Description

Crispy, spicy, and cheesy gluten-free chili cheese fries with a creamy dairy-free cheese sauce option. This inclusive recipe ensures everyone at the table can enjoy the ultimate game day comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs Russet Potatoes
Vegetable Oil (for frying or baking)
1 tsp Sea Salt
1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 large Onion, diced
4 cloves Garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) Tomato Sauce
2 tbsp Tomato Paste
1 tbsp Masa Harina
2 tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 cup Raw Cashews (soaked)
1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, shredded (optional for dairy version)
2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup Hot Vegetable Broth or Water

Instructions

Prep the fries: If making from scratch, cut potatoes into 1/2-inch strips, soak in cold water for 30 minutes, pat dry, toss with oil and salt. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Set aside on a wire rack.
Make the chili: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown ground beef, breaking it up, then drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add garlic, chili powder, and cumin; cook until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for one minute. Add tomato sauce and sprinkle masa harina over the top, stirring to combine. Simmer on low, uncovered, for 15 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning.
Blend the cheese sauce: Soak cashews in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain. Blend cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and hot broth/water until smooth. Return to skillet over low heat. Gradually whisk in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth (omit cheese for dairy-free version). Keep warm on low heat.
Assemble: Arrange hot fries on a platter. Ladle warm chili over fries. Drizzle generously with cheese sauce. Garnish with green onions, jalapeños, and sour cream (or dairy-free alternative). Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when baking fries to ensure crispiness. The masa harina helps thicken the chili and prevents sogginess. Keep the cheese sauce on low heat to prevent separation. Fries are best eaten fresh; reheat in an air fryer or toaster oven if storing leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 1/4 of the r
Calories: 650
Sodium: 900
Fat: 35
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 6
Protein: 25

Keywords: gluten-free, dairy-free, chili cheese fries, game day food, celiac friendly, comfort food, spicy fries, cashew cheese sauce