Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food that will make your taste buds dance and your hunger surrender! The Chili Lovers Frito Pie is not just a meal, it's an experience that combines the crunch of Fritos, the warmth of hearty chili, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese into one irresistible dish. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or a soul-satisfying comfort food, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Prepare yourself for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chili (with or without beans)
- 2 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure proper warming of the dish.
- If using canned chili, pour the entire contents into a medium saucepan and heat thoroughly over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the chili is warming, prepare your serving dishes or a large casserole dish that can accommodate 6 servings.
- Create a base layer of Fritos corn chips in each serving dish, spreading them evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Once the chili is hot and bubbling, carefully ladle the warm chili over the Fritos corn chips, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the hot chili, allowing the heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Distribute diced onions evenly across the top of the cheese layer.
- If desired, add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and flavor.
- Place the prepared dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream just before serving.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the layers of crispy Fritos, spicy chili, melted cheese, and cool sour cream.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use a robust, flavorful chili (homemade or high-quality canned) for the best results.
- Chip Strategy: Layer Fritos strategically to ensure every bite has the perfect chip-to-chili ratio. Don't be afraid to create a thick base.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra-melty cheese, consider covering the dish with foil for the first 5-7 minutes of baking to create a more even melt.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add additional toppings like diced jalapeños, green onions, or crispy bacon bits.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve in individual oven-safe dishes for a personalized presentation that keeps the pie hot and crispy.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before baking to save time.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, reheat in the oven to maintain the Fritos' crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 45mg
