Name: Campfire Chili Cheese Fries Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (454 grams) frozen French fries; 1 can (425 grams) chili (your choice); 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Cooking spray (for foil)

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Introduction

Campfire Chili Cheese Fries are a delicious, comforting treat perfect for outdoor gatherings. Crispy fries loaded with savory chili and melted cheddar cheese make this recipe a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare over a campfire or BBQ.

A foil-lined serving dish holds a layered dish starting with a base of golden yellow French fries, topped with a thick layer of dark reddish-brown chili with visible kidney beans, covered by melted cheese that is creamy white with patches of light orange, all slightly browned in spots. A silver fork is lifting some fries from underneath the chili and cheese. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

454 grams frozen French fries
425 grams canned chili (your choice)

1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Spray the inside of a large doubled-up sheet of foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Place the frozen fries in the center of the foil sheet, then fold the foil up and seal to create a packet.
Step 3: Cook the foil packet on your BBQ or over a campfire for about 15–20 minutes, shaking it occasionally to ensure the fries cook evenly and brown on all sides.

Step 4: Carefully open the packet, watching for steam, and spread the chili and shredded cheese evenly over the fries.
Step 5: Reseal the packet and continue cooking until the chili is hot and the cheese has melted.
Step 6: Remove the packet from heat, let it cool slightly, then enjoy straight from the foil using forks.

Tips & Variations

Use your favorite chili variety, such as beef, turkey, or vegetarian, to tailor the dish to your taste.
Try adding jalapeños or hot sauce inside the packet for a spicy kick.
For extra crispiness, pre-bake the fries slightly before wrapping them in foil.

Swap cheddar for pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Leftover chili cheese fries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through and the cheese is melty. Skillet reheating can also help restore crispiness.

How to Serve

A serving of golden French fries layered with a rich chili that includes dark red beans, topped with melted yellow and white cheese, all placed on crinkled aluminum foil. The fries form the base layer, the chili sits thickly over them, and the gooey melted cheese covers the top, creating a warm, hearty look. The food is photographed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light in the background, showing a cozy setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes, you can prepare this chili cheese fries recipe indoors by cooking the foil packet in an oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?

Feel free to substitute cheddar with any good melting cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend to suit your preference.