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LAST UPDATED: • FIRST PUBLISHED: By 24 Comments

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries for a Crowd

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Chili Cheese Waffle Fries for a Crowd are packed with big flavor! Great for lazy dinners and entertaining a crowd.

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries title image

Seasoned waffle fries topped with homemade chili, gooey melted cheese with some jalapeno slices and scallions to boot. Sound good?

This is a relaxed main dish or appetizer that can be eaten as finger food (think Nachos) or plated.

Whether wanting a satisfying, soul-warming lazy meal, for game day or entertaining a crowd these Chili Cheese Waffle Fries are a hit every time.

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries on a sheet pan

What are Chili Cheese Waffle Fries?

Typical Chili Cheese fries are a bed of hot French fries, smothered in chili and topped with melted cheddar cheese.

It’s comfort food at its best!

This Chili Cheese Waffle Fries recipe uses prepared seasoned waffle fries.

The seasoned waffle fries add more flavor and a nice texture to the recipe. They make it easy too!

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries with jalapeno slices

Homemade chili adds an irresistible depth of flavor.

Loads of cheese, a combination of mild cheddar and Colby/Jack cheeses, add the finishing touch.

A sprinkle of scallions slices and jalapeno slices (if you are so bold) and your meal is set!

Mild Cheddar and Colby/Jack Cheese grated on a white plate

Homemade Chili: A Stand-Alone Recipe!

The chili cheese fries recipe is actually two recipes in one.

The homemade meat chili can be served by itself without the rest of this recipe. Once you try it you’ll think of many ways to use the homemade chili other recipes.

The chili is bold in flavor and spices. If tasted before it’s combined with the fries and cheese, it might seem too spicy.

It does calm down a bit when fully incorporated in the chili fries.

Homemade Chili TIP

Like most chili this one gets better with age so can be made up to a few days prior to preparing the chili cheese waffle fries.

Warm the homemade chili up while the waffle fries are cooking and the recipe can be done in about 30 minutes.

Homemade Chili with jalapeno slices

Is this Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, depending on the waffle fries used. The homemade chili is naturally gluten-free.

Can Leftovers be Reheated?

No worries if you aren’t ‘a crowd’. I’ve made these chili cheese waffle fries then we’ve had leftovers and served them reheated the next day.

Though the fries were not as crisp, the dish transformed into a hungry man’s lasagna of sorts. Everyone loved it!

More Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love:

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overhead image of a sheet pan with Texas-Inspired Chili Cheese Fries, garnished with fresh jalapeno slices and scallions

How to Make Chili Cheese Waffle Fries – Step by Step:

sheet pan of Texas-Inspired Chili Cheese Fries.

Chili Cheese Waffle Fries for a Crowd

These Chili Cheese Waffle Fries are topped with homemade chili with ground meat and fiery spices. The chili is a dish itself and can be made outside of this recipe for a meal. 
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chili cheese fries, chili cheese fries for a crowd, waffle fries
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 10 5 1/2 cups chili;
Calories: 345kcal
Author: Toni Dash

Ingredients

  • 2 packages Seasoned Waffle Fries
  • 1 cup grated Mild Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 cup grated Colby/Jack Cheese
  • 3 Scallions , cleaned and cut into slices
  • 1 large Jalapeno Pepper , seeded and cut into slices for garnish (optional)

Ingredients for the Texas-style Chili:

  • 2 pounds Ground Beef
  • 1 small Yellow Onion , peeled and chopped
  • 2 large Garlic Cloves , peeled and diced
  • 1 large Jalapeno Pepper , seeded and diced
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Chiles (e.g. Ancho powder, Chimayo Powder, etc); I used Mild Chimayo Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground Cumin
  • ¾ teaspoons ground Coriander
  • ½ teaspoon Chipotle Chile Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 8 ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 3 cups Water
  • 2 tablespoons Masa Harina

Instructions

Instructions for Texas-Style Chili:

  • In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until no red color remains. Stir periodically during cooking, breaking up the meats into small pieces.
  • Add the onions and garlic; stir to combine. Allow to cook 1-2 minutes.
  • Add all the seasonings and spices, tomato sauce, and water (everything except the masa harina). Stir to fully combine. Bring to a boil then reduce temperature to a low simmer and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the masa harina and stir to incorporate. Allow to simmer 20 more minutes.

Instructions for the Chili Cheese Fries:

  • Cook each bag of waffle fries to the package instructions, each bag on a separate baking sheet. If making while the chili is cooking, time the fries to finish when the chili does. If the chili was cooked prior, warm it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through while the fries are cooking.
  • When the fries are done cooking remove them from the oven but leave the oven on. Add the second batch to the first baking sheet spreading the fries to be one layer though they may overlap. Spoon the chili evenly over the fries. Sprinkle with the grated cheese and return to the oven to cook until the cheese is melted (3-4 minutes).
  • When the cheese has melted, remove the baking sheet from the oven, sprinkle with the jalapeno slices and the green onions and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 443mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 7.3mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 2.8mg

Originally published: January 29, 2016

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

TONI DASH

Toni Dash head shot

Toni Dash, is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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    Recipe Rating




  5. krissy says

    5 stars
    Whoever thought to put chili and fries together is a genius. This looks decedant! I will be adding this to my dinner menu!

    Reply

  9. Rosey says

    Yep, that’s definitely a crowd pleaser. I can see the familiy whoopin’ it up when I set those out on the table.

    Reply

  11. Jeanine says

    Oh my gosh. I’ve never had chili cheese fries before and this? Looks AMAZING. Would love to try these and I think my family would LOVE them too!

    Reply

  12. Brandy says

    I had to pin this to my Happy Food board, looks delicious! I will have to make this for a fun little get together!

    Reply

  13. Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says

    God bless you, you used waffle fries like a sensible southern (Texas?!) woman should. This look fantastic!

    Reply

  20. Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says

    Cheese. Meat. Fries.
    Three of my favorite foods IN LIFE.
    And yes, this is a struggle to see in January when I’m working on doing better w/ my diet.

    Reply
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