Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these vegan chili cheese fries! They’re my absolute go-to when I want a comforting meal that feels indulgent but is totally plant-based. Imagine crispy, golden fries topped with a hearty, spiced chili that’s rich in flavor and completely meat-free. I first whipped these up for a movie night with friends, and they were gone in minutes! The combination of the crispy fries with the warm, savory chili and melty vegan cheese is just heavenly. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients List
- 4 large russet potatoes, washed and cut into fries
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen for sweetness
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned or fresh, depending on your preference
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, for that bold kick of flavor
- 1 teaspoon cumin, adding a warm, earthy note
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, because who doesn’t love garlic?
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, for a subtle sweetness
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds, your favorite brand for meltiness
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t forget to season!
- Fresh cilantro for garnish, bringing a pop of color and freshness
How to Prepare Vegan Chili Cheese Fries
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is super important because it ensures your fries turn out crispy and perfectly cooked. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Now, grab those russet potatoes! Wash them thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. Then, cut them into fries—about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is ideal. Toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil (about 2 tablespoons) and season generously with salt and pepper. Make sure they’re all coated evenly for the best flavor!
Step 3: Bake the Fries
Spread the seasoned fries out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they get golden and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them—they should be perfectly tender and lightly browned when done!
Step 4: Make the Chili Mixture
While those fries are baking, let’s whip up the chili mixture! In a medium pan over medium heat, combine the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, just until it’s heated through and fragrant. Wow, the smell is amazing!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Once your fries are out of the oven, it’s time to assemble! Top each fry generously with the chili mixture, then sprinkle that melty vegan cheese on top. Pop everything back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted. You can almost taste the goodness coming together!
Nutritional Information
These vegan chili cheese fries are not just delicious; they’re also packed with nutrients! Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 60g of carbs. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
Tips for Success
To make your vegan chili cheese fries truly stellar, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the olive oil when tossing the fries; it helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven. If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne to the chili mixture. Also, keep an eye on the fries as they bake; every oven is different, so adjust your time as needed to avoid soggy fries! And remember, the longer you let the chili simmer, the more the flavors will meld together. Yum!
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chili mixture for some extra heat!
- Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different vegan cheese types like pepper jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the chili for added nutrition and texture.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to the chili for a fragrant twist.
- Sweet Twist: Try adding a touch of maple syrup or agave to the chili for a sweet-savory flavor profile.
- Chili Cheese Fries Supreme: Top with avocado slices, vegan sour cream, or pico de gallo for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because these are so good!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the fries crispy! You can also use the microwave, but they’ll lose that delicious crunch. Enjoy every last bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation means you can whip these up in under an hour!
- Packed with bold flavors that satisfy your cravings.
- Healthy ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Ultimate comfort food that feels like a treat without the meat.
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the health benefits of beans and why they are a great addition to your diet.
For tips on how to make the best french fries, visit this helpful guide.
Print
Vegan Chili Cheese Fries: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan twist on classic chili cheese fries.
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and cut potatoes into fries.
- Toss the fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread fries on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- In a pan, combine black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Once fries are done, top them with the chili mixture and sprinkle with vegan cheese.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until cheese melts.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Adjust spices based on your taste preference.
- Use any type of potato you prefer.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan chili cheese fries, plant-based fries, vegan comfort food