Easy Chili Cheese Dip

When it comes to appetizers, dips are really at the top tier. Who doesn't love dunking their chip (or toasted baguette chip) into something warm, melty, and totally delicious?

This homemade chili cheese dip is so good, so cheesy, and so melty. But the best part? It actually just calls for 4 simple ingredients, AND uses canned chili - talk about simple!

You could use your favorite brand of chili, or use leftovers from a batch you made yourself from scratch. No one has to know, and everyone is going to love this comforting and satisfying recipe.

Why You'll Love This Easy Chili Cheese Dip Recipe:

1. It's the perfect appetizer! Whether it's for a chill weekend, your next party, or the big game.
2. The recipe calls for just 4 ingredients and is ready for the oven in just 5 minutes.
3. Perfect for serving with your favorite tortilla chips, corn chips, or fresh veggies.
4. Can be made in the oven, the microwave, or even the slow cooker!

Ingredients

• Chili: You'll need one can of chili to make this recipe or about 1 ½ cups of homemade. If you want to make this cheesy chili dip keto or low-carb, use an all-meat chili. If you want it to be vegetarian, use a vegetarian canned or homemade chili.
• Cream cheese: If you can, allow your brick of cream cheese to soften at room temperature. It's not absolutely essential, but it does allow it to combine with the sour cream a bit better. I don't recommend using the cream cheese that comes in a tub, as it doesn't hold up well to heating.
• Sour cream (optional): This ingredient is optional but recommended. Look for a thick sour cream that is similar in consistency to greek yogurt. Daisy brand is one that is very popular and is also very thick.
• Shredded cheese: For a super easy prep you can use a shredded Mexican cheese blend. If you want to switch up the flavors you can try your favorite shredded cheese like Monterey jack, Colby jack, etc.
• Tortilla chips (for serving): You'll need something for serving with this easy dip recipe. Tortilla chips, corn chips, and pita chips are all great options. For keto or low-carb options, you could try celery sticks, mini peppers, or Quest chips.

Equipment:

• Baking dish: You'll need a medium-sized baking dish that is oven-proof (or microwave-proof if you prefer that method). I used a Staub 7.5 X 6" dish, but a glass 8X8" baking dish works great too.
• Hand mixer: In order to get the cream cheese and sour cream layer super smooth and well combined, I recommend using an electric hand mixer. If you don't have one, make sure your cream cheese is super soft and blend it with a sturdy silicone spatula.

Add the cream cheese and sour cream to a medium-sized bowl and whip it with an electric hand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture into the bottom of your baking dish in a smooth, even layer.

Then add on top the full can of chili, spreading it out evenly and to the edges.

Finally, sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of Mexican blend shredded cheese (or your favorite blend of shredded cheese) and place it in the oven.

Bake the chili cheese dip in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly and all of the cheese is melted.

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving it with your favorite tortilla chips, corn chips, veggie sticks, etc.

Feel free to sprinkle the top with chopped green onion, green peppers, red onion, etc. This can really make the dish your own and add a boost of flavor.

Microwave Method

You can also make this recipe in the microwave for a super easy way of prepping this easy dip!

1. Spread the cream cheese onto a shallow microwave-safe plate or baking dish.
2. Top with the chili and shredded cheese.
3. Microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
4. Serve with tortilla chips, corn chips, veggies, etc.

Storing and Reheating

Storing leftovers: Allow the leftover chili cheese dip to cool completely before adding it to an airtight container or covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for 1-2 days - any longer than that and the layers begin to weep and release a lot of liquid.

Reheating leftovers: Once you're ready to reheat your leftovers you can do so in the oven or in the microwave. I've tested both and the best results come from the microwave, as the oven method tends to cause the cream cheese and sour cream to curdle a bit (but it still tastes fine!).

To reheat in the microwave, heat the dip in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. If using the oven method, add the cold dish to a cold oven. Set the temperature to 350ºF and allow the dip to cook until warmed through - about 20 minutes or so.

Make ahead: If you want to make this cheesy dip ahead of time for your next party, you can absolutely do that. Just assemble the dip and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance. When you're ready to bake, place the cold dish in a cold oven and set the heat to 400ºF (204ºC). Bake until hot and bubbly.

Variations and Substitutions

Favorite toppings: Although this recipe is supposed to be super simple, that doesn't mean you can't get creative with toppings and fillings! Try additions like jalapenos, green onions, seasoned ground beef, hot sauce, bell peppers, red onion, etc.

Alternative cheeses: The recommended cheese is a shredded Mexican blend cheese, but you can use whatever you have on hand, or a blend of various kinds of cheese. Some good options include pepper jack cheese, Colby jack, shredded cheddar cheese, or even a bit of mozzarella cheese for stretchiness.

Chili: Part of what makes this chili cream cheese dip the easiest recipe ever is that it uses canned chili. But don't be limited by that! Try using some leftover homemade chili if you have some on hand, or use a can of chili with your favorite flavor combos like all-meat chili or chili con carne. It's also easy to find vegetarian chili options if you would prefer for it to be a meatless appetizer.

Keto/Low Carb: Use an all-meat chili (either homemade or canned) in the recipe. Serve with celery sticks, mini peppers, or Quest chips.

More Easy Appetizers

• Layered Salsa Dip (Nacho Dip)
• Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers
• Easy Parmesan Crisps
• Air Fryer Paneer
• Jalapeno Popper Dip - Yellow Bliss Road