The easiest, cheesiest, crowd-favourite game day dip! This 3-ingredient chili and cream cheese dip is everything you want in a warm dip - rich, cheesy, and ridiculously simple to make. Just a block of cream cheese, a can of chili, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese (or your favourite Mexican cheese blend). That's it.
I love making this in a small cast-iron skillet - it bubbles beautifully, stays warm, and looks like you've done way more than three ingredients' worth of work. It's a great way to feed a crowd, especially for game day, the Super Bowl, or even just a cosy night in.
Serve it straight from the skillet with tortilla chips, Fritos Scoops, or pita chips, and watch it disappear.
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Why you'll love this easy dip recipe
- Only 3 simple ingredients - you probably already have them from your grocery store haul.
- The ultimate easy appetizer for parties, BBQs, or the big game.
- Uses canned chili like Stagg from Hormel Chili, or even leftover homemade chili.
- Customise it! Add Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese for extra flavour.
- Creamy, melty, and loaded with comfort-food vibes. This is the only chilli cheese dip recipe you will need.
Ingredients
- Block of full-fat cream cheese - or use 1 quantity of my Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe for an extra fluffy base.
- Can of chili - I used Stagg Chili, but any type of chili (bean, beanless chili, or can of vegetarian chili) works.
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - or try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican cheese blend. (Use pre-shredded cheese for extra convenience)
Optional garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh tomatoes or red onion
- Fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This is one of the easiest recipes for a cheesy dip that perfectly satisfies those comfort food cravings on a chilly winter evening.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a small baking dish, pie plate, or cast iron skillet.
Step 2: Spread the cream cheese evenly on the bottom of your skillet or dish.
Step 3: Spoon the can of chili over the top of the cream cheese.
Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chili.
Step 5: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges
Step 4: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, corn chips, baguette slices, or Fritos Scoops.
(Alternatively, you can heat it on the stove top in a saucepan until hot and bubbly or pop it in microwave.)
Variations
- Cheese swap: Mix it up with Velveeta cheese or your own cheese blend for an ultra-melty finish.
- Make this an extra hot dip: Stir through a few drops of hot sauce or top with jalapeños before baking.
- Add-ins: Chopped pepperoni turn this into a fun spin on pepperoni pizza dip.
- Make ahead: Assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate. Pop it in the oven just before your next party. It's one of those true recipes that never fails.
Serving ideas
This chili & cream cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for the big game, a movie night, or a last-minute get-together. Serve it with:
- Tortilla chips or corn chips
- Pita chips or baguette slices
- A side of fresh tomatoes and green onions
- As a topping for hot dogs or baked potatoes
It's a crowd favorite that works at every gathering!
Storage
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully - either in the microwave or oven until warm and gooey again. You can even use it the next day as a topping for nachos or loaded fries.
Nutrition
Exact ingredient amounts and daily values will vary depending on your type of chili and cheese used, but one serving of this 3 ingredient chili cheese dip is rich, satisfying, and full of classic comfort food flavour.
Top Tip
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture. Low-fat versions can separate when heated.
- Don't have canned chili? Use leftover chili, Cincinnati style chili, or bean chili - any will work!
- Add a handful of green chilies or fresh cilantro to give it a next level lift.
- Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
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3-Ingredient Chili & Cream Cheese Dip
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This 3-ingredient chili and cream cheese dip is everything you want in a warm dip - rich, cheesy, and ridiculously simple to make. Just a block of cream cheese, a can of chili, and a generous handful of sharp cheddar cheese (or your favourite Mexican cheese blend). That's it.
Ingredients
- 1 block (250g) full-fat cream cheese - or use 1 quantity of my [Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe]() for an extra fluffy base.
- 1 can of chili - I used Stagg Chili, but any type of chili (bean, beanless chili, or vegetarian chili) works.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - or try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican cheese blend.
Optional Garnishes and serving ideas:
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh tomatoes or red onion
- Fresh cilantro or a drizzle of hot sauce
Get Recipe Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a small baking dish, pie plate, or cast iron skillet.
2. Layer the dip:
- Spread the cream cheese evenly on the bottom of your skillet or dish.
- Spoon the can of chili over the top of the cream cheese.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chili.
3. Bake:
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Serve immediately with tortilla chips, corn chips, baguette slices, or Fritos Scoops.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetiser
- Method: Ocen-baked
- Cuisine: American
If you loved this chili cheese dip recipe, try my Whipped Cream Cheese Recipe next - it's the perfect base for all your chili dip recipes, cream cheese chili cheese dips, and other easy dip recipes.
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