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Crispy Loaded Chili Cheese Fries

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A quick and easy snack featuring crispy fries topped with savory chili and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family gatherings and casual hangouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries
  • Vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying (or olive oil if baking)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for GF option)
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
  • Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry frozen fries in batches for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season immediately with salt and pepper. (If baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake fries on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes.)
  2. While fries cook, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk, making sure no lumps form. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Arrange crispy fries on an oven-safe dish or platter. Spoon generous amounts of chili over the fries, then drizzle the cheese sauce on top.
  9. Scatter sliced jalapeños and chopped green onions over the loaded fries. Add sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired.
  10. Serve immediately while hot to keep fries crispy and cheese sauce gooey.

Notes

If cheese sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen before serving. Fry fries in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Baking fries is a healthier alternative; flip halfway through baking. Season each layer well for best flavor. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy fries, chili cheese fries, loaded fries, snack recipe, easy snack, comfort food, cheesy fries

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-loaded-chili-cheese-fries-recipe-easy-best-snack-idea/