Chili Cheese Fries Bites Pintsized Pub Grub Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some chili appetizers ? Ever wondered how to make posh pub grub at home? These Chili Cheese Fries Bites might just be your new best friend! They have a proper chili kick and cheesy goodness that’s hard to beat.
Brief Overview
This dish is like a cheeky British twist on an American classic. It’s not too tricky to make. It takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish.
The recipe makes about 24 delightful little bites!
Main Benefits
These healthy snacks and appetizers are fantastic for sharing. Perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in. What makes these pub style chili snacks special is the homemade chili.
It's bursting with flavor.
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Okay, let’s get started with the crispy potatoes.
From Humble Potato to Golden Bite
We're taking spuds to the next level here, alright? Grab 1.5 lb Russet potatoes. Peel and slice them into rounds.
Then, soak them in cold water with vinegar. This is key to getting them crispy! Think of it as a mini spa day for your potatoes.
Next, dry them really well. Honestly, don't skip this step. It's crucial! Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Then bake until golden. About 20 minutes on each side at 200° C ( 400° F) .
Chili: The Heart of the Matter
Now, for the star. The amazing, hearty chili! Fry a diced onion and two minced cloves of garlic in olive oil.
Then, brown 1 lb of ground beef. Drain off any excess grease - nobody wants a greasy bite.
Stir in a tablespoon of chili powder and a teaspoon of cumin. Add a half teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper, if you're feeling brave.
Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, tomato paste, and brown sugar. Let it simmer for 30 minutes, until thickened.
Taste and season.
Time to assemble the Mini chili potato bites!
The Grand Finale
Top each crispy potato with chili and shredded cheddar. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with sour cream and green onions.
Serve immediately and watch them disappear. These are epic gathering appetizers ! You will love these chili cheese bites recipe !.
Why not add some Party Eggs to your appetizer selection? Now you have a real spread!
Ingredients & Equipment for Kickass Chili Appetizers
Let's talk about what you'll need to make these wicked good Chili Cheese Fries Bites . Honestly, it's pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of this stuff already.
We're aiming for pub style chili snacks that feel a little bit fancy.
The Main Players
- Russet potatoes: 1.5 lb (680g) . Look for firm potatoes, free from sprouts. These make the perfect base for mini chili potato bites .
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Any good olive oil will do.
- Sea salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Makes those potatoes sing!
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . Freshly cracked is best, innit?
- Cold water: 1 cup (240ml) . For soaking the potato slices.
- White vinegar: 2 teaspoons (10ml) . This helps get the spuds extra crispy!
- Ground beef (80/20 blend): 1 lb (450g) . Go for good quality. It makes a difference in flavor!
Seasoning Sorted
Forget bland! We're building flavor here. The chili needs to be punchy enough to qualify as spicy chili appetizers .
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon (15g) . Adjust to your taste, if you like it hot add more!
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Adds that classic chili warmth.
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (2.5g) . The smoky depth is chef's kiss .
- Cayenne pepper (optional): ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) . For that extra kick.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (410g) . Don't drain them!
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz) can (425g) . Rinsed and drained, yeah?
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Adds richness to the chili. Chicken works if you have no beef
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Concentrated tomato goodness.
- Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
The Essentials
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) . Pre-shredded works fine, but freshly grated melts better.
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120ml) . Cools everything down.
- Green onions: 2 , thinly sliced. Adds a bit of fresh zing.
Equipment Rundown
Keep it simple! We don't need a fancy kitchen.
- Large pot or Dutch oven. For simmering that chili.
- Large baking sheet(s). Two is better than one!
- Mandoline slicer (optional). Makes slicing the potatoes easier.
- Mixing bowls. For prepping.
- Cheese grater. Unless you bought pre-shredded. Honestly, it really does pay off to grate it yourself!.
Now, I know it seems like a lot, but it's mostly pantry staples. And the result? Amazing game day chili appetizers , worthy of the best gathering appetizers .
Chili Cheese Fries Bites: Pint Sized Pub Grub Perfection
Oh my gosh, you have to try these Chili Cheese Fries Bites! They're seriously addictive. Think posh pub grub meets game day chili appetizers .
We're talking next level deliciousness, perfect for a casual gathering or a cheeky night in. Trust me; these chili appetizers will disappear fast.
This recipe is like a mini masterpiece of pub-style chili snacks. These little bites are packed with flavour and fun.
And hey, I promise it's easier than you think. We are not trying to re-create non-human vertebrae. Now, let's get cooking!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Mania!
First things first: get your stuff together! Essential mise en place is key. Peel and thinly slice 1.5 lb of russet potatoes.
Dice 1 medium yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese . Rinse and drain 1 can of kidney beans .
Finally, chop 2 green onions for garnish.
Time saving tip: You know? Chop those veggies while the potatoes are soaking. Efficiency, darling! If you're feeling posh, use a mandoline for perfectly even potato slices, it does cut your time.
step-by-step: From Potato to Perfection
Alright, let's dive in!
