Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry features crispy golden fries generously topped with melted cheddar cheese, savory bacon bits, and a drizzle of their signature chili, delivering a hearty and flavorful indulgence with a crispy and gooey texture combination.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry basket
- Baking sheet
- Oven or microwave
- Cheese grater
- Saucepan (for chili)
- Ladle or serving spoon
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Russet potatoes are best for achieving crispy golden fries due to their high starch content, while using fresh vegetable oil ensures optimal frying quality. Sharp cheddar cheese melts well, providing that gooey texture integral to the Bacon Cheese Fry, so grate it freshly for the best results. Bacon should be cooked until crispy to add a savory crunch that complements the smooth chili topping made from ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and spices. You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference. Your homemade version of Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry combines these elements, delivering the same hearty, flavorful indulgence with perfectly balanced textures.
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut russet potatoes into fries on a cutting board with a knife.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil.
- Place fries in fry basket and fry until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries with tongs and drain on a baking sheet.
- Grate cheddar cheese using cheese grater.
- Chop bacon and cook until crispy; set aside.
- In a saucepan, brown ground beef with chopped onion and garlic.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper.
- Simmer chili until thickened.
- Place hot fries on a serving plate or baking sheet.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over fries.
- Heat in oven or microwave until cheese melts.
- Ladle warm chili over cheesy fries.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry copycat menu offers a delicious combination of crispy fries topped with melted cheddar, savory bacon bits, and rich chili sauce that replicates the indulgent original. If fresh russet potatoes are unavailable, frozen fries can be used as a convenient alternative, though frying time may vary. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef in the chili and substitute with textured vegetable protein or beans while keeping the seasoning intact. When grating cheddar cheese, choosing a sharp variety enhances the flavor profile and melts more smoothly over the fries. You can bake the assembled fries in the oven if a deep fryer is not accessible, ensuring the cheese melts evenly without sogginess.
Tips
Make sure your vegetable oil reaches the correct temperature (around 350degF) before frying potatoes to achieve crispy, golden fries without sogginess. When browning the ground beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and better flavor development. Use freshly grated cheddar cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties for optimal melting and texture. You'll want to serve the loaded fries immediately after assembly to maintain the perfect combination of crispy fries, gooey cheese, savory chili, and crunchy bacon.
Nutritions
Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry combines hearty calories from russet potatoes fried in vegetable oil with protein-rich cheddar cheese and bacon, making it a calorie-dense comfort food. The ground beef-based chili adds iron, zinc, and B vitamins, enhanced by garlic and onion for added antioxidants. While this dish provides essential nutrients, it is also high in saturated fat and sodium due to the cheese, bacon, and seasoning, so moderation is key for maintaining a balanced diet. You can enjoy this indulgent combination as an occasional treat while balancing your overall nutrient intake throughout the day.
Storage
Store leftover Bacon Cheese Fry in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, and reheat in the oven at 350degF for 10-15 minutes to restore the crispy texture and melted cheese. To enjoy the full flavor and texture, your fries are best consumed within this timeframe.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and additional nutrients. Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack if you prefer a spicier cheese variety that adds a creamy texture. Instead of frying, bake the fries on a baking sheet with vegetable oil for a lower-fat option with a crisp exterior. Use ground turkey in place of ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining the dish's hearty protein base.
Allergies
Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry contains common allergens such as dairy from cheddar cheese and pork from bacon. The dish also includes ingredients like garlic and onion, which some people may find irritating or sensitive to. You should be cautious if you have allergies to dairy, pork, or specific spices used in the chili seasoning.
Why this recipe?
Gold Star Chili's Bacon Cheese Fry menu combines crispy fries topped with savory chili, melted cheese, and smoky bacon, creating a rich and indulgent flavor profile that appeals to many. The bold contrast of textures and hearty ingredients offers a satisfying treat that stands out from typical fry options. You can replicate this popular dish at home to enjoy the unique blend of cheesy, meaty, and spicy tastes while saving money and customizing toppings to suit your preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to bring the restaurant experience into your kitchen with fresh, customizable ingredients.