Chili Cheese Fries from Skyline Chili feature crispy golden fries topped with savory Cincinnati-style chili, melted cheddar cheese, and diced onions, delivering a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying comfort food experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fries basket
- Saucepan
- Ladle
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet (optional, for melting cheese)
- Spatula or tongs
- Serving plate or tray
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion (plus extra for topping)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Russet potatoes are ideal for achieving crispy golden fries due to their high starch content and low moisture. When selecting ground beef, choose a lean variety to balance the richness of the Cincinnati-style chili. Freshly grating cheddar cheese enhances melting quality and flavor compared to pre-shredded options. Be sure to finely dice onions both for the chili base and as a topping to maintain the authentic texture and taste of the dish. Your Chili Cheese Fries from Skyline Chili copycat menu will deliver the perfect combination of savory chili, melted cheese, and crispy fries that satisfy comfort food cravings.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Peel and cut potatoes into fries.
- Rinse and dry potato fries thoroughly.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry potatoes in batches until golden and crispy.
- Drain fries on paper towels and season with salt.
- Grate cheddar cheese; set aside.
- Dice one onion; set aside extra for topping.
- Mince garlic cloves.
- In a saucepan, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to beef; sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder.
- Add tomato sauce, beef broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer chili on low heat for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally; remove bay leaf.
- Preheat oven to broil (optional, for melting cheese).
- Arrange fries on a serving plate or baking sheet.
- Ladle hot chili over fries.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
- (Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with diced onions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chili Cheese Fries from Skyline Chili copycat menu deliver a rich blend of crispy fries topped with flavorful Cincinnati-style chili and melted cheddar cheese. You can substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly different taste and added nutrients while maintaining the crispy texture when fried. If you don't have beef broth, use water mixed with a beef bouillon cube to replicate the savory depth of the chili. Grated cheddar cheese can be replaced with a blend of sharp white cheddar and mozzarella for a more complex cheese flavor. When preparing, ensure your oil temperature is consistent to achieve perfectly crispy fries without absorbing excess oil.
Tips
Ensure your russet potatoes are thoroughly rinsed and completely dried before frying to achieve maximum crispiness. Maintain oil temperature at a steady 350degF (175degC) while frying fries in small batches to prevent sogginess and uneven cooking. When simmering chili, stirring occasionally helps develop rich flavors and prevents burning; remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. Your cheddar cheese will melt more evenly if you broil the assembled dish briefly; watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Nutritions
Chili Cheese Fries from Skyline Chili provide a substantial source of protein and iron from the ground beef, which supports muscle growth and oxygen transport in your body. The russet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber that contribute to sustained energy release and digestive health. Cheddar cheese adds calcium and vitamin D, promoting strong bones, while the spices like chili powder and cumin contain antioxidants aiding in inflammation reduction. Your meal combines protein, carbs, and fats, offering a balanced option for a comforting yet nutrient-dense indulgence.
Storage
Store any leftover chili cheese fries in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You can refrigerate the fries and chili separately for up to 3 days to prevent sogginess. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to crisp the fries again and melt your cheese topping evenly.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a natural sweetness and nutritional boost to your chili cheese fries. For a quicker cooking process, consider baking the fries at 425degF (220degC) for 30-35 minutes instead of deep frying, which yields a healthier option. Using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar introduces a spicy kick to complement the rich chili flavors. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or textured vegetable protein to maintain a similar texture and protein content.
Allergies
Chili Cheese Fries from Skyline Chili contain common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese and potential trace amounts of gluten in Worcestershire sauce. Ground beef and spices like chili powder and cumin may also cause sensitivities or allergic reactions in some individuals. Your best option is to check each ingredient label carefully if you have food allergies or sensitivities before enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
Skyline Chili's Chili Cheese Fries combine perfectly seasoned chili, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy golden fries, creating a rich blend of textures and flavors that fans crave. The unique recipe features a mild but flavorful chili made with a blend of spices that complements the fries without overpowering them. Making a copycat version allows you to enjoy this iconic dish at home, customizing ingredients to your taste while saving on restaurant costs. Your homemade batch will capture that distinctive Skyline experience, satisfying cravings anytime.