fries are crispy. {{image_4}} You can switch to plant-based cheese for a healthy twist. Many brands offer great flavors. This keeps the dish tasty without meat. You can also make your own chili. Use beans, lentils, or veggies for a filling mix. This way, you control the flavors and nutrition in your meal. Wanna add heat? Use fresh peppers like jalapeños or serranos. You can slice them thin and toss them on top. If you like it hotter, try habaneros. They pack a punch! Banana peppers are mild and sweet, perfect if you want less heat. Adjust based on your taste for the best chili cheese fries. Cheese is key, but you can mix it up! Try adding Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for something bold. Unique toppings make it fun too! Add sliced avocado for creaminess or crispy bacon bits for crunch. These small changes can take your loaded fries to the next level. To keep your fries fresh, first let them cool. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat. Avoid stacking the fries too high, as this can cause them to get soggy. Use a container that fits the fries well. A shallow, wide container works best. This helps keep the fries from getting squished. If you have extra chili, store it separately in a different container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. When it's time to eat your leftovers, you want crispy fries again. For the best results, reheat them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the fries on a baking sheet. Bake them for about 10-15 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even heat. If you have chili, heat it in a saucepan over low heat. Stir it often to avoid burning. This keeps the chili smooth and warm. Once both the fries and chili are ready, top the fries again with chili and cheese. Enjoy your loaded chili cheese fries just like before! Russet potatoes are the best choice for making fries. They have a high starch content, which makes them fluffy inside and crispy outside. Other types like Yukon Gold or red potatoes can work, but they may not be as crispy. Russets hold their shape and give a nice texture when fried or baked. Yes, you can prepare parts in advance. Cut and season the potatoes, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, bake them straight from the fridge. You can also heat the chili in advance and keep it warm. Just reheat the fries in the oven to make them crispy again. Look for food trucks or diners that serve loaded fries. They often have fun toppings and unique chili recipes. In some regions, try local favorites like Tex-Mex spots for spicy twists. Popular chains often have their own versions, but local joints may surprise you with their creativity. You now have a simple guide for making Loaded Chili Cheese Fries. Start with russet potatoes, add chili and cheese, then finish with your favorite toppings. Remember to bake them for a crispy finish and avoid common mistakes. You can customize your dish with different spices and toppings. Enjoy leftovers by storing them properly. With these steps, you can impress friends and family with a tasty meal. Get ready to enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish anytime!

Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

Crispy fries topped with chili, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili (any style, meat or vegetarian)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 whole jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 0.25 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it's ready for crispy fries.
  • Rinse the russet potatoes under cold water, scrubbing them to remove any dirt. Slice the potatoes into equal-sized fries, approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cut fries with olive oil, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Toss them well until every fry is thoroughly coated with oil and seasoning.
  • Lay the fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, which helps with easy cleanup. Bake the fries for 30-35 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through the cooking time to achieve a uniform golden and crispy texture.
  • While the fries are baking to perfection, turn your attention to the chili. Pour the chili into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's warmed through.
  • As soon as the fries are out of the oven and crispy, sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become beautifully bubbly.
  • Once the cheese is melted, take the loaded fries out of the oven. Carefully spoon the hot chili over the top, ensuring every fry is covered in chili goodness.
  • Enhance the dish by adding dollops of sour cream on top, followed by a sprinkle of thin jalapeño slices and finely chopped red onion for an extra flavor pop.
  • For a fresh finish, garnish with a sprinkle of cilantro if desired. Serve the loaded fries immediately while they’re warm and gooey for the best experience.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the loaded fries on a large platter or individual bowls, and consider adding extra jalapeño slices and cilantro on top for color and freshness.
Keyword appetizer, cheese, chili, fries