Whoever said we’ll’t mix nostalgia with a little culinary creativity ought to have on no account tasted the straightforward however scrumptious comforts of a Frito Pie. Rumor has it, this snazzy dish has its roots in the Southwestern components of the U.S., and think about me, it’s as delightfully easy because it’s satisfying. On these evenings everytime you’re juggling a late work e-mail and your stomach’s growling louder than your ultimate conference title, Frito Pie comes to the rescue. It’s your weeknight dinner saved by the ‘crunch.’ So, neglect about the fancy substances and refined steps—seize a bag of Fritos, some chili, and let’s make magic happen!
Pulling off a Frito Pie as the star of your dinner desk is a no-brainer, nonetheless in the occasion you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with a straightforward side salad for some freshness or some cozy cornbread to stick with the comfort meals theme. I like to add a dollop of bitter cream and some diced avocado on excessive for that creamy and cool counterbalance to the warmth chili. For the full experience, don’t neglect to serve it with some sweet tea or a gentle beer!
Frito Pie
Servings: 4-6
Parts:
– 1 large bag of Fritos corn chips
– 2 cans (15 oz each) of your favorite chili, or 3 cups of handmade chili
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced crimson onions
– 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (jarred or modern, relying in your heat selection)
– Bitter cream, for serving
– Diced avocado, for serving (optionally obtainable)
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), seize an oven-safe dish, and let’s start layering! Begin by spreading about half of the Fritos all through the bottom of the dish.
2. Open up these chili cans—or seize your private home made chili (hyperlink to my quick chili recipe from ultimate week!)—and pour it evenly over the mattress of Fritos.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on excessive of the chili like a cheesy blanket. Perception me, there’s no such issue as an extreme quantity of cheese, so go wild!
4. Now for the completion: scatter the remaining Fritos on excessive, 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. Take away from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes—perception me, it’s scorching!
7. Serve your Frito Pie scorching and excessive with crimson onions, jalapeños, a good dollop of bitter cream, and avocado in the occasion you’re feeling additional.
Variations & Options:
Let’s shake points up a bit—why not go for a BBQ twist via the use of BBQ-flavored Fritos, or make it vegetarian with a meat-free chili risk. Want to go the additional mile? Layer in some cooked black beans or corn between the chili and chips to sneak in some additional veggies. For people who prep ahead, assemble the dish in the morning and merely pop it in the oven everytime you get home.
Quick tip: For many who’re temporary on time, you may give you the option to make a personal Frito Pie by inserting Fritos and the toppings in a single-serving bag of Fritos, then dig in with a fork—no baking required. And also you most likely have leftovers, Frito Pie reheats like a attraction. Whether or not or not you go conventional or ingenious, this down-to-earth dish is definite to win over hearts (and stomachs)! Blissful crunching!