This easy chili cheese dip recipe can be made in minutes and is a hearty, delicious appetizer. Chili cream cheese dip can be made in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Why you will love this dip recipe
- If you need an easy appetizer for the big game, your next party, or just because, this is the perfect appetizer.
- Make ahead – You can make this ahead of time and then bake when ready to eat.
- Chili dip is a great way to use leftover chili.
- Only 4 ingredients needed.
Ingredients needed
Cream cheese – You will need 8 ounces of cream cheese for this easy dip recipe. Make sure to soften the cream cheese to make it easier to spread.
Chili – Use your favorite canned chili like Hormel chili, or homemade chili.
Hot Sauce – This is optional but adds a little bit of spice to the dip.
Shredded Cheese – This recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese but feel free to change it up with your favorite like pepper jack, Monterey jack, or a Mexican blend cheese.
Optional – Add a little freshness and color by using chopped fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, or sliced green onion for garnish.
How to make easy chili cheese dip
Step one: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the softened cream cheese into a serving dish, like a pie dish.
Step two: Pour chili in a bowl and then stir in hot sauce. Spread the chili over the top of the cream cheese.
Step three: Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted and heated through.
Recipe variations
Want to try adding a little extra heat or flavor variations? Try some of these ideas:
Salsa – Try adding 1/2 cup of salsa over the cream cheese before adding the chili.
Green chilis – You can stir in a small can of diced green chilis to the beef chili.
Cheese – You will want a shredded cheese that melts well. Try different cheese like colby jack, Monterey jack, pepper jack cheese, or even mozzarella cheese.
What to serve with chili cream cheese dip
Try serving this dip with things like:
- Tortilla chips
- Corn chips
- Crackers
- Cut up vegetables
- Small toasted bread
- Mini peppers
How to store leftovers
Store: You can store leftover chili cheese dip by covering the serving dish with plastic wrap and keeping in the refrigerator. You can also scoop the leftovers into an airtight container. It will last 2 days.
Reheat: If still in the baking dish, you can reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave the dip for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Can this be made on the stove top?
You can make this as a “queso” dip on the stove. Place cream cheese, chili, hot sauce and 1 cup of shredded cheese in a saucepan. Heat on the stove over medium heat. Stir to combine and serve hot.
Yes, use your favorite chili with or without beans.
Yes, just use a vegetarian chili.
More dip recipes
Love dips? Be sure to check out this list of 35 party dips.
Let me know if you tried this cheesy dip recipe.
Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oounce cream cheese softened
- 15 ounce can chili or homemade chili
- 2-4 dashes hot sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the softened cream cheese into a serving dish, like a pie dish.
- Pour chili in a bowl and then stir in hot sauce. Spread the chili over the top of the cream cheese.
- Top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese has melted and heated through.
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