We’re back in the mix, aren’t we.
Back from vacation. Back to school. Back rifling through the closet for our cowl neck sweaters. Back contemplating hot tea and where the pumpkin comes from in pumpkin lattes.
I love Fall. I’m totally in to win. Most Fall nights I just want to appreciate the comforts of a big grey sweater and two fingers of fine bourbon (who says that!?… I do). The only trouble is that I go into Fall kicking and screaming…. like the jerky-est five-year old you’ve ever met… that’s me. The fact is, I’m being crispy for no reason. Crispy in attitude… and no one likes that.
I thought I’d transfer my crisp demeanor to the oven. It’s time for fries, like major.
These Baked Chili Cheese Fries are one of my favorite recipes in the Joy the Baker Cookbook. Yea… I bake from my own book because I’m weird, and sometimes I just really need fries from the oven.
There’s a trick to these baked fries. They’re coated in all the flavorings of chili, but not actually coated in a spoonful of chili.
It’s a food illusion. Less soggy. More crisp. No fork necessary.
Chili spices include: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and a spicy ancho chili powder (for kicks).
Rustically peeled potatoes. For looks and laziness.
Cutting potatoes into French Fries always feels fancy to me.
It the geometry confuses you (because it totally did me)… here’s a more detailed description of how to slice the fry.
Sliced raw potatoes are coated in olive oil and Worcestershire sauce then tossed with an all-purpose grill seasoning mix. I used a pre-packed dry rub barbecue seasoning.
Time for layer number two! Cornstarch and chili seasonings.
Layers are working hard.
These are ready for the oven. I’ve already called dibs on the spicy number in the lower left corner.
Once the fries are cooked through and spiced, let’s add cheese and melt.
Chopped scallions are added for just a touch of onion flavor and green color.
These Bake Chili Cheese Fries have all of the glory without any of the complication. They’re spicy and crisp… with just the right amount of soggy bites. Add more cheese or less according to your preference. Add beer or ginger ale according to your preference. Share with people watching football according to your sharing preferences. These are crowd pleasing, to be sure.
Baked Chili Cheese Fries
serves 3 people (about 1 potato per person)
adapted from Joy the Baker Cookbook
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
3 russet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grill seasoning or dry barbecue rub (these often include salt)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped scallions
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, chili powder, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, cumin, and ancho chili powder. Set aside.
Rinse potatoes and peel with a vegetable peeler. You can leave some skin bits on the potatoes if you want to go for a more rustic fry. Using a sharp knife, slice a 1/4-inch piece off the potato lengthwise. This will give you a stable base to slice on. Rest the potato, cut side down, and slice potato into 1/4 to 3/8-inch planks.
Stack planks in piles 2 to 3 planks high, and slice lengthwise into 1/4 to 3/8-inch strips. And… you just cut French fries!!
In a medium bowl, toss the potato strips with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and grill seasoning or dry barbecue rub. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the potato slices and use tongs to toss together, making sure that every potato is coated with a bit of cornstarch and seasoning.
Spread potatoes in a single layer across the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the potatoes from the oven 2 or 3 times during baking to toss them together. Cook until potatoes are cooked through and brought to your desired crispiness. Remove from the oven, top with cheese and return to the oven for just a few minutes to melt the cheese. Remove and place onto a platter. Sprinkle with chives and serve immediately.
Gayle Kirma
I made these with organic sweet potatoes, and vegetarian Worcestershire, yummy results. Thanks!
mamabeesimple
These look fantastic, rustic , healthier and full of flavour!
Please visit my page:
http://mamabeesimple.blogspot.com or my wordpress :)
Candace @ Cabot
This is going in the cheesy potato Hall of Fame! Love it!
Camille
love this recipe. so delicious. easy to dress up with beans/ground beef/eggs etc. but so good on it’s own too. thanks, joy!
Hadleigh
Perfect easy weeknight dinner. Just indulgent enough to be super satisfying after a long day with no post-chow guilt. The chili spices keep them from being boring roasted potatoes, and a couple good grates of cheddar does SO MUCH to enhance the flavor.
Three potatoes is a single serving, right? =)
Azzi
Baked chili cheese fries the sound is so perfect to eat. Great stuff.
barbeque chicken pizza
Ann
I’d be more worried if you didn’t cook from your book….
