A Crunchy, Cheesy Snack That’s Addictively Good
If you love the salty, crispy crunch of Fritos and the ooey-gooey goodness of melted cheese, you’re in for a treat with these Frito Bars. Imagine layers of buttery crust, gooey cheese, and that unmistakable corn chip crunch baked into one irresistible bar. Perfect for snack time, parties, or anytime you want something fun and flavorful—trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Frito Bars
Here’s why these bars are a must-make:
Crunchy and Cheesy: The perfect combo of crispy corn chips and melted cheese.
Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps for a big payoff.
Great for Sharing: Cut into bars for a perfect party appetizer or snack.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite add-ins like jalapeños or bacon.
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Ingredients in Frito Bars
Let’s break down the layers that make this snack shine:
Fritos Corn Chips
The crunchy, salty star ingredient that brings a wonderful texture.
Cream Cheese
Adds creamy richness that binds everything together.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp and melty, for that classic cheesy flavor.
Ground Beef (Optional)
For a meaty, savory boost if you want a heartier bar.
Taco Seasoning
Spices up the beef with a perfect southwestern kick.
Green Onions or Jalapeños (Optional)
Adds freshness or heat depending on your preference.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get these bars ready in no time:
Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Beef (If Using)
Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain fat, and stir in taco seasoning.
Mix the Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Bars
Spread a layer of Fritos in a greased baking dish. Top with the cream cheese mixture, then the cooked beef (if using). Finish with another layer of Fritos and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool Slightly and Serve
Let cool for a few minutes, then cut into bars and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 bars
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Frito Bars
These bars are great on their own or paired with:
Salsa or Guacamole: Perfect for dipping and adding fresh flavor.
Sour Cream: A cool contrast to the cheesy, crunchy bars.
Fresh Veggies: Carrot sticks or cucumber slices add crunch and color.
Party Platters: Include with other finger foods for a crowd-pleasing spread.
Additional Tips
Make It Meatless: Skip the beef and add black beans or corn instead.
Add Heat: Toss in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Cheeses: Pepper jack or Monterey Jack add extra flavor.
Prep Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before baking to save time.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other chips besides Fritos?
A1: Yes! Doritos or tortilla chips work well too.
Q2: How do I make this vegetarian?
A2: Simply omit the ground beef and add beans or veggies.
Q3: Can I freeze Frito Bars?
A3: Yes, freeze before baking and thaw before cooking.
Q4: Are these bars spicy?
A4: They’re mild by default, but add jalapeños or hot sauce to spice them up.
Q5: Can I add more cheese?
A5: Absolutely! Cheese lovers rejoice.
Q6: What size baking dish is best?
A6: An 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch dish works perfectly.
Q7: How do I prevent sogginess?
A7: Use sturdy chips like Fritos and avoid overmixing wet ingredients.
Q8: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A8: Yes, but the bars may be less rich and creamy.
Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just use a larger dish and increase bake time slightly.
Conclusion
Frito Bars are the ultimate crunchy, cheesy snack that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something special, these bars deliver big on flavor and fun. Give them a try—you’ll want to keep these in your recipe rotation for sure!
Print
Frito Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
Description
Crunchy, cheesy, and savory Frito Bars made with a base of Fritos corn chips, topped with a mixture of cheese, ground beef, and creamy layers. A perfect party snack or comfort food treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Fritos corn chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Cook until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Spread half of the Fritos chips evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the ground beef mixture over the chips.
- Spread half of the sour cream mixture over the beef layer.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Repeat layers: remaining Fritos chips, remaining beef, remaining sour cream mixture, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery if preferred.
- Try adding a layer of black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
- Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking and stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg