Chili cheese fries are a classic comfort food that all ages can enjoy. The dish includes French fries, chili, and loads of toppings and cheese. Freshly made chili seems the best choice for this dish, but if you’re in a pinch and don’t have the time to make chili from scratch, canned chili is an easy way to enjoy this delicious dish. So, are you wondering how to make chili cheese fries with canned chili? Read ahead and find out!
Can You Make Chili Cheese Fries with Canned Chili?
The answer is yes! Making chili cheese fries with canned chili is a great way to save time in the kitchen. Canned chili is cooked, so you only have to heat it and pour it over your fries. Additionally, many types of canned chili are available, so you can choose whichever type suits your taste best. Plus, it is often more affordable than buying fresh ingredients for homemade chili.
Tips to Remember
Here are some tips to remember when making chili cheese fries with canned chili:
- Not all types of canned chili will work well when making chili cheese fries. Look for a thick and hearty type, such as one made with ground beef or turkey. This will ensure that your chili cheese fries hold up under the heat and don’t turn into a soggy mess.
- You can season the chili before adding it to your cheese fries. Add garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and any other spices you like to give your chili an extra kick of flavor.
- You can change the French fries to frozen tater tots or even use tortilla chips to make chili cheese nachos instead!
- You can also use fresh potatoes if you do not want frozen French fries.
- If you are a bit health conscious about avoiding oil, air fry the French fries. You can also bake them in the oven until they are golden and crunchy.
- You can use your favorite cheese to top this dish. Adding feta cheese or cottage cheese is also a good and healthy choice.
Variation Ideas
Let us explore variations you can make using canned chili when making chili cheese fries.
- Meat: Although there are so many amazing topping ideas regarding canned chili, you can always add extra meat for a more protein-rich dish. Leftover meat like chicken or turkey works great. You can also add diced ham or bacon bits. Leftover steak is also a perfect choice.
- Salsa: One way to customize your chili cheese fries is by adding salsa. You can use either homemade or store-bought salsa for this recipe. Salsa comes in different spice levels. If you prefer a spicier version, opt for hot salsa; if you want something milder, go for mild or medium salsa instead.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is another delicious addition to chili cheese fries that adds flavor and texture. Its creamy yet tangy taste pairs perfectly with the flavors of the canned chili. You can also top it up with plain yogurt.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables is a great way to bulk up your chili cheese fries and make them even more nutritious! You can add vegetables such as diced onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, jalapenos, or whatever other vegetables you like best!
- White Sauce: This is another great way to add flavor and texture to your chili cheese fries! You can use store-bought white sauce or make your own by combining butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder over medium heat until thickening.
- Cheese Sauce: To create this delicious topping, combine cheddar cheese with cream or milk in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and smooth. Spoon it over each portion of chile cheese fries before baking them in the oven for an extra cheesy finish.
How to Store Chili Cheese Fries
When storing chili cheese fries, I recommend you prepare and store everything separately and combine just before serving. However, if you have leftover chili cheese fries, you can place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to two days. You can reheat it in the oven or air fryer. But because there is a chance that the fries will get soggy, I recommend you don’t focus on storing leftovers. Since it is a very simple dish, you can make it quickly and with almost no effort.
How to Make Chili Cheese Fries with Canned Chili
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP vegetable oil
- 1 (26-ounce) bag of frozen French fries
- 4 cups canned chili
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- Chopped green onions, as desired
- Jalapeno, as desired
- Olives, as desired
- Bell pepper, as desired
Instructions
- Pour oil into a saucepan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add frozen French fries and fry until they are crispy and the color turns golden.
- Transfer the fries to a skillet, pour canned chili evenly on top, and sprinkle olives, jalapeno, and bell pepper. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to cover evenly.
- Place it on the top shelf of a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
How to Make Chili Cheese Fries with Canned Chili
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP Vegetable oil
- 1 26-ounce bag of frozen French fries
- 4 cups canned chili
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- Roughly chopped green onions as required
- Jalapeno as required
- Olives as required
- Bell pepper as required
Instructions
- Pour oil into a saucepan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add frozen French fries and fry until they are crispy and the color turns golden.
- Transfer the fries to a skillet, pour canned chili evenly on top, and sprinkle olives, jalapeno, and bell pepper. Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to cover evenly.
- Place it on the top shelf of a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
FAQs
Can You Put Spinach in Chili?
Yes, you can certainly put spinach in chili. Simply chop it and add it during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to maintain its texture and color.
Can You Use Red Onion in Chili?
Red onion can be used in chili, although it has a slightly milder flavor compared to white or yellow onions. Dice the red onion and sauté it with your other vegetables before adding to your chili.
Can You Put Cilantro in Chili?
Cilantro can be added to chili for a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor. Add chopped cilantro as a garnish or during the last few minutes of cooking to retain its brightness.
Can You Use Navy Beans in Chili?
Yes! They hold their shape well during cooking and have a tender, creamy texture. Simply substitute navy beans for other beans in your recipe, making sure to adjust cooking times if needed.
Can You Freeze Chili?
Chili can be easily frozen, making storing leftovers or meal-prepping a breeze. Properly stored, chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.