Eleyn @Sweetsandlife
Yummy! I think I’ll give this recipe a try this week. I’m 6 months pregnant and your site is making me so hungry. :D
Simply Life
just made these tonight with dinner -sooooo good! perfect crunchy texture with just the right amount of spice!
oelare
just made these for dinner: omg, to die for!!
and as a plus, i learned how to cut fries too and it wasn’t that hard.
spank you for turning my boring evening into a delicious spicy one. :)
marien
looks tasty! I’ll have to try it. my boyfriend has to enchant because I love cheese! I’ll stop by here more often :)
greetings from Spain
Emily
OMG I just stumbled onto your website and these look amazing! So hungry just looking at your amazing food photography!
Aimee @ Simple Bites
1. I love that you adapted your own recipe.
2. You need a mandoline for cutting fries fast. It’s an enabler.
3. I’m not ready for fall, but these might have me convinced. Like the whole tray.
(PS. Hi JOY! I miss you.)
reema
just made these and ate them in bed. perfect evening :)
TARTESANDCARO
oh my my !
just with an egg and your beautiful idea !!
i can smell the flavour …
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking
I love the rustics look of your peeled fries.
Now I’m craving baked potato fries, spiced up and garlic yogurt sauce.
wish it wasn’t so late at night :( will have to wait until tomorrow
Sarah in Miami
Holy. smokes. I haven’t even read the full recipe yet, but the pictures alone have me sold on making this for dinner tonight. Imma go see what I need to buy at the store!
Mish
Oh my goodness, these are amazing! I didn’t even have Worcestershire sauce or grill seasoning and they were still awesome, I can’t wait to try again with all the ingredients. I love the cornstarch idea, it makes them so crispy, I will definitely use this idea with our weekend homefries! My son and husband kept looking at me like they couldn’t believe we got to to eat something like that for dinner… Not every night, but this recipe is a KEEPER!
Lori
just stopping by to ogle the food :) thanks for sharing your wisdom wrapped up in wit!
Lauren
Ever since I got your cookbook, I have been dying to make these…. when the temp drops below 90, you can be sure they are the first thing on my list. Attic apartments + 475 degree ovens, do not mix :)
Heidi @ Food Doodles
Holy, these look amazing! We love oven fries. Can’t wait to try these next time I make some :)
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
I am making this — as soon as I can figure out where to get some ancho chili powder :)
darci
Serious wow.
Whenever I hear “chili cheese fries” I always think of gloppy gross french fries loaded with soupy canned chili. Tres unappetizing. These — these I will definitely make. Can’t wait to try them out.
erinn johnson
OH MY GOODNESS.
Those look amazing!
Chrissy
Everyday my mouth is watering when i come to your site.
I’m pregnant and have been wanting chili fries but without, umm well all the heavy toppings. These are perfecto! can’t wait to make them.
xx
adahliavolk.com
Kendra
It might go without saying, but if you’re a normal person, then it totally needs to be said. You’re a really great writer. I’m sure you know that on some level, but in case you need some reassurance, I’m here for you.
You’re a really great writer.
I have your cookbook, so I thought there would be no reason to read this post. And after reading two words, I automatically read every one following. Your voice is great, and you are simply really awesome at this. I think we all need random pats on the back from random people, so here you go. Pat pat.
Sophia
Uhhhh looks so yammi, I will try to cook it :)
It would make me very happy, if you visit my blog too and give your opinion :) http://www.aboutblackponies.com
lovely regards Sophia
Steph
I tried to make perfectly crispy oven baked fries over the weekend, but it didn’t work. I’ll have to try the cornstarch this time around. Does that help with the crispiness?
Christine
these fries looks dangerously delicious!
veronica
i’ve been eyeing this recipe in my book for a while. now i’m not scared to turn the oven on! also, i’ll be using “crispy attitude”. goes with salty language :)
Kitchen Belleicious
i don;t believe i would be able to stop at just one or two. I would be hated at the table because I would devour the whole thing. Love your blog
Erica
Question: why cornstarch on the potatoes?
Simple recipes
Easy recipe to prepare! Fun to prepare all your recipes. Well done
My grandmother makes exactly this recipe
Vera Zecevic – Cupcakes Garden
I’ve eaten many potato fries variations but this one wit cheese looks absolutely gorgeous and I must try it once! Really nice post
Ann P.
