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Why is Frito chili pie considered a pie?

Frito chili pie, a dish made by topping Fritos corn chips with chili con carne and shredded cheese, has long been associated with Tex-Mex cuisine. Despite its name containing the word “pie,” Frito chili pie is not a traditional dessert pie. This leads many to wonder – why is it called a pie in the first place?

The History of Frito Chili Pie

The origins of Frito chili pie can be traced back to the 1930s in Texas. It was first created by Daisy Dean Doolin, the founder of Fritos, who had the idea to combine Fritos with chili. The dish was meant to be versatile and inexpensive, made with common pantry staples of the time.

Frito chili pie grew in popularity throughout the following decades, becoming a staple concession stand item at stadiums, fairs, and other events in the Southwest. According to Texas food lore, Frito chili pie was first served at the concession stand of the Minnesota Landers minor league baseball team in the 1950s. The sales of Frito chili pie were so successful that it was added to menus across the country.

The Original Recipe

The original recipe for Frito chili pie is simple, requiring just three ingredients:

  • Fritos corn chips
  • Chili con carne
  • Shredded cheddar cheese

To assemble a Frito chili pie, a portion of Fritos are placed in the bottom of a bowl. Chili con carne is spooned over top of the Fritos, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded cheese. The dish can be served straight out of the bowl or transferred to a plate after assembly.

While the exact brand or style of corn chips, chili, and cheese may vary, this basic three-ingredient combination is fundamental to Frito chili pie. The crisp chips, meaty chili, and gooey cheese together create a simple, savory, and slightly messy handheld meal.

How Frito Chili Pie Got Its Name

So if Frito chili pie strays so far from what we think of as traditional pie, why did this name stick? There are a few key theories behind Frito chili pie’s misleading moniker:

It Was Marketed as a “Pie”

One of the main reasons Frito chili pie became known as a pie was through marketing and packaging. When Fritos began selling chili pie kits for convenience in the 1970s and 1980s, the products were deliberately labeled and marketed as “pie” for a catchy, memorable name.

Calling the dish a pie likely helped increase sales. Attaching an air of novelty and fun through the name made the concept more appealing. The kits came with little trays and instructions to assemble the “pie,” further cementing this image and name.

The Ingredients Act as Filling and Crust

Frito chili pie mimics some qualities of traditional pie through its ingredients and assembly – the chips act as a crispy crust, while the chili and cheese become the rich, hearty filling. Stacked up in a bowl or on a plate, the layers superficially resemble a wedge of pie.

It Has a Round Shape

Similarly, Frito chili pie takes on a round, pie-like form when served in bowls. The chips, chili, and cheese mound up creating a tall, domed shape much like a slice of pie. This shape likely contributed to the association with pie over other dish names.

The Name Simply Stuck

Beyond marketing and composition, the term Frito chili pie may have endured simply because the general public latched onto it. The alliterative name has a catchy, memorable ring. While not entirely accurate, calling it a pie became widely accepted through common usage over time.

How Real Pies are Defined

To better understand why applying the term “pie” to Frito chili pie seems unconventional, it’s helpful to examine what defines a true pie. Some key qualities of pie include:

  • A bottom pastry crust and filling enclosed together
  • A dessert made from sweet fruit or cream fillings
  • Served as wedges or slices
  • Sweet flavor profile

By these standards, Frito chili pie lacks the fundamental pastry crust component of pie. It also differs by being a savory dish served in a bowl, rather than a sweet wedge. However, through creative labeling and marketing, the name stuck over time.

Frito Chili Pie’s Lasting Appeal

The popularity of Frito chili pie has persisted over the decades, despite its misnomer. Its appeal stems from several factors:

Nostalgia

For many, Frito chili pie elicits fond memories. It’s considered “retro” comfort food, often associated with sporting events, school cafeterias, and county fairs. The nostalgia factor makes Frito chili pie an appealing choice.

Simplicity

Frito chili pie’s basic ingredient list and assembly makes it accessible. It’s inexpensive and easy to whip up with pantry staples. You don’t need advanced culinary skills or exotic ingredients to create a tasty Frito chili pie.

Texture and Flavor

The crispy chips, meaty chili, gooey cheese, and salty-savory flavors are an irresistible sensory combination. The textures and tastes pair well together in a satisfying handheld meal.

Versatility

Frito chili pie can be customized and tweaked as desired. Different brands or types of chips, chili, and cheese can be used. Toppings like onion, cilantro, or hot sauce also pair well. This versatility adds to the appeal.

Portability

Since Frito chili pie is handheld and self-contained, it’s highly portable. The pie can easily be made ahead then served at parties, get-togethers, or other events without utensils needed for eating.

Conclusion

While Frito chili pie subverts expectations of what defines a traditional pie, this dish remains beloved in the Southwest and beyond. Its memorable, catchy name is a testament to successful marketing by Fritos. While not a true pie in structure or flavor, the following factors have contributed to Frito chili pie earning its title:

  • Deliberate marketing and packaging as a “pie” product
  • Ingredients layered like pie filling and crust
  • Round, domed shape when assembled
  • The quirky name simply enduring over time

Frito chili pie has staying power thanks to its nostalgic comfort food appeal, simple ingredients, flavorful taste, customizable nature, and portability. So while it may stretch the definition, this cheesy, meaty, crispy Tex-Mex specialty has rightly earned the nickname Frito pie over the generations.