The Easiest Chili Cheese Fries

Name: Chili Cheese Fries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 20 oz. bag frozen, seasoned waffles fries; 12 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1.5-2 cups chili; sour cream; thinly sliced green onion; sliced jalapeno; diced red onion

Jump to Recipe

These chili cheese fries are one of the easiest recipes ever! Seasoned waffle fries are smothered in melty cheese, homemade chili, and a mix of fresh toppings to create an appetizer the whole family will love! With only 5 ingredients and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, these chili cheese fries can be ready - with minimal prep work - for your family movie night or game day celebration!

Chili cheese fries on a baking sheet drizzled with sour cream and garnished with green onion

Table of Contents show

Ingredients and Substitutions

Frozen Seasoned Waffles Fries - You can find seasoned waffle fries at the grocery store in your frozen food aisle. Try to find the seasoned fries as they'll have more flavor. Otherwise add your own favorite seasonings or make your own with my super easy baked fries recipe. With just potatoes, olive oil, and spices you can have your own delicious homemade fries.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese - I like using sharp cheddar because it’s the perfect balance to any spice or smokiness in the chili, plus it melts perfectly. You can buy pre-shredded, or buy a block and shred it yourself. If you're more into cheese sauce on your chili fries, try my homemade crockpot cheese sauce!
Chili - Choose your favorite chili! Whether this is store bought, or homemade, you can’t go wrong. Check out my recipes for Beef and Beer Chili, Short Rib Chili, and 30 Minute Instant Pot Chicken Chili if you need a new recipe.
Sour Cream - I prefer to use full-fat sour cream for the best flavor and texture.
Green Onion, Sliced Jalapeno, Red Onion - Slice or dice these fresh veggies and add them to your piping hot chili fries when they come out of the oven.

Instructions

Bake fries according to package directions. While the fries are baking, simmer your favorite chili recipe in a large pot on the stove over medium heat. Add about ⅓ of the shredded cheese in an even layer across the fries.

Crispy waffle fries on a parchment lined baking sheet topped with shredded cheese

Spoon chili mixture over the cheese.

Crispy waffle fries on a parchment lined baking sheet topped with shredded cheese and chili

Then top chili with the remaining cheese.

Bake at 425 degrees for about 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Add sour cream, green onions, jalapenos. and onions, and enjoy!

Freshly baked chili cheese fries garnished with green onion

Tips

This chili cheese fries recipe works best with a thick chili. That's what makes leftover chili perfect for this recipe! As your chili sits in the fridge, it's going to thicken up. Thick chili will have the perfect texture for these delicious chili fries!
To keep the mess to a minimum, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

Variations + Toppings

Don't be afraid to get a little wild with these chili cheese fries. Use this recipe as a blueprint and add all your favorites! Some of our family favorites include:

diced tomatoes
crispy bacon
diced avocado
diced bell pepper
fresh chopped cilantro
easy homemade salsa
homemade cheese sauce

Overhead shot of chili cheese fries on a baking sheet drizzled with sour cream and garnished with green onion

Easy Homemade Chili Recipes

Chili is one of those recipes that requires very few ingredients - typically a protein like ground beef, kidney beans, tomato paste or tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin and garlic powder - and even the most novice of home cooks can make it with ease! If you've never made chili before, I highly recommend you check out of my super easy recipes!

Whether you're looking for a meaty chili filled with shredded beef or a plant-based chili with black beans and lentils or a game day favorite made with a hoppy IPA, I've got you covered! Here are some of our family's favorites:

FAQ

What are chili cheese fries made of?

Chili cheese fries are made of crispy French fries that are then topped with chili and melted cheese, along with a variety of other toppings like green onions and jalapenos.

Who has the best chili fries?

You do when you make this recipe! I’m sure everyone has their favorite restaurant-made chili fries, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with homemade. Being able to customize your toppings is a total game changer!

What kind of cheese goes on chili?

A cheddar cheese is typically paired with chili. I prefer sharp cheddar as it's strong flavor stands up to the all the spices of the chili. You can also use mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

Make-Ahead: You can make the chili ahead of time, but these chili cheese fries are best when fresh from the oven.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Reheating: To reheat your chili cheese fries, put them on a sheet pan in the oven at 350 degrees until they are warmed through and the cheese is melted.