This Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort food, combining hearty chili with gooey, melted cheese for a rich and savory appetizer. Perfect for dipping chips, it’s a crowd-pleaser for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. Quick to make and irresistibly creamy, this dip will have everyone coming back for more.
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Get ready to dive into the ultimate crowd-pleaser—chili cheese dip! Whether it’s game day, a casual hangout, or a snack attack moment, this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying dip is here to save the day.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a hot, bubbly dish of happiness that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips (or even a spoon… no judgment). It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone parked by the snack table, so be prepared to share—or not. Your call!
If you are browsing for party apps or fun snacks, be sure to see our 46 Easy Cold Appetizer Recipes and 43 Easy Hot Appetizer Ideas For A Party.
Ingredients Needed:
- Cream cheese, softened
- Canned chili
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
How to Make Easy Chili Cheese Dip
Start by setting your oven to 350°F and let it warm up while you prep. Chop up the green onions and set them aside for later.
In a large bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, chili, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
Spread the creamy mixture into a baking dish, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once baked, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish.
Tips for Making
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing—it’ll make blending easier and ensure a super smooth texture.
- Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but it often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
- This dip is best enjoyed warm. If you’re serving at a party, keep it in a small slow cooker to maintain the perfect temperature.
Common FAQs
Absolutely! You can mix everything and assemble it in the baking dish a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite canned chili, homemade chili, or even vegetarian chili. Just avoid varieties with beans if you’re sticking to the classic smooth texture.
Tortilla chips are the classic choice, but pita chips, potato chips, or even fresh veggie sticks work well for dipping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the cream cheese mixture for some heat.
- Stir in some cooked and crumbled sausage or ground beef to make it extra hearty.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning into the mixture and top with diced tomatoes and sliced black olives after baking for a tex-mex touch.
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Chili Cheese Dip
4 ingredient chili cheese dip is the must have appetizer when it comes to parties. It's quick, easy, and goes well with any party spread.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 15 oz can chili, no beans
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Rinse and chop the green onions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, chili, and half the cheddar cheese. Spread into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top with chopped green onions, and serve hot with tortilla chips.