Introduction

This Chili Cheese Dip is a warm, comforting appetizer perfect for game day or casual gatherings. Combining spicy chili, creamy cheese, and a hint of salsa, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups chili (homemade or 2 (14 oz) cans store-bought, 625g)
4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (113g)
2 cups shredded cheese (pepper jack and sharp cheddar recommended, 226g)
1/4 cup salsa (60g)
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly until everything is thoroughly combined and the cheese is bubbly and melted, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Serve immediately with tortilla chips, bread cubes, or vegetables. It also pairs well with chili hot dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes.
Step 3: For a slow cooker version, spray the inside of a Crockpot with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner. Add cream cheese cubes first, then layer chili, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 4: Cook on low for 1 to 3 hours until hot and melted. Stir well before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to taste.
Try different cheese combinations like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for varied flavors.
Use homemade chili with beans or meat for a heartier dip.
Serve with crunchy veggies like celery or bell pepper slices for a lighter option.

Storage

Store leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to maintain smoothness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly before serving to ensure the cheese melts evenly.

What if I don’t have chili on hand?

You can substitute with cooked ground beef or turkey mixed with taco seasoning and beans to create a quick chili-like base for the dip.

Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

A creamy, spicy Chili Cheese Dip that combines hearty chili with melted cheeses and salsa. Perfect as a snack or party appetizer, this dip can be quickly prepared on the stovetop or slowly cooked in a crockpot for extra melding of flavors. Serve with tortilla chips, bread, or vegetables for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop) or 1-3 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 10 minutes (stovetop) or up to 3 hours (slow cooker)
Yield: About 4 cups (serves 8 as a dip) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chili

2 1/2 cups chili (homemade, or 2 (14 oz) cans store-bought, 625g)

Dairy

4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (113g)
2 cups shredded cheese (pepperjack and sharp cheddar blend), 226g

Condiments & Seasonings

1/4 cup salsa (60g)
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, optional, to taste

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place the chili, cream cheese cubes, shredded cheese, salsa, and optional cayenne pepper or hot sauce into a medium saucepan.
Heat and Stir: Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Continue until the cheeses have fully melted and the dip is bubbly, about 5 minutes.
Serve: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and serve warm with tortilla chips, bread cubes, vegetables, chili hot dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes.
Slow Cooker Option: Spray the inside of a slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or use a liner. Place cream cheese cubes at the bottom, then layer chili over them, followed by salsa and the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cook on LOW heat for 1 to 3 hours until thoroughly heated and melted. Stir well before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to taste.
You can use any type of chili—homemade or store-bought, depending on convenience and flavor preference.
The slow cooker method allows for hands-off cooking and deeper melding of flavors.
Serve immediately after heating for best texture; reheating may cause slight separation.
Pair with crunchy dippers like tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or crusty bread for variety.

Keywords: chili cheese dip, spicy dip, party appetizer, easy dip, slow cooker dip, creamy dip