Why We Love These Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

These vegan chili cheese fries have become a staple in our house. Even the little ones can’t get enough of them. A quick tip, serve these with a fork for the little ones (and adults) to avoid a chili-covered mess! This recipe offers the ultimate blend of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.

• Crowd-pleasing Comfort Food: These chili cheese fries deliver bold flavors and comforting textures. The gooey vegan cheese, hearty chili, and satisfying carbs make them an instant hit. They embody everything you crave in comfort food.
• Easy to Customize: The best part is that you can adjust these to your taste. Use your own favorite chili recipe, swap out the fries for a different kind, and add extra toppings like Quick Pickled Red Onions to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Indulgent Without the Guilt: These chili cheese fries are undoubtedly indulgent, but not in a way that will leave you feeling heavy and sluggish. The plant-based ingredients keep them relatively light, allowing you to enjoy the experience without overdoing it.

Essential Ingredients for Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to whip up these amazing vegan chili cheese fries. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions.

For the Vegan Chili:

• Olive Oil: Use olive oil or any other cooking oil you prefer as a base for sautéing your aromatic ingredients.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are the foundation of the chili’s complex flavor profile. They provide a savory depth that enhances the overall taste.
• Vegetables: Carrot, red bell pepper, and chili pepper contribute flavor and texture. These veggies boost the chili’s nutritional value. They also provide contrasting textures that create a more interesting bite.
• Vegan Meat Alternative Crumbles: If you prefer not to use store-bought crumbles, try using hydrated TVP (textured vegetable protein) or crumbled tempeh. These alternatives offer a similar texture and protein content.
• Chili Seasonings: A blend of chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and sea salt creates a warm, smoky, and savory flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes make the process quick and easy. These contribute acidity, sweetness, and body to the chili.
• Tomato Sauce: It creates a thick and hearty base. Remember, a soupy chili is not ideal for chili cheese fries, so we want a rich and concentrated flavor.
• Red Beans: Use red beans or your favorite chili bean for added texture and protein. Different beans will create varying flavor complexities.
• Vegetable Broth: Homemade is best! Homemade Vegetable Broth will add depth and complexity to the chili.

For Assembling the Vegan Chili Cheese Fries:

• Frozen French Fries: Choose your favorite type of fries – crinkle-cut, wedge, or steak fries. The most important consideration is that they are sturdy enough to hold the chili and cheese without becoming soggy.
• Vegan Cheddar Cheese: Vegan cheddar cheese is delicious. Vegan pepper jack is another option to experiment with. A high-quality vegan cheese will melt well and provide that gooey, cheesy texture we crave.
• Optional Toppings: Take it to the next level by adding fresh chopped scallions, cilantro, jalapeños, or a dollop of Vegan Sour Cream for extra zest.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Vegan Chili Cheese Fries

If you’re planning to make these for a party, you can cook the chili up to 3 days in advance. Preparing the chili ahead of time simplifies the assembly process, saving you time and effort when you’re ready to serve.

• Bake the Fries: Spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or follow the package instructions if different. Alternatively, use an air fryer for a quicker, crispier outcome.
• Start the Chili: While the fries bake, begin preparing the chili. Sauté the onion in olive oil until softened, then add garlic, carrot, bell pepper, and chili pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

• Add the Vegan Crumbles: Add the vegan meat crumbles and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Season the Chili: Introduce the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
• Simmer: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, red beans, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chili has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Assemble: Transfer the baked fries to a skillet or a parchment-lined baking sheet. Generously spoon the prepared chili over the fries, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded vegan cheddar cheese evenly on top.
• Melt: Bake the assembled fries in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
• Serve: Remove the chili cheese fries from the oven and garnish as desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Delicious Variations and Topping Ideas

Here are some fun and creative ways to customize this recipe and make it your own.

• Experiment with Different Vegan Chili Recipes: Use any vegan chili recipe you love, but ensure it’s thick and not overly soupy. If your chili has too much liquid, drain off excess liquid using a slotted spoon before adding it to the fries. Consider these options: Vegan Pumpkin Chili, One Pot Red Lentil Chili, or Vegan Chili in a Slow Cooker.
• Swap in Homemade Fries: Why not opt for homemade fries? Sweet Potato Fries would be a wonderful variation and add a touch of sweetness and extra flavor.
• Consider Queso or Cheese Sauce: For extra gooeyness and to maintain crispier fries, spoon warm chili and warm Vegan Queso or Vegan Cheese Sauce over the fries. Serve immediately without baking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Add your favorite toppings! Guacamole, diced avocado, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, or anything else you love with chili. These will add flavor depth.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the fries will become soggy, so it’s best to eat what you can in one sitting.
• To Reheat: Reheat the fries in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the chili, cheese, and fries are warmed through.

More Vegan French Fry Recipes

• Truffle Fries
• Garlic Fries (Baked or Fried!)
• Loaded Nacho Fries