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Flavorful Brown Butter Chili Cheese Fries with Strawberry Rose Syrup

brown butter chili cheese fries - featured image

Crispy russet fries topped with a nutty brown butter chili, melty cheese, and a delicate strawberry rose syrup for a sweet-and-savory twist. Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Peel (optional) and cut russet potatoes into ¼-inch thick fries. Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  2. Toss fries with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet without crowding. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. For air fryer, cook in batches for 15-20 minutes, shaking occasionally.
  3. Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, swirling until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (4-5 minutes). Remove from heat.
  4. Add chopped onion and garlic to browned butter; sauté until soft (about 3 minutes). Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it up, and cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add drained diced tomatoes and kidney beans. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed and keep warm.
  6. In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until syrup thickens slightly. Remove from heat, stir in rose water and lemon juice, strain to remove seeds, and let cool.
  7. Transfer crispy fries to a serving platter. Spoon brown butter chili over fries, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
  8. Place platter under broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese bubbles and melts.
  9. Drizzle strawberry rose syrup lightly over the top and serve immediately.

Notes

Soak fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove starch for crispiness. Watch butter closely when browning to avoid burning. Simmer chili longer if watery. Broil cheese just until bubbly to avoid drying out. Drizzle strawberry rose syrup sparingly for best balance. Can substitute ground turkey for beef for leaner chili. Rose water can be replaced with vanilla extract if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, chili cheese fries, strawberry rose syrup, crispy fries, comfort food, game night snack, easy recipe