Today’s Chili Cheese Dip is one of those easy appetizers we like to keep in the rotation because it’s warm, cheesy, and ready fast. With cream cheese, canned chili, and shredded Mexican cheese you layer these together, microwave until melty, then top with tomatoes and green onions. It’s that simple (and oh-so good!)
We love this for game days, parties, movie nights, and last-minute get-togethers because it takes just a few minutes and only a handful of ingredients. Serve it warm with Tortilla Chips, corn chips, or crackers, and watch it disappear.
For more simple dips, check out our 7 Layer Bean Dip, Taco Dip, and Avocado Lime Ranch Dip.
Why You’ll Love It + Why it works:
- Just Add Chips: Uses just a few simple ingredients.
- Our Favorite Hot Dip for Parties: Perfect for game days, parties, movie nights, and last-minute guests.
- Layering Makes it Simple: Cream cheese, chili, and shredded cheese melt together into an easy, scoopable dip.
- The Microwave Keeps it Fast: This dip is ready in minutes without turning on the oven.
Chili Cheese Dip Ingredients
- Cream cheese (8 ounces): Creates the creamy base and helps make the dip rich and smooth.
- Chili, without beans (1 can, 15 ounces): Adds hearty flavor and makes the dip extra satisfying.
- Mexican cheese blend, shredded (1½ cups): Melts on top for a cheesy, gooey finish.
- Tomatoes and green onions, garnish: Adds freshness, color, and a simple finishing touch.
- Serve with: Tortilla Chips and Frito scoops are classic as are crackers, potato chips, or pita chips. You can also spread it on top of slices of Bread, Baked Potatoes, or Hot Dogs.
How to Make Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
LAYER. Use a microwave-safe dish and spread the softened cream cheese in an even layer over the bottom.
Spread can of chili (without beans) over the cream cheese. Top the layers with the Mexican cheese blend.
COOK. Put it into the microwave and cook for 5 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted. Cut up a few tomatoes and green onions to throw on top for more flavor and garnish.
Slow Cooker Directions
- Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- Add cream cheese, chili, and cheese to the slow cooker and stir them together.
- Cook the Chili Cheese Dip for 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low. The chili will be ready when it is melted and creamy.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Soften the cream cheese slightly so it spreads more easily in the dish.
- Use chili without beans for the smoothest, easiest-to-scoop dip.
- Microwave until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot in the center.
- Add tomatoes and green onions after heating so they stay fresh.
- Make-ahead tip: layer the cream cheese, chili, and cheese ahead of time, cover and refrigerate, then microwave when ready to serve.
Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese,
- 1 (15-ounce) can chili, without beans
- 1½ cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- tomatoes and green onions, garnish
Instructions
- Use a microwave-safe dish and spread the cream cheese over the bottom.
- Spread a layer of chili over the cream cheese.
- Top with the shredded cheese.
- Microwave for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with tomatoes and green onions.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese slightly so it spreads more easily in the dish.
- Use chili without beans for the smoothest, easiest-to-scoop dip.
- Microwave until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot in the center.
- Add tomatoes and green onions after heating so they stay fresh.
- Make-ahead tip: layer the cream cheese, chili, and cheese ahead of time, cover and refrigerate, then microwave when ready to serve.
Nutrition
Recipe FAQ
Assemble the cream cheese, canned chili, and cheese into freezer-safe storage container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat it for a couple of minutes in the microwave and serve it with chips!
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This recipe was first shared January, 2020.
Hi, I have made the chili bean dip in a fondue pot with just cream cheese and chili. The pot helps keep it warm. Always a big hit. A small crock pot would work also.
Yes, the crockpot is a great way to cook this. A fondue pot is a great idea too! Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing. I’m going to make it to dip pigs in blankets in
Perfect!! Thank you for sharing that! Enjoy!
A great appetizer for any occasion and so easy to make!
Along with chips I like to have crackers and a sliced baguette to serve with this dip. Yum!
So cheesy, tasty and simple! Love it!
This was the perfect appetizer!!
I really love how easy it is to make!! Perfect for entertaining!
Yes!! This is a hit at parties for sure. We are making it again for the super bowl!
We made this dip for New Year’s & it was gone in minutes! Wasn’t hard to make & perfectly cheesy!
OMG🥰I am obsessed with this dip. I made it at Thanksgiving, 2 days later, Christmas, 2 days later, New Years Eve day, New Years Eve Eve and New Years Day. I can’t get enough…lol. The only difference, I mixed it all together, covered with cheese, baked and then broiled cheese until just brown and then drizzle Sweet and Spicy Tabasco sauce on top. I did use homemade Chili with beans, which I made in big batches for my 5 kids, and freeze left overs specifically for dip later on. I cut up french bread into inch pieces and toast slightly to dip with…awesome. My twins like pita cut up to dip. I will try it layered next time. Def a 5 star dip easy and delicious. One happy momma😁.
Yay!! Love this! I am so happy you like it that much! Thank you for letting me know 🙂
Love this dip because it’s so simple. But everybody loves it. Always a hit at a party.
This dip looks amazing! I totally need to try it soon!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
It is!! I hope you do! Thank you 🙂