Chili Cheddar Fries from Culver's feature crispy golden fries topped with savory beef chili, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh diced onions, delivering a hearty and flavorful comfort food experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Saucepan or pot
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) frozen French fries
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese block
- 1/4 cup fresh diced onion
Using sharp cheddar cheese in block form allows you to grate fresh cheese for optimal melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties. Ground beef should be cooked thoroughly before combining with beans and tomatoes to create a rich, savory chili base. Fresh diced onions enhance the texture and taste, making sure to use a small onion for the chili and reserve some for topping. Frozen French fries must be cooked to a crispy golden brown in a deep fryer to replicate the authentic texture. Your homemade Chili Cheddar Fries from Culver's copycat menu will shine with these key ingredient choices and preparation techniques.
Instructions
- Instructions Needed:
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Grate cheddar cheese and set aside.
- Peel and dice small onion; separate into two portions (for chili and garnish).
- Mince garlic cloves.
- Heat saucepan or pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef to saucepan; cook until browned, breaking into crumbles.
- Add half of the diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onion is soft.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add kidney beans (drained and rinsed) and crushed tomatoes to beef mixture.
- Simmer chili for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook frozen French fries in deep fryer until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries; transfer to serving tray or plate.
- Ladle prepared chili over fries.
- Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over chili-topped fries.
- Top with fresh diced onion.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chili Cheddar Fries from Culver's copycat menu can be easily adapted to suit what you have on hand in the kitchen. If ground beef isn't available, ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work well as substitutes in the chili. Frozen French fries can be replaced with homemade fries or oven-baked potato wedges for a healthier option. Sharp cheddar cheese is key for the rich flavor, but you can use cheddar cheese slices or a cheddar blend if grating fresh cheese isn't feasible. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the chili powder and smoked paprika, to maintain the authentic bold flavor.
Tips
Make sure your deep fryer oil reaches a consistent 350degF (175degC) before cooking the fries to achieve a crispy texture without sogginess. When browning the ground beef, break it into small crumbles to ensure even cooking and better texture in the chili. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother melt and richer flavor. You should serve the Chili Cheddar Fries immediately after assembling to prevent the fries from becoming soggy under the chili and cheese toppings.
Nutritions
Chili Cheddar Fries provide a balanced mix of protein from ground beef and kidney beans, along with carbohydrates from the crispy French fries. Sharp cheddar cheese adds calcium and essential fats, while the fresh onions contribute vitamins and antioxidants. The dish contains spices like chili powder and cumin, which may help boost metabolism and add anti-inflammatory benefits. Your meal delivers a hearty combination of nutrients, but keep portion size in mind to manage calorie intake.
Storage
To store your Chili Cheddar Fries, separate the fries, chili, and cheese into airtight containers and refrigerate immediately to maintain freshness. Keep the chili in a sealed container to preserve its flavor and reheat gently on the stove, while the fries are best reheated in the oven or an air fryer to retain crispiness. Avoid storing the assembled dish to prevent sogginess, ensuring your meal stays delicious when reheated.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option that still maintains a rich flavor. Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a spicy kick to your chili cheese fries. You can bake the fries in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil if a deep fryer is unavailable, ensuring they stay crispy. Consider topping your dish with sliced jalapenos or a dollop of sour cream to enhance texture and flavor complexity.
Allergies
Chili Cheddar Fries contain common allergens such as dairy from the sharp cheddar cheese and possibly sulfites or preservatives found in canned kidney beans and crushed tomatoes. Ground beef and onions are generally safe, but your risk of allergic reaction could increase if you have a specific sensitivity to any spices like chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika. It's important to check all ingredient labels and consult with your allergist if you have concerns about potential livestock or spice allergies in this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Chili Cheddar Fries from Culver's restaurant are beloved for their satisfying combination of crispy fries topped with rich chili and melted cheddar cheese, delivering a hearty and flavorful experience. Their unique blend of savory chili spices and creamy cheese sauce creates a comforting indulgence that appeals to many fast-food enthusiasts. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference while replicating that iconic taste at home. Your homemade Chili Cheddar Fries can capture the original's delicious balance of textures and flavors, making it a rewarding dish to recreate.