Fritos Pie Recipe

Fritos corn chips: The base of the dish, providing a crunchy texture.

Chili: Adds a hearty and savory flavor to the pie.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the chili, adding a rich and creamy taste.

Diced onions: Adds a fresh and slightly pungent flavor.

Diced tomatoes: Provides a juicy and tangy element.

Sliced jalapeños: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.

Sour cream: Offers a creamy and cooling contrast to the other ingredients.

To enhance the flavor of your chili, consider adding a pinch of cumin and smoked paprika while heating it. This will give the dish a deeper, more complex taste. Additionally, lightly toasting the fritos in the oven for a few minutes can add an extra layer of crunch to your Fritos Pie.

• fritos corn chips - Substitute with tortilla chips: Tortilla chips provide a similar crunch and corn flavor, making them a good alternative.

• fritos corn chips - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips offer a different texture but can still provide a satisfying crunch.

• chili - Substitute with black bean soup: Black bean soup can mimic the hearty texture and flavor of chili.

• chili - Substitute with vegetarian chili: Vegetarian chili offers a meat-free option while maintaining the same robust flavors.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts well and has a mild flavor similar to cheddar.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella provides a creamy texture and mild taste that complements the dish.

• diced onions - Substitute with green onions: Green onions add a milder onion flavor and a pop of color.

• diced onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a slightly sweeter and more delicate onion flavor.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with salsa: Salsa adds a bit of spice and extra flavor to the dish.

• diced tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers provide a sweet and smoky flavor.

• sliced jalapeños - Substitute with pickled banana peppers: Pickled banana peppers offer a milder heat and tangy flavor.

• sliced jalapeños - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add heat without the texture of jalapeños.

• sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture with added protein.

• sour cream - Substitute with creme fraiche: Creme fraiche offers a rich and tangy flavor similar to sour cream.

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the Fritos soggy.
• Transfer the Fritos Pie to an airtight container. If possible, use a shallow container to spread out the ingredients evenly.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The Fritos Pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Fritos Pie in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the chili is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
• If you prefer to use a microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• For freezing, it's best to store the chili separately from the Fritos. Place the cooled chili in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date.
• Store the Fritos in their original bag or a resealable plastic bag to maintain their crunch.
• When ready to serve, thaw the chili in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as described above and assemble the Fritos Pie with fresh toppings like diced onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Avoid freezing the assembled Fritos Pie as the Fritos will become soggy and lose their crunch.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the Fritos Pie to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the corn chips from burning.
  4. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chili is hot and the cheese is melted.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want the cheese to get a bit crispy.
  6. Add fresh diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños after reheating to maintain their crunch.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place a portion of the Fritos Pie in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to keep the corn chips from getting too soggy.
  3. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to stir and ensure even heating.
  4. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until the chili is hot and the cheese is melted.
  5. Top with fresh diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños after reheating.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the Fritos Pie to the skillet, breaking it up slightly to ensure even heating.
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute the heat.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chili is hot and the cheese is melted.
  5. Transfer to a plate and add fresh diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.

• Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Fritos Pie in an air fryer-safe dish or use aluminum foil to create a makeshift tray.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure the corn chips don't burn.
  4. Remove and let it sit for a minute before adding fresh diced onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.

• Plate: A flat dish where you will spread out the fritos corn chips.

• Bowl: An alternative to a plate, used to hold the fritos corn chips.

• Saucepan: Used to heat the chili over medium heat until warm.

• Stirring spoon: For stirring the chili while it heats in the saucepan.

• Cheese grater: If you need to shred the cheddar cheese yourself.

• Knife: For dicing the onions and tomatoes, and slicing the jalapeños.

• Cutting board: A surface to safely dice the onions, tomatoes, and slice the jalapeños.

• Measuring cups: To measure out the shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream.

• Spoon: For adding the dollop of sour cream on top.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded cheddar cheese instead of shredding it yourself.

Microwave the chili: Heat the chili in the microwave instead of a saucepan to save a few minutes.

Pre-diced vegetables: Buy pre-diced onions and tomatoes to cut down on prep time.

Assemble in layers: Layer the fritos, chili, and toppings directly in the serving dish to avoid extra dishes.

Use squeeze sour cream: Opt for squeeze sour cream to quickly add a dollop without needing a spoon.