OH my word those fries look heavenly!! :D
Jenny
Looking delicious as always! I can’t wait to try these once I figure out some sort of oven situation! (just moved to China and much to my disappointment, ovens are not a common sight here! Mutual loss)
lindsay
Hi! These look so amazing! I saw this on facebook and would love for you to share it at my link party at http://mommyssweetconfessions.blogspot.com/2012/09/sweet-confessions-sunday-link-party-6.html. See you at the party!
anna
this looks yummy yummy yummy. i am crispy too! kicking and screaming is right, because gorgeous as fall may be you know what is waiting right behind it…
Kristen M.
This was one of those pictures in the cookbook that screamed “make me, NOW” at me and I got all flustered and had to immediately pull out a baking sheet and some cumin.
Row
Dang, these look sooo good! And perfect timing too, for I have a few potatoes that are sitting on the kitchen counter. Going to be making this recipe very soon… thanks! :)
steph (whisk/spoon)
Yes, this morning was the first time I had to wear a sweater on the way to work since I can’t remember when. These fries are definitely in order one night this week!
Jessica Fowler
This is one of my favorite recipes of yours! Seriously, my husband, one of my daughters, and myself have it at least 3-4 times a month! Best Fry Recipe Ever! Thanks! :)
Monica
Hey Joy! I love fall too :) I need to pick up your book so I can make this recipe and more. These look divine! potatoes are such a comfort food to eat in the fall months.
Diane, A Broad
So basically: grab all my favorite savory spices, put ’em on potatoes and make fries? Then melt cheese over them? I am right on board with that.
Bev @ Bev Cooks
I just sort of freaked out a little.
Rebecca A E
Mmmm…. what a tease. My oven is broken right now and I wanted fries so badly today. It’s a cruel world, Joy.
andrea
Those look amazingly yummy! I am so excited to try making them…except I feel like I might develop a wee bit of an addiction.
Roberta
OH, this looks SO yummy! Thanks for the recipe, and for the delicious photos!
margaret
There are some days that I check your site and know immediately that this is what I’ll make tonight. Today is one of those days. These look amazing and while I’m like you and resist fall with a vengeance (even though I do like it), I feel that these may be the only thing to lead me in that direction.
addie @ culicurious
these look amazing. I can’t wait to try them. :) I am addicted to french fries and love to make my own at home. thanks for sharing
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious
These look quite addictive and are among about 10 other items from the book which I haven’t made yet (yup only 10) I gotta get on this chili ride…
Holly
These are on my TO DO list.
Cassie Z
I like the way you think, lady!
Elsa
Oh! As soon as I saw the photo, I started craving these. Thanks for the recipe: we’ll be having these (and something green) for dinner tomorrow night!
Vijitha
Addcitive, addictive and more addictive. No one can eat just one! Love the chili and cheese combo.
Renee Person
Totally going to make these soon – not sure if it’ll be tonight since I was planning to make a Thai green curry shrimp soup – but then, chili fries would probably be good with that, yes? Fusion cooking!
Or maybe, I’ll just make the fries for lunch. I’m the only one home today- more for me. :-)
Thanks for sharing, Joy. I’m definitely experiencing fall crispiness myself – it froze last night – and honestly, I was hoping for more summer. Ahh, well, nothing a little food and retail therapy can’t fix.
Katie @ Blonde Ambition
I love this – the BF doesn’t like beans, so chili is out of the question for him…But not these fries!!
Ashley - Baker by Nature
Trying this with some sweet potatoes. Yes!!!
Ashley @ Any Lovely Thing
What a great recipe! These fries look divine :)
Have a great day!
Ashley
sara
Love this recipe – looks super flavorful! I bet the seasoning would also be great with sweet potatoes (we have some coming in our CSA this week so I’m trying to come up with a good recipe for them!)
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme)
YUM!!!! This reminds me that I need to make fries more often…
Kamilla Haaland
Looks really delicious!!
mutti
Add some hot gravey and cheese curds and volia you have poutine. yummy…. as a treat once in a while!
lee
These are delicious! This was one of the first recipes that I tried out of your cookbook, and they were yummy. Who knew you could make chili cheese fries without the chili?? Definitely one that’s been marked as “make again” (and again and again and..well, you get the idea). =)
Seanna Lea
I’ll have to try this with soy or something similar for the Worcestershire sauce. It is just not worth the time to find the one bottle that is vegetarian friendly! (Stupid anchovies.)
