Chilli Cheese Fries from TGI Friday's feature crispy golden fries topped with savory chili, melted cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of green onions, delivering a hearty and flavorful snack with a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and crunchy elements.
Equipments
- Deep fryer or oven
- Baking sheet or fryer basket
- Saucepan
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle or spoon
- Serving plate or tray
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) frozen French fries
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 can (15 oz/425g) kidney beans
- 1 can (14.5 oz/410g) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 green onions
Using frozen French fries ensures a crispy texture similar to the original dish, while fresh ground beef provides a rich, savory base for the chili. Be sure to finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic to evenly distribute their flavors throughout the chili mixture. Kidney beans and diced tomatoes add hearty body and moisture, enhancing the dish's authentic taste. Proper seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper is essential to achieve the balanced spicy flavor typical of Chilli Cheese Fries. Your homemade version will closely replicate the satisfying blend of spicy chili, melted cheddar, and crunchy fries found on TGI Friday's copycat menu.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer or oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Arrange frozen French fries on baking sheet or place in fryer basket.
- Cook fries until golden and crispy; set aside.
- Dice yellow onion and mince garlic on cutting board.
- Heat saucepan over medium heat; add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to beef; cook until softened.
- Stir in kidney beans (drained), diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato paste.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer chili mixture for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Grate cheddar cheese.
- Slice green onions.
- Place cooked fries on serving plate or tray.
- Spoon hot chili over fries using ladle or spoon.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over chili.
- Broil or bake assembled fries briefly to melt cheese, if desired.
- Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Chilli Cheese Fries from TGI Friday's copycat menu can be easily customized based on what you have available in your kitchen. If you don't have kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans make a great substitute that still provides texture and protein. Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Use pre-shredded cheese to save time, and omit the green onions if you prefer a milder topping or garnish with chives or parsley instead. Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level, ensuring your chili matches your desired spice tolerance.
Tips
Ensure the frozen fries are spread out evenly on the baking sheet or fryer basket for uniform crispiness. When browning ground beef, break it apart thoroughly to avoid clumps and promote even cooking. Simmer the chili long enough to let flavors meld while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For best results, add the cheese topping just before serving and broil briefly to achieve a perfect melt without drying out the fries.
Nutritions
Chilli Cheese Fries from TGI Friday's provide a rich source of protein from ground beef and kidney beans, supporting muscle repair and satiety. The dish contains carbohydrates from crispy French fries, offering quick energy, while cheddar cheese adds calcium and fat for bone health and flavor depth. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika contribute antioxidants and may boost metabolism. You can enjoy this indulgent snack with an understanding of its balance between macronutrients and flavorful seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover Chilli Cheese Fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 375degF (190degC) to crisp the fries and evenly warm the chili and cheese without losing texture. Your meal will taste better if you avoid microwaving, which can make the fries soggy and the cheese rubbery.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap frozen French fries for hand-cut fresh potatoes tossed in olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika for a more robust flavor and crispier texture. Replace ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat substitute to cater to dietary preferences or lower fat content. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar to add a creamy, spicy kick that enhances the chili's heat. You can also finish the dish with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to balance the spices and add extra creaminess to your Chilli Cheese Fries.
Allergies
Chilli Cheese Fries from TGI Friday's contain common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and potential latex-fruit syndrome triggers in green onions. The ground beef and kidney beans may also pose issues for those with specific meat or legume allergies. You should check all ingredients carefully if you have food sensitivities or allergies related to dairy, nightshades, or legumes.
Why this recipe?
Chilli Cheese Fries from TGI Friday's are loved for their perfect balance of crispy fries topped with rich, melted cheese and flavorful chili, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The dish offers a comforting indulgence that appeals to those who enjoy bold, savory flavors with a hint of spice. Making a copycat version at home allows you to customize the ingredients to your preference, ensuring fresh quality while saving money. Your creation can capture the same addictive appeal, making it a worthy and fun cooking challenge.