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Chili's Texas Cheese Fries copycat recipe in a skillet with melted cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and ranch

Chili's Texas Cheese Fries (Copycat)

4.20 from 5 votes
Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Crispy seasoned fries layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, smoky bacon, and fresh jalapeños, served with homemade ranch. An easy copycat of the Chili's appetizer, ready in 35 minutes.

Ingredients 

Fries

  • 2 lb fries, crinkle or straight-cut fries
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Toppings

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (or 1/4 cup pickled)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Ranch dip

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  • Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, and herbs. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the fries with oil, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp.
  • Cook the bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
  • Toss the cheddar and Monterey Jack together.
  • Layer half the fries in an oven-safe skillet or on the sheet pan, then half the cheese and bacon. Repeat with the remaining fries, cheese, and bacon.
  • Bake 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil 60 seconds for browned spots if you like.
  • Top with jalapeños and green onions. Serve hot with the ranch dip.

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet, or Air Fryer
  • Tongs

Notes

  • Air fryer: cook fries at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking twice. Add cheese and bacon on foil or parchment and air fry 2 to 3 minutes more.
  • Shred cheese from the block for the smoothest melt.
  • Store leftovers airtight in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 1411kcalCarbohydrates: 76gProtein: 34gFat: 110gSaturated Fat: 39gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gMonounsaturated Fat: 41gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 2842mgPotassium: 1224mgFiber: 11gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1211IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 688mgIron: 4mg