Celina
Joy, did I make these wrong because I totally ate them with a fork?
christina @ smallkitchenchronicles
D-e-l-i-s-h, delish! Ooh, chili cheese fries, I <3 you so. And, really, who says you can't bake from your own book? Especially if it rocks? Bake away, sister, bake away!
Joanna
mmmmmmm delicious!
I’m sorely tempted to make this with a sweet potato I have, but the russet potato looks SO much more delicious!
I guess I’ll have to get myself to the grocery tonight!
KT
Guuurrrrrllll…You know how to sum up a season! It’s finally cooling down here on the East coast and I’m with you: Autumn can’t come soon enough. I shall be joining you for that bourbon…and these fries. Cheers!
muddledmom
Oh, these look just different enough to give them a go! I was going to make garlic fries this week. I can do this instead. And the best part is, no gloopy fingers from the chili. Thanks!
Bakerkat
One of my favorite recipes from your book. They are so good.
I’m not ready for Fall I miss Summer to much. A pumpkin spice latte helps but I want beach days back.
Jamie @ green beans & grapefruit
Joy- Brilliant! Yum.
Rachael Phillips
Great recipe – although these are totally chips as they’re thicker than fries ;)
I always find the spray oil really good for over “chips” too – think they’re like one calorie a spray.
Reem
This is Heaven!!!
I am so much washed out with the BACK mode.. This sure can bring back some comfort in my life…
Rocky Mountain Woman
I could eat the whole thing myself! Better wait and take them to a party…yeah..maybe…
Jessica Ann [peonyfish]
I have these in the oven right now, except with butternut squash instead of potatoes. They smell amazing already!
Julia {The Roasted Root}
The seasoning on these bad boys looks fabulous! The melted cheese is definitely mouth-watering too…I bet my household would eat these up in one second flat :)
Jessica L.
I totally love chili flavor, but I hate how soggy they get! This looks so perfect :)
christin
Joy, you are a genius! You just made my entire week. You see, I’m on the whole30 so I can’t have russets but I can have sweet potatoes and I’m getting so, so, bored. But this? This is genius! And will make my dinners delightful!
ulla
so simple and yummy. I’ll definitly try them out :-) maybe add some homemade sourcream dip or guacamole, since I love to dip :-)
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama
Yay for Chili Cheese Fries!!!
Amy | Minimally Invasive
I’m a major fry-hound and always on the lookout for a good oven-baked fry, so I was really excited to try these. The results exceeded my already-high expectations by a mile. SO GOOD.
Tiffany
Joy, seeing them in action makes even me (the hater of chili cheese fries) think that maybe I should give these a try… LOOKS SO GOOD! Who knows, maybe Animal Fries will have a run for their money? ;)
Seriously Sassy Mama
These scream Fall!
Rachael B
Joy, I could stare at that first picture for an eternity. I think I finally understand love at first sight… (perhaps love at first bite – hehe).
Kasey @ The Wit of the Staircase
Good morning, Joy!
Absolutely intriguing… I love some chili cheese fries, but having been vegetarian for almost 7 years, It’s left me wanting. Enter: baked chil-ied fries. I love this post because it is inspiring me to prepare my own fries for my future in-laws and their meat-loving ways. I don’t see how they would miss the meat with this new twist on their old fave. Cross your fingers because my potential marriage depends on it.
I’m kidding.
Have a great day, Joy,
Kasey
Byn
this was the 3rd recipe i made from the jtb cookbook out of 26 so far ;) so much better than taco bell drive-thru!
Sophie
These fries look so delicious.
My brother and I love love LOVE cheesy fries, so I think we will definitely be doing this recipe, hopefully soon. YUM!
Holly
I saw the title. Saw the photo. And the three words that came out of my mouth were Oh My God. Dinner tonight has been canceled for these.
Jill @ Sincerely Jill
I’ve only made fries at home once, and they were less than awesome but better than “meh.” Maybe they just needed a little love from some spices. Thanks for the recipe; can’t wait to try!
michele
my skinny jeans haaaate you so hard, but the rest of my is totally infatuated :) this looks a-mazing and a half!!
