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Chili Cheese Fries

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These cajun chili cheese fries feature crispy homemade french fries, fiery chili, and two kinds of cheese. You’ve got to try this craveable side dish. Disclosure: Today's post is sponsored by Tony Chachere's. All opinions are this yummy recipe are my own. 

french fries topped with beefy chili, shredded cheese, and green onions in a white square dish.

Chili Cheese Fries are one of my favorite side dishes. They’re full of so many yummy flavors and textures and great for sharing. I love serving them on game day or as a side to burgers or hotdogs.

Why You’ll Love These Fries

  • Super Crispy: Follow my double fry method for crunchy fries every time.
  • Shortcut Chili: Add ground beef to Tony Chachere’s Chili Seasoning Mix for chili that is ready in no time.
  • Tons of Cheese: I couldn’t decide between shredded cheese and cheese sauce, so I used both!

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips

  • Potatoes: Use Russet potatoes if possible as they’re high in starch but low in moisture. This leads to a fry that is crunchy on the outside yet fluffy on the inside.
  • Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning: Add a punch of flavor with just one seasoning. Look for it near the spices or in the international aisle.
  • Cheese Soup: Do not add water, use the soup as it is undiluted. It makes a wonderful easy sauce.
  • Tony Chachere’s Chili Seasoning Mix: Chili usually requires a lot of different seasonings some of which you may not have or that may not have been used in a while. I love this mix as it tastes amazing and makes chili making a breeze. I used the Original variety, but a mild version is also available to suit your family's tastes. 
  • Cheese: Shred your own cheese if possible for the smoothest melt. Pre Shredded varieties contain fillers that can lead to a grainy melt.

homemade french fries topped with chili with beef.

cajun double fried french fries topped with chili and cheese.

How To Make Chili Cheese Fries

  1. Make Fries: Soak and then fry french fries. Increase heat and fry for a few more minutes. Dust with Creole seasoning.
  2. Make Cheese Sauce: Combine all ingredients and simmer.
  3. For the chili: Brown ground beef and onion. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer.
  4. Assemble Top fries with cheese, cheese sauce, and chili. Enjoy!

Tips

  • Make-Ahead: Make cheese sauce and chili up to a day ahead. 
  • Double Fry: Don’t be tempted to just turn up the temperature and just fry them once. This ensures the middle is cooked through, and the outside is golden brown not burnt.
  • Serve Immediately: The fries are best enjoyed right after you make them.

a large plate of cajun chili cheese fries garnished with green onions.

More Appetizers To Try

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📖 Recipe

Cajun Chili Cheese Fries

These cajun chili cheese fries feature crispy homemade french fries, fiery chili, and two kinds of cheese. You’ve got to try this craveable side dish.
5 from 14 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Cajun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 560kcal

Ingredients

For the Fries:

  • 4 Russet Potatoes
  • Vegetable Oil For Frying
  • Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning

For the Cajun Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 Can Condensed Cheese Soup
  • ¼ Cup Whole Milk
  • 2 Teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning

For the Chili

  • 1 Sweet Onion Diced
  • 2 Pound Lean Ground Beef
  • 2 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes
  • 8 Ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 Box Tony Chachere’s Original Chili Seasoning Mix
  • 2 Cups Beef Broth

Putting It All Together:

  • 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
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Instructions

For the Fries

  • Slice Potatoes into around ½ inch pieces.
  • Soak in water for around 1 hour. Rinse in cold water.
  • Heat oil to 300 degrees F. Fry for 5-7 minutes. Remove from oil.
  • Increase temperature to 400 degrees and fry for around 5-7 more minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels and immediately sprinkle with 3 teaspoons of Creole seasoning.

For the Cheese Soup

  • Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Simmer for around 3 minutes.

For the Chili

  • Cook onion and ground beef until softened and browned.
  • Add remaining ingredients. Simmer for around 30 minutes.

To Assemble

  • Top french fries with cajun cheese sauce, chili, and shredded cheese. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 133mg | Sodium: 1061mg | Potassium: 1836mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 935IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 381mg | Iron: 7mg
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5 from 14 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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10 Comments

  1. wilhelmina says:

    5 stars
    These fries are so delicious they are almost irresistable! We had them with burger, but they will be great as a snack or game day app also. So yummy!

  2. 5 stars
    This was a really huge hit with my kids! Quickly became a favorite!

  3. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness these are amazing!! I’m making them again this weekend!

  4. 5 stars
    Love the heat added to the cheese sauce! These were so delicious.

  5. 5 stars
    wow! What a great idea for party or an appetizer! Everyone will love it in our family!

  6. 5 stars
    This is an amazing appetizer! My kids really enjoyed it!

  7. 5 stars
    This was exactly what I've been craving! Love it!

  8. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says:

    5 stars
    Love all of these Chili Cheese Fries ingredients!

  9. 5 stars
    THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITESSS! Can't wait to try this version of yours!

  10. 5 stars
    Ooh, those look so good! I love chili cheese fries, and these are some of the best I've seen. Yum!