- Soak the potatoes: Combine 1 cup cold water and 2 teaspoons white vinegar . Submerge the potato slices. This helps get them super crispy. Chill for 30 minutes minimum .
- Prep the potatoes: Drain the potatoes. Dry them thoroughly with paper towels. Honestly, this step is crucial!
- Season and bake: Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt , and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for about 20 minutes , flipping halfway, until golden brown. The visual cues are golden brown, almost like healthy snacks and appetizers
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add 1 lb ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Simmer the chili: Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika , and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Add 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar . Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or until thickened.
- Assemble the bites: Top each potato round with a spoonful of chili and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
- Melt and garnish: Return to the oven for 2- 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Top with sour cream and green onions. Serve immediately. Think: One bite recipes.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bites
- Crispy potatoes are a MUST. Seriously, don't skip the soaking step. Or the drying step. And don't overcrowd the baking sheet.
- Spice it up (or down)! Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne to your taste. I love a bit of a kick, but you do you.
- make-ahead option: The chili can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before assembling the bites. It also helps with organizing your gathering appetizers
Enjoy these perfect mini chili potato bites !
Recipe Notes: Little Tweaks and Clever Tricks
Honestly, this isn't just a recipe. It's a blueprint for scrumptious chili appetizers . Feel free to jazz it up.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Presentation Pointers
How you serve your food matters. Arrange your chili cheese fries appetizer bites on a rustic wooden board. It's very on trend.
Sprinkle with extra green onions for that touch of posh pub grub. For drinks, think about a crisp lager, or even a cheeky ginger beer.
It totally cuts through the richness. These are great Gathering Appetizers
Storage Savvy: Keeping Your Bites Fresh
Got leftovers? Don't worry. Store the potato rounds and chili separately. Pop the chili in an airtight container. It'll last in the fridge for about 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. The potato rounds are best eaten fresh. They can get a bit soggy if stored.
If you must, try reheating them in a hot oven ( 200° C/ 400° F) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Freezing isn't really recommended. The potatoes will definitely lose their texture.
Variation Station: Adapting to Your Tastes
Want a veggie version of these chili appetizers ? Easy peasy. Swap out the ground beef for a plant based alternative.
Or simply use more kidney beans. For a healthy snack, add some finely chopped bell peppers. Another idea? Swap the russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.
Make them mini and you have one bite recipes .
Nutrition Nuggets: What You're Actually Eating
Each bite is estimated at 180 calories. It’s got 10g of protein, 12g of fat, and 12g of carbs. You also get 2g of fiber and 2g of sugar.
These game day chili appetizers offer a good bit of protein. The chili also brings in some fiber. Of course, it also depends on portion size.
And remember, cheese and fries are not exactly superfoods.
So there you have it. Some handy notes to make your Chili Cheese Fries Bites even better. Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.
Enjoy these Spicy chili appetizers and share the joy. You will love these Chili Cheese Fries Bites recipes. Trust me! They make amazing Party Eggs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chili appetizers ahead of time? I'm having a right royal knees-up on Saturday!
Absolutely! You can definitely prep some components ahead of your party. The chili can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also bake the potato rounds ahead of time, but for the best crispness, I recommend re-crisping them in the oven for a few minutes before assembling the chili appetizers.
The dish is best served hot, so assembling just before serving is ideal.
What's the best way to store leftover chili cheese fries bites? I doubt there will be any left but, you know, sod's law...
If you miraculously have leftovers (a proper miracle!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheating can make the potato rounds a bit soft, so consider broiling them briefly to re-crisp. Be aware they won't be quite as good as freshly made, but still a tasty snack.
Just don't expect the same level of "posh" perfection!
I'm trying to watch my waistline, are these chili appetizers very naughty? Is there anything I can do to lighten them up a bit?
While these are definitely a treat, there are ways to make them a bit lighter. Use lean ground beef or even ground turkey in the chili. You can also use a reduced fat cheddar cheese and a lighter sour cream. Baking the potatoes instead of frying them cuts down on a lot of fat, too.
Or why not try the sweet potato variation? Little tweaks like this will let you enjoy all the flavor without quite so much guilt!
Can I adapt the chili recipe to be vegetarian for these chili appetizers? My sister's gone full veggie and is coming round.
Definitely! Swapping the ground beef for a plant based alternative is a great idea. You could also use a combination of lentils, kidney beans, and black beans for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian chili. Remember to check your broth to ensure that it's vegetarian too. A vegetarian chili means everyone can tuck in!
What kind of potatoes work best for these chili cheese fries bites? Should I go with something fancy?
Russet potatoes are your best bet. Their high starch content helps them get nice and crispy when baked. You can get away with using other types but baking potatoes (like Russets) are your best choice. No need for anything too fancy just good old baking potatoes will do the trick!
Remember to soak the potato slices in water before baking to remove excess starch.
Chili Cheese Fries Bites Pintsized Pub Grub Perf
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
