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If you ask me, chaffle fries are a keto-lover’s dream come true.
These crispy, cheese-based fries give you all the satisfaction of regular french fries without the carbs. Made from a simple mix of cheese and eggs, they’re cooked until golden in a waffle maker, then cut into strips.
They’re perfect straight from the iron, but a quick trip to the oven takes them to that next level of crispiness. A sprinkle of salt and your favorite seasonings are all you need to finish them off.
It’s a fun twist on the classic side dish that’ll make you forget you’re eating low-carb.
Why You’ll Love These Chaffle Fries
- Keto-friendly comfort food – These chaffle fries give you all the satisfaction of loaded fries without the carbs, making them perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet.
- Quick preparation – With just 20-30 minutes from start to finish, you can satisfy your comfort food cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple ingredients – You only need a handful of basic keto-friendly ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Customizable toppings – Start with the basic recipe and add your favorite low-carb toppings to make it your own – from extra cheese to diced avocado.
What Kind of Chaffles Should I Use?
The base chaffle you choose for these fries can really make or break your dish. Basic chaffles made with just eggs and cheese work fine, but I find that adding a bit of almond flour to your chaffle batter helps them hold up better when topped with chili and cheese. You’ll want to make sure your chaffles are cooked until they’re nice and crispy – this extra crispiness helps them maintain their structure under the toppings without getting soggy. If you’re making the chaffles ahead of time, just pop them in the toaster or air fryer for a minute to crisp them back up before adding your toppings.
Options for Substitutions
Looking to switch things up with your chaffle fries? Here are some helpful substitution tips:
- Chaffles: The chaffles are the base of this recipe and should be kept as is since they’re the low-carb alternative to regular fries. However, you can experiment with different cheese types in your chaffle batter like mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
- Low-carb keto chili: You can swap the chili with seasoned ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian meat substitute mixed with low-carb taco seasoning. Just make sure whatever you use follows your keto guidelines.
- Cheddar cheese: Feel free to use any melting cheese you prefer – monterey jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all work great here.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a good substitute for sour cream, just make sure to use full-fat version to keep it keto-friendly. You could also use Mexican crema or even mashed avocado for a different twist.
- Chives: Green onions work perfectly in place of chives. You could also use finely chopped red onions or even a sprinkle of onion powder if you’re out of fresh herbs.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making chaffle fries is keeping them crispy – letting them cool completely before cutting will make them lose their desirable crunch, so be sure to slice them while they’re still warm from the waffle maker. Another common mistake is overloading your chaffles with toppings too quickly, which can make them soggy – instead, let the cheese melt slightly on the warm chaffle strips before adding the chili and other toppings. For the best texture and flavor, avoid using cold toppings straight from the fridge, as they’ll cool down your chaffle fries too quickly – warming your chili and bringing your sour cream to room temperature makes a big difference. To keep your chaffle fries extra crispy, try placing them on a wire rack instead of directly on a plate, which prevents steam from making them soft on the bottom.
What to Serve With Chaffle Fries?
Since chaffle fries are already loaded with toppings like chili and cheese, they work best as part of a casual keto-friendly meal spread. A simple side salad with ranch dressing keeps things low-carb while adding some fresh crunch to balance out the rich, cheesy chaffles. You can also add some sliced avocado or guacamole on the side for healthy fats that complement the flavors perfectly. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, bacon bits, jalapeños, and different sugar-free sauces so everyone can customize their portion.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: These chaffle fries are best enjoyed right away while they’re warm and crispy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the toppings separate from the chaffles to prevent them from getting soggy.
Make Ahead: You can prep the chaffles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just warm them up and add your toppings fresh. The chili can also be made in advance and stored separately – it actually tastes even better the next day!
Warm Up: To get back that nice crispy texture, pop the chaffles in a toaster or air fryer for a quick minute. Then top with reheated chili, fresh cheese, and other toppings. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the chaffles soft instead of crispy.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 40-50 g
- Fat: 40-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30 g
Ingredients
- 2 warm chaffles
- 3/4 cup warm low-carb keto chili
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (full-fat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives or 1 teaspoon dried chives
Step 1: Prepare the Low Carb, Keto Chili Ahead
If possible, prepare the Low Carb, Keto Chili in advance.
This will save you time when assembling the dish.
Ensure that the chili is flavorful and has all the desired spices for a rich taste.
Step 2: Preheat and Make the Chaffles
Preheat your mini waffle maker or larger waffle iron.
While it’s heating, combine mozzarella cheese, almond flour, and eggs in a bowl to create the chaffle batter.
Once the waffle maker is ready, pour the batter into it and cook until each chaffle is firm and crispy.
Step 3: Cool and Slice the Chaffles
After cooking, remove the chaffles from the waffle maker and allow them to cool slightly.
Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice each chaffle into “fries” by cutting along each side of the waffle squares, creating pieces about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 4: Assemble the Fries
Arrange the sliced chaffle fries in a bowl, creating a base for your dish.
Ensure they are spread evenly to hold the toppings well.
Step 5: Add the Chili and Toppings
Warm the prepared Low Carb, Keto Chili and scoop it generously over the chaffle fries.
For added flavor, top the chili with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of full-fat sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh or dried chives.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Low Carb, Keto Chili Cheese Chaffle Fries immediately while they are warm and the cheese is melting.
Enjoy this creative and delicious low-carb comfort food!