What kind of fries should I use?

The classic choice is good old-fashioned French fries, but you can get creative here. Sweet potato fries, waffle fries, or even tater tots would all work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they're nice and crispy!

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils in the chili. And for the cheese, go for a dairy-free or vegan alternative. The possibilities are endless!

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make these loaded fries a bit more figure-friendly, try using baked or air-fryed fries instead of fried. You can also use lean ground turkey or chicken in the chili, and load up on the veggies like diced onions, peppers, and tomatoes.

Can I prep this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make this a make-ahead meal! The chili can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Then, just bake the fries and assemble everything right before serving.

What are some tasty topping ideas?

The sky's the limit when it comes to toppings! Try sour cream, jalapeños, green onions, bacon bits, guacamole, pico de gallo, or even some crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos for an extra kick of flavor.

Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Irresistible Sweet & Salty Mashup

Ingredients

– 4 large russet potatoes
– 2 cups chili (canned or homemade)
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions
– 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Cut the russet potatoes into fries and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes.
Drain the fries and pat them dry, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
While the fries are baking, heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oven and layer with the chili and shredded cheese.
Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
Serve immediately, topped with sour cream, green onions, and jalapeños if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, you can fry the potatoes instead of baking them.

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences, such as adding diced tomatoes or olives.

Author: Astrid
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Sweet & Salty Mashups 🍰
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 600 kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: fries, chili, cheese, snack