Vegan Chili Cheese Fries Recipe

Potatoes: The base of the dish, cut into fries and baked until crispy.

Olive oil: Used to coat the potatoes for baking, adding flavor and helping them crisp up.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the fries and other components.

Black beans: Adds protein and texture to the chili.

Kidney beans: Another source of protein and texture for the chili.

Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy base for the chili.

Corn kernels: Adds sweetness and texture to the chili.

Onion: Sautéed to add depth of flavor to the chili.

Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the chili.

Chili powder: Brings heat and flavor to the chili.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chili.

Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the chili.

Vegetable broth: Used to simmer the chili, adding depth of flavor.

Raw cashews: Soaked and blended to create a creamy cheese sauce.

Nutritional yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor to the vegan cheese sauce.

Water: Used to blend the cheese sauce to the right consistency.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.

Garlic powder: Adds flavor to the cheese sauce.

Onion powder: Adds flavor to the cheese sauce.

To achieve perfectly crispy fries, make sure to spread the potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than bake, resulting in less crispy fries. Additionally, flipping them halfway through the baking time ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.

• Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for roasting potatoes.

• Black beans - Substitute with pinto beans: Pinto beans have a creamy texture and mild flavor, which works well in chili.

• Kidney beans - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas add a different texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the chili.

• Diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a thicker consistency and richer tomato flavor for the chili.

• Corn kernels - Substitute with diced bell peppers: Diced bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the chili.

• Onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor compared to onions.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a subtle garlic flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• Chili powder - Substitute with cayenne pepper and smoked paprika: This combination adds heat and a smoky depth to the chili.

• Cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the chili.

• Paprika - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder adds a mild heat and rich, fruity flavor to the chili.

• Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth provides a deep, umami flavor that enhances the chili.

• Raw cashews - Substitute with sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds, when soaked and blended, create a creamy texture similar to cashews.

• Nutritional yeast - Substitute with miso paste: Miso paste adds a savory, umami flavor that mimics the cheesy taste of nutritional yeast.

• Water - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk adds a creamy consistency to the cheese sauce.

• Lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice.

• Garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic offers a similar flavor and texture to garlic powder.

• Onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion provides a similar flavor with a slightly different texture compared to onion powder.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili cheese fries.

• Allow the chili and fries to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the fries soggy.
• Store the chili and cheese sauce separately from the fries. This ensures that the fries remain crispy when reheated.
• Transfer the chili to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• Pour the cheese sauce into a separate airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
• Place the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, reheat the fries in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes or until crispy.
• Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Warm the cheese sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from sticking or burning.
• Assemble the dish by topping the reheated fries with the chili and drizzling the cheese sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the leftover fries on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Cover the fries with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.
  5. Meanwhile, reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
  6. Warm the cheese sauce in a small pot over low heat, stirring frequently.
  7. Once everything is hot, assemble the fries with chili and cheese sauce as before.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Add the leftover fries to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through and crispy.
  4. In a separate pot, reheat the chili over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  5. Warm the cheese sauce in a small pot over low heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Once everything is hot, assemble the fries with chili and cheese sauce as before.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover fries on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover the fries with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out.
  3. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. In separate microwave-safe bowls, reheat the chili and cheese sauce for 1-2 minutes each, stirring halfway through.
  5. Once everything is hot, assemble the fries with chili and cheese sauce as before.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.
  4. Meanwhile, reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
  5. Warm the cheese sauce in a small pot over low heat, stirring frequently.
  6. Once everything is hot, assemble the fries with chili and cheese sauce as before.

• Oven: Used to bake the fries until they are golden and crispy.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for spreading out the cut potatoes to bake evenly.

• Large pot: Essential for preparing the chili by sautéing the onions and garlic, and simmering the beans and other ingredients.

• Blender: Necessary for blending the soaked cashews and other ingredients into a smooth cheese sauce.

• Knife: Used to cut the potatoes into fries and dice the onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for cutting the potatoes and dicing the onion.

• Mixing bowl: Useful for tossing the cut potatoes with olive oil and salt before baking.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the fries halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, garlic powder, and onion powder accurately.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for measuring the vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, and water for the cheese sauce.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the canned black beans and kidney beans.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the chili ingredients together in the pot.

• Garlic press: Convenient for mincing the garlic cloves efficiently.

• Serving platter: Used to assemble and serve the final dish of chili cheese fries.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the potatoes, onion, and garlic ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use canned beans: Opt for canned black beans and kidney beans to save time on soaking and cooking.

Make cheese sauce ahead: Blend the cashew cheese sauce and refrigerate it. Reheat gently when ready to use.

Batch cooking: Double the chili recipe and freeze half for future use.

Use a food processor: Quickly blend the cheese sauce ingredients using a food processor for a smoother consistency.