Description

This ultimate comfort food combines crispy crinkle-cut fries topped with savory canned chili, melting cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a fresh garnish of diced jalapeños and green onions. It is a simple, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for quick, hearty weeknight meals that families will devour.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs frozen crinkle-cut fries
1 to 2 Tbsp oil (e.g., avocado or olive oil)
2 cans (15 oz each) canned chili (no beans or with beans, your preference)
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
2 to 3 medium fresh jalapeños
1 bunch green onions (scallions)
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

Cook Fries: Bake fries on a single layer on a large sheet pan or air fry per package directions for 15-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Heat Chili: While fries cook, warm chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until rich and fragrant. Add 1-2 Tbsp water or broth if needed to thin.
Prepare Topping: Finely dice jalapeños and thinly slice green onions; combine. Add chopped cilantro if using.
Assemble Base: Spread hot fries on an oven-safe platter, then spoon hot chili evenly over them.
Melt Cheese: Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Place in the oven or microwave for 1-3 minutes until bubbly and melted.
Garnish and Serve: Immediately top with the fresh jalapeño and scallion confetti. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use fresh confetti ingredients and quality chili. Sweet potato fries or plant-based chili are great substitutions. To lighten, use lean ground turkey in homemade chili. Avoid overcrowding fries to ensure crispness and watch cheese closely to prevent burning.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 generous serving (approx 440 g)
Calories: 900 calories
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 1300 mg
Fat: 55 g
Saturated Fat: 25 g
Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 85 g
Fiber: 7 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: easy dinner, comfort food, chili cheese fries, weeknight meal, spicy, cheesy, family-friendly, crispy, quick recipe, jalapeño