Cookbook:Frito Pie

Cookbook | Ingredients | Recipes | Texas cuisine

Frito Pie as seen today

Frito pie is a corn (maize) chip and chili con carne dish popular in the United States. Frito pie may be made with just corn chips, chili, and shredded cheese, but often has other condiments added as well. Sour cream, jalapeños, onions, hot sauce, tomatoes, and various other Latin American ingredients are often used.

Variation I

This is a traditional, and basic, recipe for Frito pie. Minor variants are common.

Ingredients

For 4 servings:

• 3 cups (710 ml) Fritos
• 1 cup (240 ml) grated cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (590 ml) chili (homemade or canned)

Procedure

1. Preheat oven to 350° F (175° C).
2. Spread 2 cups of Fritos in a baking dish.
3. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the Fritos.
4. Spread the chili over the Fritos
5. Bake for 15 or 20 minutes and cheese is bubbly.
6. Add remaining cheese and Fritos to top of pie.
7. Serve hot.

Variation II

This recipe is based on the recipe for home-made Frito Pie Chili.

Ingredients

For 8 servings:

• 1 recipe of home-made Frito Pie Chili
• 1 bag (10 oz. / 280 g) Fritos
• 1½ cups (350 ml) grated Monterrey Jack cheese
• 6 Tbsps. (90 ml) sour cream
• 1 small jar of jalapeños

Procedure

1. Place a handful of the chips in each of 8 shallow bowls.
2. Spoon the Frito Pie Chili over the chips.
3. Garnish with the grated cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Variation III

The simple at-home way of making Frito Pie quickly, without an oven. More ideal for children than the hotter bag and casserole methods. Easily multiplied for parties or other occasions!

Ingredients

• Single-serving bag of fritos
• Single-serving of chili
• Cheese and other toppings

Procedure

1. Heat chilli on stove or in microwave until desired temperature.
2. Pour over fritos in a bowl.
3. Add cheese and desired toppings.
4. Carefully eat it straight from the bowl.