Home » Blog » Course » Appetizers » Chili Cheese DipChili Cheese Dip Pin RecipeRate RecipePublished: Jan 12, 2023 · Modified: Feb 7, 2023 by Marlene Wallace · This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our full Disclosure Policy for details. Perfect game day snack full of chili flavor and gooey cheese! Make it as mild or spicy as you like! This baked hot chili dip is perfect for dipping anything. Jump to Recipe Chili cheese dip is a perfect blend of cream cheese, comforting chili and lots of gooey cheese. It only takes 10 minutes to assemble this perfectly delicious appetizer or party snack that bakes to warm and melty perfection in the oven. You can serve hot chili dip at a tailgate party, during the big game, or even at your next movie night. Moreover, it is a great addition to any Mexican themed dinner or nacho bar. Chili cheese dip tastes amazing with tortilla chips, Fritos, tostadas, crackers or veggie sticks. Table of Contents What is Chili Cheese Dip? Why You’ll Love This Ingredients Recommended ToolsInstructionsMake AheadCrockpot Chili Cheese Dip InstructionsStef says…. Recipe Tips More Delicious Warm Dip RecipesMore Mexican Inspired Dip RecipesAndrea says….How To StoreHow To ReheatCommon QuestionsChili Cheese Dip Recipe What is Chili Cheese Dip? This perfect game day snack, sometimes also called “Hormel Chili Dip”, combines a layer of cream cheese, salsa and grated cheese with a second layer of chili and cheese. Additionally, before being baked in the oven, this perfect appetizer is topped with an extra layer of cheese. While we prefer the layered version of this scrumptious party food, there are other versions of this dip as well. Other easy dip recipes call for blending all ingredients together before baking, being cooked on the stovetop or even in a slow cooker. Why You’ll Love This Notable: warm dip that is creamy, full of chili flavor and melty cheese Main Ingredients: cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, cream cheese, chili Cooking Method: oven baked Cooking Time: 10 minutes of prep time, 20 minutes baking time Pairs well with: tortilla chips, flavored corn chips, French fries, potato chips, Fritos scoops Diets: gluten free Special Equipment Needed: mixing bowls, cooking spoon or spatula, 8×8-inch baking dish, pie pan Ingredients You may have all of these ingredients for this chili cream cheese dip recipe in your refrigerator or pantry and not need to make a trip to the grocery store! If this is your first time making this homemade chili cheese dip you might want to read the possible variations before deciding on your ingredients. Cheesy Chili Dip Ingredients 1 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese ½ cup salsa 8 oz cream cheese (softened) 15 oz can of chili Optional Garnish a dollop of sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños or black olives Variations and Substitutions Cheese: Substitute shredded Colby Jack cheese, mozzarella cheese, Velveeta cheese or Mexican blend cheese for the cheddar and Monterey Jack. In case you like to add some spice to your dip use Pepper Jack cheese instead. Salsa: Use your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own. Have you tried our delicious and easy to make Salsa Recipe with Canned Tomatoes? You could even use a can of Rotel tomatoes in a pinch. Chili: You can use any type of chili for this easy chili cheese dip recipe. Use your favorite canned chili, chili con carne, spicy chili, or homemade chili. Moreover, you can make this delicious dip vegetarian by using meatless bean chili. Make it spicy: You can add a lot of heat to this dip by using Pepper Jack cheese, spicy chili and hot salsa. However, if you want even more spiciness, add some green chiles, chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, a little bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love this cheesy chili dip recipe, try our Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. You’ll love it because this easy chili made with chicken, canned beans, vegetables and spices cooks up in the pressure cooker in just 15 minutes. Recommended Tools Links to our favorite tools are affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link we may get a tiny portion of the sale. Baking Dish — We recommend using a pie pan or a 8×8-inch baking dish to cook this tasty dip. Instructions This section shows how to cook homemade cheesy chili dip in the oven, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below. PREPARE: Firstly, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then combine cheeses in a small bowl. MAKE CREAM CHEESE LAYER: Afterwards, mix together softened cream cheese, salsa, and 1 cup of grated cheese in another small bowl. Then spread mixture into a pie plate or oven-proof shallow dish. MAKE CHILI LAYER: Combine another cup of shredded cheese and the can of chili and spread on top of the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish. BAKE: Then top with remaining cheeses, before baking at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Finally serve with corn chips, Fritos, veggies or crackers. WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love hearty ground beef chili with beans and tomatoes and just the right amount of spice then you’ll love our Easy Chili recipe. You can make this tasty chili con carne in the slow cooker, Instant Pot or in a dutch oven on the stovetop. Make Ahead You can assemble this creamy chili cheese dip recipe up to 1 day ahead of time. Make sure to cover tightly with cling wrap and keep in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Only bake the dip when you are ready to serve it. Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip Instructions To make the chili cheese dip in a slow cooker, simply add layers of the cream cheese mixture, chili cheese mixture and grated cheese into a small crock pot. Then cook on High for 2 hours. Keep warm to serve. Stef says…. Another fun twist on traditional chili is Chili Mac. My family loves this perfect blend between warm spicy chili and satisfying macaroni and cheese. And the best part this 30-minute one-pot meal is easy to make and easy to clean up! Recipe Tips Follow these tips to make the best chili cheese dip. Tip: Soften cream cheese to almost room temperature. That way it blends smoothly with the other dip ingredients. Tip: For best results, grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese contains additives and therefore does not provide the same amazing flavor as freshly grated cheese. Tip: Use good quality chili. Only tasty chili makes a great tasting dip. More Delicious Warm Dip Recipes If you love this chili cheese dip recipe, then you’ll enjoy these other delicious warm dip recipes: Rotel Dip with Sausage Crack Corn Dip Buffalo Chicken Dip Crockpot Recipe Mississippi Sin Dip More Mexican Inspired Dip Recipes If you love Mexican flavors as much as we do, then these easy and scrumptious dips will be perfect for your next party: Easy Guacamole Recipe (No Onion) The Best 7 Layer Dip Recipe Queso Blanco (White Nacho Cheese Sauce) Texas Trash Dip Andrea says…. In case you are not a big fan of traditional chili, try topping this cheesy dip with amazing White Chicken Chili instead. How To Store Refrigerate: Store leftover chili cheese dip in an airtight container, ziploc bag or tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up 3 days. Freeze: You can freeze this cheesy dip in a freezer safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Defrosting: Thaw chili cheese dip leftovers in the fridge overnight. How To Reheat A great way to reheat this easy chili dip is in the microwave or oven until hot and bubbly again. Common Questions What dippers should I serve with this chili cheese dip recipe? Cheesy chili dip tastes great with tortilla chips, Fritos, tostadas, salty crackers, pita chips or toasted French bread slices. Additionally you can serve this delicious appetizer with freshly cut veggies, such as celery sticks or bell peppers, for example. Can I add any toppings to this easy appetizer? By all means!! We recommend adding a dollop of sour cream, freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, green onions or black olives to the top of this nacho cheese and chili dip. How long can this crowd-pleasing dip sit out at room temperature? We recommend leaving this dip out at room temperature no longer than two hours. After that, in order to stay food safe, give it some time in the fridge to cool down. You can reheat leftovers later in the microwave or oven. Is it possible to make this super bowl chili dip on the stovetop? As a matter of fact, yes! You just need to make some slight adjustments to the recipe. The dip will no longer be layered, but turns into an all in one dip. It will be just as tasty, though. Begin by adding chili, salsa and cream cheese to a large skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly until the ingredients are hot, bubbly and thoroughly combined. Then add grated cheese and stir until all the cheese has melted. Serve with tortilla chips or spoon over hot dogs to make chili cheese dogs. 5 from 2 votes Chili Cheese Dip Recipe Author Andrea + Stef Course Appetizer Cuisine American, Mexican Prep Time 10 minutes minutes Cook Time 20 minutes minutes Total Time 30 minutes minutes Print Pin Rate 10 servings Perfect game day snack full of chili flavor and gooey cheese! Make it as mild or spicy as you like! This baked hot chili dip is perfect for dipping anything. Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark Equipmentmixing bowlscooking spoon or spatulabaking dish Ingredients 1x2x3x▢ 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese▢ 1½ cups grated Monterey Jack cheese▢ ½ cup salsa▢ 8 oz cream cheese softened▢ 15 oz can of chili InstructionsPreheat oven to 350°F.Combine cheeses in a small bowl. In another small bowl, mix together cream cheese, salsa, and 1 cup of grated cheese. Spread mixture into a pie plate or oven-proof shallow dish. Combine another cup of cheeses and the can of chili and spread over the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Notes Tip: Soften cream cheese to almost room temperature. That way it blends smoothly with the other dip ingredients. Tip: For best results, grate your own cheese. Pre-grated cheese contains additives and therefore does not provide the same amazing flavor as freshly grated cheese. Tip: Use good quality chili. Only tasty chili makes a great tasting dip. NutritionCalories: 263kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 810IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 292mg | Iron: 2mg Did you create this? Share it on Instagram and follow us on Pinterest for more cleverly simply recipes. Email Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe PinShareTweet