Description
Frito Bars are a crunchy, cheesy snack combining the bold flavor of Fritos corn chips with melted sharp cheddar, cream cheese, bacon bits, green onions, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for game day, parties, or casual snacking, these easy-to-make bars deliver an irresistible savory treat that’s both satisfying and highly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Fritos Corn Chips, lightly crushed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly crush the Fritos corn chips to maintain some chunkiness for crunch. Finely chop the green onions. Gather all other ingredients ready for mixing.
- Mix the Cheeses and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, blend the shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the softened cream cheese until creamy and well combined to create a smooth, gooey base that binds the snack.
- Add Bacon, Green Onions, and Seasonings: Fold in the bacon bits, chopped green onions, ranch seasoning mix, and melted butter. Stir gently and evenly to distribute the flavors throughout the mixture.
- Combine with Fritos: Carefully add the crushed Fritos corn chips to the cheese mixture. Fold in just enough to mix without breaking down the chips completely, preserving their signature crunch.
- Press and Bake: Firmly press the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly in an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden, bubbly, and edges are slightly crisp.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the baked Frito Bars from the oven and allow them to cool slightly in the pan. Cooling helps the bars set properly, making them easier to slice and serve without crumbling.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother blend and better texture.
- Don’t overmix the Fritos to maintain crunchiness; keep some chip chunks intact.
- Press the mixture firmly into the pan so the bars hold together when sliced.
- Allow bars to cool before slicing to prevent crumbling and ensure clean cuts.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before adding the Fritos chips for ideal flavor balance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg