If you want easy, this chili dip is for you. Using only three ingredients (cream cheese, chili, and cheese), it comes together with just minutes of prep. This easy chili cream cheese dip a perfect dip for game day or holiday parties.
Perfect appetizer
I love a warm dip. There's something so satisfying about an ooey gooey cheesy dip fresh from the oven.
When entertaining, it's always nice to have a couple of back pocket appetizers that are tasty and easy. This chili cheese dip is just about the easiest dip recipe there is. It's an old school recipe that has stood the test of time, and sometimes those are just the best.
This 3-ingredient chili cheese dip can be prepped ahead and baked later or thrown together last minute. Serve for game day or at your next holiday party.
Ingredients
This chili cream cheese dip uses super simple ingredients that you can find anywhere.
- block of cream cheese: Philadelphia cream cheese or a cheaper generic brand both work just fine.
- canned chili or homemade: Canned chili is obviously going to be the easiest option unless you already have leftover homemade chili. I like to use my store brand generic chili. It actually has decent ingredients compared to some of the other canned chili options. Beans or no beans is up to you. I like beans in my chili dip, but if you don't love them, buy a can of chili that does not have beans.
- shredded cheddar cheese
How to assemble
- Spread softened cream cheese in an 8x8 baking dish or pie dish into an even layer using a spatula or the back of a large spoon.
- Pour chili evenly on top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chili
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and dip is hot and bubbly.
What to serve with the dip
You need something sturdy to stand up to the hardy chili cheese dip. I recommend one of the following:
- corn chips (like Fritos scoops)
- tortilla chips
- sliced red bell peppers (for lower carb eaters)
Variations
As written, this is a great base recipe, and will be delicious. If you want to customize it and add a little extra something, try one of these variations.
- Change the cheese: Feel free to change the cheese depending on what you like. Use a Mexican cheese blend, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Use homemade: Your own homemade chili would elevate this easy dip and make it even more tasty. This would be the perfect use for leftover chili. You just need 1 ½ cups of your favorite chili to substitute the canned chili.
- Toppings: To make this dip even more delightful, you could add as many toppings as you like. Some ideas are chopped pickled jalapeños, green onions, fresh cilantro, or hot sauce. I prefer to keep the dip plain and serve other toppings on the side so guests can customize as they wish.
- Vegetarian: If you are vegetarian, simply use a meatless vegetarian chili.
Chili cream cheese dip
Equipment
- 1 baking dish 8x8
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 15 oz canned chili or 1 ½ cup homemade chili
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly into bottom of baking dish using a flexible spatula or back of a spoon.
- Add chili on top of cream cheese and spread out evenly.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top evenly.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and dip is hot and bubbly.
- Serve warm with chips.
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