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This quick & easy Chili Cheese Dip is a must-make hot dip appetizer for a gameday party or gathering. Only 3 ingredients for a gooey, cheesy, hot dip that’s full of delicious creamy chili flavor.

For more hot dip recipes be sure and try my Ultimate Cowboy Queso and Crockpot Bean Dip. Or serve this hot cheesy chili dip alongside some cold dips like my Homemade Ranch Dip or Fiesta Ranch Dip.

A pie plate with a 3 layer dip in it and a chip dipping.

Quick & Easy Chili Cheese Dip Recipe (Hormel Chili Cheese Dip)

This chili cheese dip always seems to be my go-to party or gathering appetizer! When I can’t think of anything to bring, or don’t have a lot of time to make something, this hot dip always saves the day.

With it’s short ingredient list (only 3!) and it’s seriously yum chili flavor, you know it’s always a hit. Serve it alongside tortilla chips and/or Fritos corn chips for dipping and top it off with some fun garnishes like chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Pie plate of hot cheesy chip dip

Ingredients Needed To Make The Best Party Appetizer

  1. Cream Cheese : One 8 ounce bar of cream cheese is what creates that base layer of the cheesy dip. I have made this dip successfully using full fat cream cheese and reduced-fat lite cream cheese; either one works great.
  2. Canned Chili : I know, I know… a canned chili. Some like it while others will hate it. Either way, it’s delicious in this dip and no one will ever know the “secret” easy ingredient 😉.
  3. Shredded Cheese : I recommend using shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend shredded cheese in this hot cheesy dip recipe.
Labeled ingredients for this hot dip

How To Make Hot Cheesy Dip With Only 3 Ingredients (Printable Recipe Card Below)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Just a small spritz coating is all it needs; no need to soak it.

Spread the softened cream cheese into the bottom of the pie plate in an even layer.

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Spread the canned chili over top the cream cheese in an even layer.

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Sprinkle the shredded cheese over top for the final layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

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Serve the dip with tortilla chips, corn chips, and garnish the top of the chili cheese dip with chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and/or sliced green onions if wanted.

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Can I Use Leftover Chili Instead of Canned Chili?

Yes! If you have leftover Baked Bean Chili, Classic Chili, or maybe some of this Quick Easy Chili then feel free to use that instead. You will need about 2 cups of chili if not using the canned chili.

What Canned Chili Is Best To Use?

Use whatever canned chili you prefer. There are lots of variations out there like vegetarian, no bean, hot & spicy, Wendy’s chili, Angus beef chili, cheese chili, or any other kind you like. Just make sure you are using a 15 ounce can of chili for the dip recipe.

Overhead shot of the baked dip with chips and cilantro on the side.

Serving Suggestions For Chili Cheese Dip (Hot Appetizer Recipe)

The best way to serve this dip is with tortilla chip and Fritos corn chips. There are so many varieties of tortilla chips so pick your fave and get dipping! Fritos scoops are one of my family’s favorite dippers.

If you want to garnish the dip to make it more presentable try adding some chopped Roma tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Sliced avocado is another great garnish too.

Cheese pull from the dip with a chip.

Recipe Tips

  • Cream Cheese : Regular fat cream cheese or the reduced-fat cream cheese both work well in this recipe. If you really want to change up the flavor, try using a package (7.5 oz) of flavored cream cheese – jalapeño, chive & onion, garden vegetable, etc. I have personally done this but it is an option if you want experiment with flavor.
  • Cheese : Use any cheese you want. Colby Jack, Cheddar, or a shredded Mexican Blend cheese are all great options for this dip. I prefer shredding my own cheese from a block of cheese, but you can also save time and buy it already shredded in the bag with great results.
Cheesy dip with a chip inside of it.

More Dip Recipes

You’ll Love These Other Appetizers

A pie plate with a 3 layer dip in it and a chip dipping.
Together As Family Logo

Chili Cheese Dip


Author Jessica – Together as Family
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12
This quick & easy Chili Cheese Dip is a must-make hot dip appetizer for a gameday party or gathering. Only 3 ingredients for a gooey, cheesy, hot dip that's full of delicious creamy chili flavor.

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, colby jack , or Mexican blend)
  • tortilla chips and/or Fritos corn chips for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Just a small spritz coating is all it needs; no need to soak it.
  • Spread the softened cream cheese into the bottom of the pie plate in an even layer.
    8 ounces cream cheese
  • Spread the canned chili over top the cream cheese in an even layer.
    1 can (15 oz) chili
  • Sprinkle the shredded cheese over top for the final layer.
    1 cup shredded cheese
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.
  • Serve the dip with tortilla chips, corn chips, and garnish the top of the chili cheese dip with chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and/or sliced green onions if wanted.
    tortilla chips and/or Fritos corn chips

Notes

Serving Size : The nutrition information is using full-fat cream cheese and canned chili. Since all canned chilies vary, you may want to compute your own nutrition information for exact results. The serving size is 12 which is about 1/4 cup each. It does not include chips. 
Chili : If you don’t want to use canned chili then try using about 2 cups of leftover chili instead. 

Nutrition

Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 468IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 1mg

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5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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