Sally @ Spontaneous Hausfrau
I’ve never used cornstarch for my oven fries and I’m absolutely intrigued. I must try this!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
I make something very similar – they are delicious!
Amix
Oh yeah! Amazing, definitely trying these. I always resent the passing of summer but this year I am embracing the new season – looking forward to soups and stews! Nice one again, Joy!
Joan
I’ve made these from your book and my daughter and I fell in love with them. If anyone hasn’t made them I’d say go for it they’re way better than fries with chili dumped on them.
Lauren at Keep It Sweet
I’ve been drooling over your cookbook version for months now, I really need to make them!
Sara {Home is Where the Cookies Are}
Oh my gosh, yum! I love fall, and football season – mostly because of the food. I WISH I could be breaking out sweaters now too, because I also love sweaters and boots and jeans, but we just live to freakin’ close to the equator for fall to be anywhere on the near horizon. I’m going to crank the air conditioning down and make these fries next weekend. . . . Perfect!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
These sound unbelievably delicious! I love a good fry recipe!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
My potato loving self loves everything about these!
Elena @ Randomly Happy
Joy, it’s like you read my mind. I’m always so sad when summer ends, but the here you come with your chilli cheese fries reminding me that fall equals sweaters which make it easier to hide a little weight gain (from said chilli cheese fries).
See these being a significant part of my future.
x Elena Randomly Happy
Pooja Kumar
ooooh, i felll in love with this recipe the moment i lay hands on your cookbook! And they are YUMM!
Keisha
I sometimes have a hard time letting go of the summer
….but the beautiful fall weather and the gorgeous colors of the leaves quickly changes my feelings to “summer who?”. These fries are a revelation..the goodness of chili cheese fries without the grease and guilt. I can’t wait to try them! :)
Jess
I made oven fries on Friday, but I wish I had seen this version first! Love those spices!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
This came at just the right time – was just talking about making homemade fries tonight! Love your blog so much :)
Carina
omg! i need these right now!
Julia
I love Fall too! We don’t get much of it here in Arizona, though. Sigh!
Jen
These are my husband’s favourite from your cookbook. Idaho’pe everyone tries them! <–(I'm sorry!)
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Joy they look awesome! I The kick from chili powder & red pepper flakes will keep me warm on those chilly fall nights. Even if it’s 85F in San Diego right now :)
fatpiginthemarket
I’m clinging to summer but I’ll let go for some of these fries. I’m stuck on west coast time but am on the east coast so here I am reading your blog at (almost) midnight. Please send help in the form of chili fries!
Margherita
YUM!!!! These look amazing, plus the fact that they’re baked and not fried is so much better calorie wise
Janae @ Bring-Joy
I go kickin’ & screaming into fall because, though I love it, I’m never quite ready to say goodbye to summer, to trips to the mountains. And I can’t stand the shift to a much earlier sunset. Yuck. But I do love so many things about fall, so I’m going to focus on that.
(I’ve always love the tate. I’m sure I’d love it even more after making these.)
sadie
ooh. it’s breakfast time here, but I would totally make this right this very second if i had the time!
I love Autumn. But then, if you don’t like cold weather when you’re British, then you’re stuffed really! We do cold weather rather well!
;o)
Victoria
Yum! I need to make these and soon.
Also, I am another five year old jerk when it comes to saying bye to summer and getting into fall. It’s just part of life for some of us. Eventually I chill. Mainly because by that time, summer is GONE and I definitely prefer fall over winter. :)
Holiday Baker Man
Awesome! And of course no calories…. But hey they’re fries!
Joyce Au
Hi Joy!
I totes blame you for making me drool right when I’m in the middle of a lesson.
I’m so tempted to make these right when I get home!
I’m celebrating my birthday in less than a month, and I’m planning on having a breakfast themed party because… I LOVE BREAKFAST FOODS!
Do you have any ideas on how I can prepare in advanced for the party? I won’t be at home 3 days before the party because I’ve got a youth training camp to attend… Time is definitely not on my side!
Anyway, here’s some kisses and hugs from Hong Kong :)
Joyce
Caz
These fries say comfort to me, perfect for the changing season. I just got your book for my birthday! Can’t wait to get baking :)
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
these fries look like pure comfort! (kind of like that sweater you mentioned…)