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Easy Loaded Chili Cheese Fries: Perfect Halloween Party Treat

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This easy loaded chili cheese fries Halloween party platter features crispy fries layered with slow-simmered chili and a mountain of melted cheese, all on a spooky black platter. It’s a shareable, indulgent crowd-pleaser that comes together in about 30 minutes of active work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor; drain excess fat if needed)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 bag (28 ounces) frozen shoestring fries (or crinkle-cut)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Black olives, sliced
  • Ghost-shaped tortilla chips (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread frozen fries in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder and smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Bake fries for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Keep warm in a 200°F oven if needed.
  3. While fries bake, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
  4. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  6. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let bubble gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  7. Arrange crispy fries on a serving platter in an even layer. Spoon hot chili evenly over the fries.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top while chili is still hot. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for extra gooeyness.
  9. Dollop sour cream over the top. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and black olives. Arrange ghost-shaped chips around edges if using.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is stretchy.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for best melt. Don’t skip fry seasoning. Watch chili consistency—it should be thick, not watery. Layer strategically so every bite has a bit of everything. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded chili cheese fries, Halloween party platter, chili cheese fries, easy appetizer, crowd-pleaser, spooky platter

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-loaded-chili-cheese-fries-perfect-halloween-party-treat/