Chili Cheese Cream Cheese Dip

Name: Chili Cheese Cream Cheese Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounce package regular or 1/3 less-fat cream cheese (room temperature); 15 ounce can prepared chili; 1 finely diced jalapeño; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheese; Garnish options: sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro; Frito Scoops (for dipping)

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Ready for the ultimate cheesy dip with a kick? This 5 ingredient Chili Cheese Cream Cheese Dip will hit the spot and takes 10 minutes to prep! Make it for a tailgate or potluck and you will be everyone's favorite person, it's a guaranteed favorite with family and friends.

If you're looking for the ultimate game day snack or party appetizer, this 5 ingredient chili cheese cream cheese dip is a guaranteed winner. It's a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and spicy, with just the right amount of crunch, and takes LESS THAN 10 MINUTES to prep!

Whether you’re watching the big game, hosting friends, or just craving a comforting snack, this quick-and-easy warm dip will quickly become a favorite. Frito Scoops are our favorite pairing, but you can also serve it with tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, or fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, and bell pepper slices.

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Don't forget to add Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip and Red Lobster Sausage Balls to complete your winning game day spread!

Table of Contents

Why You'll Like This Recipe

Easy Dip Recipe: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this easy chili cheese dip comes together in minutes.
Perfect for Parties: This hot dip is a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with chips, crackers, or veggies.
Customizable Heat: You control the level of spice by adjusting the amount of fresh jalapeño.
Versatile: Serve it warm for extra melty goodness or chilled for a refreshing snack.
Great for Sharing: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scroll Down to the Recipe Card for the Full Recipe and Ingredient Amounts

Cream Cheese (Regular or ⅓ Less Fat): This is the creamy, rich base of the dip. Using ⅓ less-fat cream cheese makes the dip lighter without sacrificing flavor. Philadelphia Cream Cheese is my preference.
Can of Chili or Homemade Chili: This adds depth of flavor and hearty texture to the dip. You can use a canned chili with or without beans, depending on your preference, or your own homemade chili. My Brisket Chili and Cafeteria Chili (minus the spaghetti) both work great for this dip! The type of chili is up to you!
Fresh Jalapeño: Adds a kick of heat and freshness. You can seed the jalapeño to reduce the spiciness or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold cheesy flavor and creates that irresistible gooey texture when melted.
Green Onions or Fresh Cilantro: These provide a pop of color, freshness, and a mild flavor that complements the richness of the dip.
Frito Scoops (and other dippers): The perfect sturdy chip for scooping up all the cheesy goodness. The salty, crunchy texture pairs beautifully with the creamy dip. Tortilla chips, celery sticks, and carrots are also great dipping options!

Tools You'll Need

How to Make Chili Cheese Cream Cheese Dip

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the baking dish (either a pie plate or 8x8-inch size).

Pour the can of chili over the top of the cream cheese and spread it out in an even layer.

Sprinkle the diced jalapeño on top of the chili for that spicy kick.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the dip is heated through.
Garnish with sliced green onions or cilantro and serve with Fritos Scoops for dipping.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

Spice Level: For more heat, use two jalapeños or leave the seeds in. You can also add hot sauce the chili or drizzle on top after baking. For a milder version, use only half a jalapeño or substitute with diced green chilies.
Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack cheese, pepper jack cheese, Colby jack, or a shredded Mexican blend cheese for different flavor profiles.

IMPORTANT: If possible, I highly recommend using freshly grated cheese! Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as effectively.
Make it a Meal: Turn this dip into a heartier dish by adding cooked, crumbled sausage or ground beef.
Dipping Options: While Frito Scoops corn chips are a classic choice, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced veggies are also great options!

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy again, you can serve it cold or reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Freezing this dip is not recommended as the cream cheese may change texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Hormel chili cheese dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, then bake or microwave it right before serving.

Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned or jarred jalapeños can be substituted for fresh. Just be sure to drain them before adding them to the dip to avoid excess moisture.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe without compromising the creamy texture. Avoid fat-free cream cheese, as it may affect the richness and consistency.

How can I make this dip vegetarian?

The base recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. If you’re adding meat, just skip that step to keep it veggie-approved. You can also use a homemade or can of vegetarian chili.

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