Description
Indulgent bacon-wrapped chili cheese fries featuring crispy thick-cut bacon wrapped around golden fries, topped with savory homemade chili and melted cheese. Perfect comfort food appetizer for game day, parties, or any gathering. This ultimate loaded fries recipe combines multiple textures and flavors for an unforgettable dining experience.
Ingredients
2 lbs thick-cut frozen fries or russet potatoes (for homemade)
12–15 thick-cut bacon slices
2 cups homemade chili or 1 can (15 oz) quality chili
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup diced red onions (optional)
2–3 jalapeños, sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Toothpicks for securing bacon
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare fries by baking store-bought frozen fries according to package directions, or cut fresh russet potatoes into thick strips, toss with oil and seasonings, then bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
3. While fries are cooking, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep warm and set aside.
4. Remove fries from oven once crispy and let cool for 2-3 minutes to handle safely.
5. Cut bacon slices in half crosswise. Take each fry and carefully wrap with half a bacon slice, securing with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place bacon-wrapped fries back on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
7. Bake bacon-wrapped fries for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and golden brown.
8. Remove from oven and immediately top each fry with warm chili and both types of shredded cheese.
9. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Optional: Turn on broiler for 1-2 minutes for extra crispy tops, watching carefully to prevent burning.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with optional toppings: sour cream, diced onions, and jalapeño slices.
12. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Remove toothpicks before eating.
Notes
For best results, use thick-cut steak fries or russet potatoes cut into thick strips.
Choose high-quality bacon for better flavor and crispiness.
Homemade chili works best, but quality canned chili is a good substitute.
Cheese blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides optimal flavor and meltability.
Serve immediately to maintain crispiness.
These can be prepared ahead by cooking fries and chili separately, then assembling and baking just before serving.
Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in oven at 350°F.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 pieces
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg