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The Best Easy Chili Cheese Fries Bar for Game Day

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A customizable chili cheese fries bar with crispy fries, hearty chili, creamy cheese sauce, and a variety of toppings, perfect for game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 bag (28-32 oz) frozen crinkle-cut or straight-cut fries
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt for sprinkling
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • Pinch of cayenne
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4–5 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, drained
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Hot sauce of choice (e.g., Cholula, Tabasco)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Start the chili: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes). Leave about 1 tbsp fat in the pot. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Build the chili base: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper; toast for 30 seconds. Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let bubble gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add kidney beans in the last 5 minutes.
  3. Cook the fries: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake according to package directions (18-22 minutes), flipping halfway. Add 2 extra minutes for extra crispiness. Sprinkle with salt immediately.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until mixture thickens (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mustard powder, and cayenne until smooth.
  5. Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (6-8 minutes), flipping once. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
  6. Set up the bar: Arrange chili in a large bowl or slow cooker, cheese sauce in a small pot, and all toppings in individual bowls. Place hot fries on a large platter or let guests grab their own plates.
  7. Assemble and serve: Each person starts with fries, then ladles chili, drizzles cheese sauce, and adds desired toppings. Order: chili first, then cheese sauce, then cold toppings.

Notes

For extra crispy fries, bake 2-3 minutes longer than package directions. Shred cheese from a block for smoother sauce. Chili can be made up to 3 days ahead. Keep fries separate until serving to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili cheese fries, game day food, loaded fries, party appetizer, comfort food

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/the-best-easy-chili-cheese-fries-bar-for-game-day/