Whoever said we can’t mix nostalgia with a little culinary creativity must have never tasted the simple yet scrumptious comforts of a Frito Pie. Rumor has it, this snazzy dish has its roots in the Southwestern parts of the U.S., and believe me, it's as delightfully easy as it is satisfying. On those evenings when you're juggling a late work email and your stomach's growling louder than your last conference call, Frito Pie comes to the rescue. It's your weeknight dinner saved by the 'crunch.' So, forget about the fancy ingredients and complicated steps—grab a bag of Fritos, some chili, and let's make magic happen!
Pulling off a Frito Pie as the star of your dinner table is a no-brainer, but if you're feeling fancy, try pairing it with a simple side salad for some freshness or some cozy cornbread to stick with the comfort food theme. I like to add a dollop of sour cream and some diced avocado on top for that creamy and cool counterbalance to the warm chili. For the full experience, don't forget to serve it with some sweet tea or a light beer!
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Frito Pie
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1 large bag of Fritos corn chips
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of your favorite chili, or 3 cups of homemade chili
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (jarred or fresh, depending on your heat preference)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Diced avocado, for serving (optional)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of your favorite chili, or 3 cups of homemade chili
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onions
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (jarred or fresh, depending on your heat preference)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Diced avocado, for serving (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grab an oven-safe dish, and let's start layering! Begin by spreading about half of the Fritos across the bottom of the dish.
2. Open up those chili cans—or grab your homemade chili (link to my quick chili recipe from last week!)—and pour it evenly over the bed of Fritos.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chili like a cheesy blanket. Trust me, there's no such thing as too much cheese, so go wild!
4. Now for the finishing touch: scatter the remaining Fritos on top, giving it that iconic crunch.
5. Bake uncovered in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has started to get that golden hue we all love.
6. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes—trust me, it's hot!
7. Serve your Frito Pie hot and top with red onions, jalapeños, a good dollop of sour cream, and avocado if you're feeling extra.
Variations & Tips:
Let's shake things up a bit—why not go for a BBQ twist by using BBQ-flavored Fritos, or make it vegetarian with a meat-free chili option. Want to go the extra mile? Layer in some cooked black beans or corn between the chili and chips to sneak in some extra veggies. For those who prep ahead, assemble the dish in the morning and just pop it in the oven when you get home.
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Quick tip: If you're short on time, you can make a personal Frito Pie by putting Fritos and the toppings in a single-serving bag of Fritos, then dig in with a fork—no baking required. And if you have leftovers, Frito Pie reheats like a charm. Whether you go classic or creative, this down-to-earth dish is sure to win over hearts (and stomachs)! Happy crunching!