Frito Pie is a cozy, crunchy, and cheesy comfort dish that brings a little party to the plate. It combines salty corn chips, warm chili, gooey melted cheese, and bright toppings. The textures are a joy — crisp chips softened under savory chili, melted cheese stretching with each scoop, and cool sour cream to balance the heat. It’s quick to make and perfect for weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. For another easy crowd-pleasing bar-style dessert idea, see this apple pie cobbler bars recipe.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 660 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
Why Make This Frito Pie
Frito Pie is fast, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. It needs little hands-on time and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. The contrast of crunchy chips, hearty chili, and melted cheese makes every bite interesting. It’s great for feeding a small group or turning leftovers into a fun new meal. The aroma as it bakes — warm chili and toasted corn chips under bubbling cheese — draws people to the table.
How to Make Frito Pie
This recipe layers chips and chili, then finishes with cheese and toppings. It’s a simple assembly that delivers big flavor. Follow the step titles below to help with timing and to meet recipe schema requirements.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of Fritos
- 2 cups chili (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or lightly oil a medium baking dish so the chips don’t stick and cleanup is easier.
Step 2: Layering
In a baking dish, layer Fritos evenly at the bottom. Spread them into a single, even layer so each serving gets crisp chip base and good coverage.
Step 3: Adding the Chili
Pour the chili over the Fritos. Spoon it evenly so the chips soak just a bit without losing all their crunch.
Step 4: Topping with Cheese and Veggies
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of the chili. Add diced onions and jalapeños if desired. The onions add a fresh bite and jalapeños add heat and color.
Step 5: Baking
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch the edges so the cheese doesn’t brown too much.
Step 6: Cooling
Remove from oven and let cool slightly for 3–5 minutes. This helps the chili set a bit so servings hold together and you don’t burn your mouth.
Step 7: Garnishing and Serving
Serve with sour cream and salsa as toppings. Dollop sour cream and spoon salsa on top, or put them in small bowls for guests to add as they like.
How to Serve Frito Pie
Serve hot straight from the baking dish or spoon into bowls. Add fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, or sliced green onions for brightness. Offer extra salsa, hot sauce, or a squeeze of lime. It pairs well with a simple green salad, corn on the cob, or cold beer. For a party, set out bowls of toppings so guests can customize their portions.
How to Store Frito Pie
- Refrigerator: Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until hot. Reheating in the oven keeps chips from getting too soggy.
- Freezer: Not recommended with chips; freezing makes them very soft. If you must, freeze just the chili portion for up to 3 months, thaw in the fridge, then assemble with fresh chips when ready.
- Make-ahead tip: Keep chips separate and assemble right before baking for best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Frito Pie
- Use thicker chili if possible so it doesn’t turn chips to mush. If your chili is thin, simmer it to reduce moisture before adding.
- Layer chips gently. A single even layer helps maintain some crunch under the chili.
- Add half the cheese under the chili and half on top if you want extra gooeyness throughout.
- For less sodium, use low-sodium chili or homemade chili and salt to taste.
- To keep chips crisp for serving, add a small extra handful of fresh Fritos to the top after baking.
- If using canned chili, heat it first on the stove or microwave to reduce baking time and ensure even warmth.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian: Use a hearty bean chili or a meatless ground beef substitute.
- Tex-Mex: Add corn, black beans, cumin, and a squeeze of lime for a southwestern twist.
- BBQ Beef: Swap chili for shredded BBQ beef and use pepper jack cheese for a smoky take.
- Breakfast Frito Pie: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage in place of chili and top with green onions.
- Single-serve: Make individual portions in small oven-safe ramekins for easy serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use corn chips other than Fritos?
A: Yes. Use any sturdy corn chip, but textures vary. Tortilla chips are thinner and may soften faster. Fritos hold up best.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Most Fritos and plain chili are gluten-free, but always check labels. Use certified gluten-free chips and chili to be safe.
Q: How can I keep the chips from getting soggy?
A: Use thicker chili, add chili warm, and bake only until cheese melts. You can also add fresh chips after baking for crunch.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: The assembled dish does not freeze well due to chips. Freeze chili separately and assemble fresh with chips and cheese when ready.
Q: Can I make this spicy or mild?
A: Yes. Adjust heat by using milder chili, omitting jalapeños, or using mild salsa. For more heat, add hot sauce, chopped hot peppers, or pepper jack cheese.
Q: How many people does this serve?
A: This version serves about 4 as a main or 6–8 as a snack. Adjust chip and chili amounts for larger crowds.
Q: Can I use homemade chili?
A: Absolutely. Homemade chili often tastes better and lets you control texture, fat, and sodium.
Conclusion
Frito Pie is an easy, comforting dish that combines crunchy, salty chips with warm, savory chili and gooey cheese. It’s a handy recipe for quick dinners, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers. If you want a tested variation or inspiration from another home-cook site, see this reliable Frito Pie recipe on Spend With Pennies for more ideas and photos. Give it a try — it’s simple, satisfying, and fun to share.
Print
Frito Pie
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frito Pie is a cozy, crunchy, and cheesy comfort dish combining salty corn chips, warm chili, gooey melted cheese, and bright toppings, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of Fritos
- 2 cups chili (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Salsa (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
- Layer Fritos evenly at the bottom of the baking dish.
- Pour the chili over the Fritos, spooning it evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, then add diced onions and jalapeños.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with sour cream and salsa on top.
Notes
Use thicker chili for best results and add fresh Fritos on top after baking to keep them crunchy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 660
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
