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The Best Ultimate Game Day Chili Cheese Fries Bar

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This Ultimate Game Day Chili Cheese Fries Bar is the perfect crowd-pleaser for Super Bowl parties or casual weekends. It features crispy fries topped with hearty chili, smooth cheese sauce, and a build-your-own toppings bar for a customizable, indulgent experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best; can substitute ground turkey)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 bag (28 oz) frozen crinkle-cut fries (or steak fries)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt for sprinkling
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (warm)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup pickled jalapeños
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • Hot sauce of choice (e.g., Cholula)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the frozen fries in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  2. While the fries bake, start the chili. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (6-8 minutes). Leave about a tablespoon of fat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne. Stir constantly for 1 minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Add the kidney beans. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Make the cheese sauce about 5 minutes before the fries are done. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens (2-3 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the Dijon mustard and cayenne. Taste and add salt if needed.
  5. While everything cooks, prep the toppings bar: dice the tomatoes, slice the green onions, chop the cilantro, and cube the avocado. Arrange everything in small bowls.
  6. Assemble the fries bar: transfer the baked fries to a large platter or leave on the baking sheet. Ladle the chili over the fries. Drizzle with cheese sauce. Let everyone add their own toppings.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from a block to avoid graininess. Keep cheese sauce on the side for customizable servings. Toast spices to deepen flavor. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with 1½ cups cooked lentils or plant-based meat substitute.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/the-best-ultimate-game-day-chili-cheese-fries-bar/