How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!
A good dip recipe makes the perfect appetizer for all kinds of occasions. Whether you're hosting a tailgating party or a baby shower, this chili cream cheese dip definitely fits the bill for any and all occasions. It would make the perfect appetizer to serve alongside slow cooker hot dogs!
Now, you can make this a Hormel chili cheese dip with Hormel chili; or you can make homemade chili. We'll talk about the type of chili you want to use below, whether you want beans or no beans and why or why not.
What I love about this chili dip is we can make it in about 5 minutes using the microwave; or we can take a little longer and use the oven or slow cooker. It's so easy to just throw all the ingredients together and cook it.
All you need are 5 ingredients, and then a few toppings to make it even more delicious. Tortilla chips, crackers, or raw vegetables on the side, and you've got the makings of a crowd-favorite game day appetizer that's right up there with my favorite chili cheese fries!
WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?
If you’d rather skip all of my dip making tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the chili cheese dip recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.
LET'S TALK INGREDIENTS
Cream Cheese: While I prefer to use a full-fat cream cheese, you can use the low-fat kind, or Neufchatel cheese. It won't change too much about the dip besides making it slightly less creamy.
Chili without Beans: Choosing the right chili is all about what you like. You can use any canned chili or homemade chili with or without beans. Hormel chili is one of the most popular chilis to use, and it comes with or without beans. While beans are high in protein and fiber, they will add a chunky texture to your dip. So keep that in mind when choosing whether to go with beans or not.
Taco Seasoning: Badia Taco Seasoning is my favorite; it's delicious and gluten-free. I keep a big container of it because we use it a lot, in tacos, chicken fajitas, quesadillas, etc.
Garlic Clove: You can chop up a fresh garlic clove, or even just use garlic powder. Sometimes I like to cheat and use already minced garlic. Hint: While you can certainly order it on Amazon, you can usually get a jar of minced garlic for less than $3 at the grocery store.
Cheese: Our recipe calls for a shredded Mexican cheese blend, or shredded fiesta cheese; this is a blend of Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, Asadero, and queso quesadilla cheeses. Another favorite choice you might think about using is shredded triple cheddar cheese, a mixture of Vermont cheddar, sharp cheddar, and mild cheddar.
Keep in mind, all of the ingredients and ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.
KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU'LL NEED:
Mixing Bowl and Spatula
Microwave-Safe Bowl or Baking Dish or Slow Cooker – I like to use my cast iron skillet if I'm baking it.
Cutting Board and Chef's Knife – If you want to add toppings like cilantro or fresh tomatoes.
HOW TO MAKE CHILI CHEESE DIP
Making this easy chili dip is as simple as mixing ingredients in a bowl and cooking that mixture 'til it's hot and bubbly.
Just follow these steps…
- Whisk the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl 'til smooth and creamy.
- Add in the chili, taco seasoning, garlic, and cheese.
- Stir everything together 'til it's well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a microwave-safe bowl, baking dish, cast iron skillet, or CrockPot.
Now it's ready to cook.
COOK IT IN THE MICROWAVE:
To make chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, cook it on high for 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Then stir before serving.
BAKE IT IN THE OVEN:
In a 350°F pre-heated oven, bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbling. Stir it up well before you serve it.
MAKE IT IN THE CROCKPOT:
To make slow cooker chili cheese dip, mix all your ingredients together and spread the cream cheese mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for about 2 hours, or low for about 3-4 hours.
FAQ:
You have a lot of options to make chili cheese dip spicy. Cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika come to mind. You can also use chili powder, a mixture of red chili peppers, cumin, onion, and garlic powder. Other ideas are hot sauce or diced green chilies, which come in “mild” or “hot”.
Store chili dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
To reheat the dip, you can place it in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching; or you can reheat it in the oven at 350° F 'til hot.
Yes, you can freeze chili and cream cheese dip. Use an airtight container or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Stored properly, this dish will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH CHILI CHEESE DIP
There are all sorts of toppings that hit this dip out of the park. Things like…
- Sour cream
- Fresh diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Fresh tomato basil salsa
Of course, you'll also need whatever crunchy foods you're serving with the dip, whether you choose tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh raw veggies. Fritos Scoops are another snack that pair really well with chili and cream cheese dip.
MORE CREAM CHEESE DIP RECIPES:
GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE
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Easy Chili Cheese Dip {Microwave, Oven, or CrockPot}
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 30 ounces chili without beans*
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 8 ounces Mexican blend shredded cheese
Instructions
- Whisk the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl 'til smooth and creamy.
- Add in the chili, taco seasoning, garlic, and cheese.
- Stir everything together 'til it's well combined.
- Microwave Instructions: To make chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, cook it on high for 5 minutes, or until hot and bubbling. Then stir before serving.
Oven Instructions: In a 350°F pre-heated oven, bake it for 20-25 minutes, or until it's bubbling. Stir it up well before you serve it.
CrockPot Instructions: To make slow cooker chili cheese dip, mix all your ingredients together and spread the cream cheese mixture into a greased slow cooker. Cook on high for about 2 hours, or low for about 3-4 hours. - Serve with your favorite toppings, tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables. Ideas for toppings include sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions.
