Game Day Chili Cheese Fries

The first time I made chili cheese fries for a Super Bowl party, my husband looked at me like I had completely lost my mind trying to fry potatoes while tending to a simmering pot of chili. But then that first tray came out of the oven, bubbling and golden, and suddenly everyone was hovering around the kitchen island like hungry teenagers. Now it is the most requested game day food I make, and I have learned that the secret is in the timing of getting everything hot at once.

Last winter during the playoffs, my brother in law actually arrived two hours early just to help me prep the chili because he loved it that much. We stood in the kitchen drinking beer and chopping onions while the house filled up with the smell of toasted spices and browning beef. Those moments of casual cooking company are exactly why I love making food meant for sharing.

Ingredients

• French fries: Frozen work beautifully here but fresh cut ones give you that extra crispness that holds up better under the chili
• Ground beef: The fat content adds essential richness, but I sometimes mix in some ground turkey for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor
• Red bell pepper: This adds natural sweetness that balances the heat from the spices and creates a more complex chili
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Buy a block and shred it yourself because pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent proper melting
• Chili powder and smoked paprika: These are the backbone of the flavor profile, with the smoked paprika adding that deep barbecue essence
• Beef broth: Use a good quality broth since it reduces down and concentrates in the chili
• Kidney beans: Make sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove the canned taste and excess sodium

Instructions

Get the fries going first:

Toss them with olive oil and salt on a large baking sheet, spreading them into a single layer so they crisp rather than steam. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get golden and crunchy.

Start the chili base:

While the fries bake, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper, sautéing for another 2 minutes until the pepper begins to soften.

Brown the beef:

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for about 6 minutes until fully browned and no pink remains.

Toast the spices:

Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for just 1 minute until fragrant, which wakes up the spices and deepens their flavor.

Simmer the chili:

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth, mixing everything together well. Bring it to a simmer then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chili thickens nicely.

Assemble and melt:

Transfer the crispy fries to a large ovenproof dish, spoon the hot chili evenly over the top, and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar. Return to the oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble in spots.

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One of my favorite memories is watching my normally picky nephew tentatively try a bite and then immediately ask for his own plate. There is something universally appealing about crispy cheesy potatoes topped with savory chili that brings out the kid in everyone.

Make Ahead Strategy

The chili actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. I often make it the day before a party and just reheat it gently while the fries bake, which makes the whole process feel much less rushed and lets me actually enjoy the pregame festivities.

Cheese Choices

While sharp cheddar is classic, I sometimes mix in some pepper jack for extra heat or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt. The key is using freshly grated cheese because it melts into that beautiful gooey blanket that pulls apart in strings when you take a bite.

Serving and Storing

These need to be served immediately because the texture changes as they sit, which is honestly never a problem at my house. Have your sour cream, extra green onions, and hot sauce ready on the table so people can customize their portions.

• Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for everyone to customize their own serving
• If you have leftovers, store the chili and fries separately and reheat them before combining again
• A cold beer or crisp cider is the perfect pairing to cut through all that rich cheese and beef

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There is something so satisfying about watching a room full of people digging into a platter of these, all conversation pausing for that first delicious bite. Game days are about the food just as much as the score.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Toss fries with olive oil and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet before baking at high temperature, turning halfway for even crispness.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, ground turkey or plant-based mince work well to create a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dish.

→ What spices give the chili its flavor?

Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper combine to create a warm, smoky, and mildly spicy profile.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chili ahead and reheat it before assembling with fresh baked fries and cheese.

→ What can I serve alongside for a complete meal?

Pairs nicely with a crisp lager, IPA, or a simple green salad to balance richness.