Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
This Chili Cheese Dip is a rich, creamy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings. Made with no-bean chili, chunky salsa, and a blend of cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese, it offers a spicy, cheesy kick that pairs perfectly with corn chips. Easy to prepare on the stovetop and ideal served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chili Base
- 30 ounces canned chili, no beans (two 15-ounce cans or 425g)
- ½ cup chunky salsa
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 ½ cups freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese (2 cups for the dip, ½ cup for garnish)
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the chili: Add both cans of chili to a 4-5 quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add salsa: Stir in the chunky salsa and continue stirring often until the mixture is completely combined and heated through, about 5-8 minutes.
- Melt cream cheese: Keep the stovetop heat on medium and add the softened cubed cream cheese, stirring constantly until the cream cheese melts into the chili. Mash the cream cheese cubes while stirring to help incorporation.
- Add cheddar cheese: Stir in 2 cups of freshly shredded mild cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until it fully melts into the mixture.
- Add pepper jack cheese and garnish: Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese, then remove the saucepan from heat. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve immediately with corn chips for dipping.
- Store: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsa based on your preference.
- For a smoother dip, mash the chili and cheese mixture thoroughly as you stir.
- This dip pairs wonderfully with corn chips, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables.
- To make ahead, prepare the dip completely then refrigerate; reheat slowly on the stovetop or in a microwave before serving.
- Optional cilantro garnish adds freshness but can be omitted if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: chili cheese dip, spicy cheese dip, appetizer recipe, game day dip, easy cheese dip, stovetop dip
Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/chili-cheese-dip-recipe/
