Name: Cajun Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 4 Russet Potatoes; Vegetable Oil For Frying; Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning; 1 Can Condensed Cheese Soup; ¼ Cup Whole Milk; 2 Teaspoons Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning; 1 Sweet Onion Diced; 2 Pound Lean Ground Beef; 2 Can Petite Diced Tomatoes; 8 Ounces Tomato Sauce; 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste; 1 Box Tony Chachere’s Original Chili Seasoning Mix; 2 Cups Beef Broth; 2 Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese

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Brace yourself for the ultimate comfort food experience, because today we’re diving into the world of Cajun Chili Cheese Fries. This irresistible dish is a fusion of crispy hand-cut fries, soul-hugging chili, and a zesty Cajun cheese sauce that brings a little Louisiana heat to every bite. Whether you’re feeding friends for game day or just treating yourself, these loaded fries promise to deliver spiced-up flavor and gooey, melty satisfaction. Trust me, once you try these, regular chili cheese fries just won’t hit the spot anymore!

Cajun Chili Cheese Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of high-impact ingredients transform into a dish with such a bold punch! Each element in these Cajun Chili Cheese Fries is carefully chosen for the best taste, texture, and mouthwatering color—nothing unnecessary, just the very essentials.

Russet Potatoes: The ultimate choice for fries thanks to their fluffy interior and crisp skin.
Vegetable Oil: Gives you that classic golden crunch, perfect for deep frying potatoes.
Tony Chachere’s Original Creole Seasoning: Brings spicy, herby Cajun flavor to both the fries and the cheese sauce for a true Southern punch.
Condensed Cheese Soup: The base for a rich, silky cheese sauce that clings to every fry.
Whole Milk: Loosens the cheese sauce for a dreamy pourability.
Sweet Onion: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the savory heartiness of the chili.
Lean Ground Beef: Gives the chili body and texture—plus tons of flavor.
Petite Diced Tomatoes: Offer juicy bursts in every spoonful of chili.
Tomato Sauce: Adds a velvety richness and deep red color to the chili mixture.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili to perfection.
Tony Chachere’s Original Chili Seasoning Mix: Delivers robust Cajun-inspired spices and all the complexity you need without measuring a dozen different jars.
Beef Broth: Layers in meaty depth for a chili that’s genuinely crave-worthy.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Perfect for melting on top and adding that signature gooey finish to your loaded fries.

How to Make Cajun Chili Cheese Fries

Step 1: Prep and Soak the Fries

Start by washing and slicing your Russet potatoes into half-inch sticks—think classic fry shape! Soak these in cold water for about an hour. This not only draws out excess starch but also makes for super crispy fries later. A quick rinse afterwards, and your potatoes are ready for their hot oil bath!

Step 2: Double-Fry for Maximum Crunch

Heat your vegetable oil to 300 degrees F. Fry the potatoes in batches for 5 to 7 minutes until they look pale but slightly tender. Drain them, crank up the oil to 400 degrees, and drop the fries in again for a final 5 to 7 minutes. This two-step frying yields that signature crispy outside with a fluffy inside. Immediately sprinkle with Creole seasoning for an instant flavor boost!

Step 3: Whip Up the Cajun Cheese Sauce

While your fries are doing their thing, whisk together condensed cheese soup, whole milk, and Creole seasoning in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. The whole kitchen will smell smoky-spicy as the sauce thickens and the flavors meld—don’t be surprised if someone peeks in to ask what you’re making!

Step 4: Simmer the Cajun Chili

In a Dutch oven or large skillet, sauté the diced sweet onion with the lean ground beef until everything is browned nicely. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Chili Seasoning Mix, and beef broth. Simmer the whole thing for 30 minutes, letting the chili bubble and thicken as the flavors intensify into meaty, spicy bliss.

Step 5: Assemble and Indulge

Pile those crispy seasoned fries onto a platter. Drench with Cajun cheese sauce, then spoon over a generous helping of hearty chili. Shower everything with sharp cheddar cheese. The heat from the chili and fries melts the cheese just right—go ahead, grab a fork and dig in!

How to Serve Cajun Chili Cheese Fries

Garnishes

Adding the right garnish elevates your Cajun Chili Cheese Fries from delicious to unforgettable! Scatter freshly sliced scallions, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, or a few dollops of sour cream for bright contrast. If you like extra spice, try a dusting of cayenne or hot sauce, or for extra crunch, a handful of crispy fried onions.

Side Dishes

These fries can easily be the main event, but if you’re turning this into a full feast, pair with an ice-cold slaw, Cajun-spiced corn on the cob, or a tangy cucumber salad. All these sides complement the spicy-saucy richness of the fries, balancing your meal with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving Cajun Chili Cheese Fries straight from a cast iron skillet or on a wooden board for that rustic, sharing-table vibe. Or divide them into individual parchment cones or small bowls for a fun appetizer spread—great for parties, movie nights, or backyard gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cajun Chili Cheese Fries, store each component separately in airtight containers. Keeping the fries, chili, and cheese sauce apart ensures you’ll get the best texture when reheating and serving again.

Freezing

Both the chili and cheese sauce freeze beautifully! Just cool them completely, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to three months. Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze blanched (first-fried) fries and finish the second fry directly from frozen.

Reheating

Reheat the chili and cheese sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot, stirring now and then. To revive leftover fries, spread them on a baking sheet and re-crisp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes before topping and serving again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fries instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, high-quality frozen fries work well. Just bake or fry them until crispy, then season with Creole seasoning before adding toppings.

What if I don’t have Tony Chachere’s seasoning?

You can substitute with another Cajun or Creole seasoning blend from the store, or make your own by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and a bit of salt and pepper.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s spiced but not overwhelming. If you’re nervous about heat, simply use a little less Creole seasoning in both the fries and cheese sauce—or, for more fire, add extra cayenne or hot sauce to suit your taste!

Can I make Cajun Chili Cheese Fries vegetarian?

Yes! Swap in plant-based ground meat for the beef and use vegetable broth in the chili. You can also opt for a dairy-free cheese sauce if needed, and the results are just as delicious.

What’s the best way to serve this for a party?

Keep all toppings in separate warm bowls and let everyone create their own serving of Cajun Chili Cheese Fries. It’s interactive, fun, and allows guests to layer up just the way they like.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, showstopping, and irresistibly flavorful, you can’t go wrong with these Cajun Chili Cheese Fries. There’s nothing like crispy fries smothered in bold chili and creamy cheese to bring everyone to the table. Go ahead, make a big batch and watch the smiles appear—these fries just might become your new comfort food tradition.