This Cream Cheese Chili Dip is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-good! With zesty chili mixed in, it’s perfect for parties or just a cozy night in with friends.
You won’t believe how easily it comes together. Just mix it all and pop it in the oven! I like to serve it with tortilla chips, and you might catch me licking the bowl! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the dip its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead. It’s similar but with less fat.
Canned Chili: Any chili will do! I love using a classic beef chili, but turkey or vegetarian chili works great too. If you want it a bit spicier, try chili with jalapeños included.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor. If you’d like a little twist, mix in some pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
Sour Cream: This adds tanginess. Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. It keeps the same consistency and flavor.
Green Onions: These add freshness. If you don’t have them, chives or a bit of diced bell pepper could work too for color and crunch.
How Do I Get the Best Texture for My Dip?
Getting that perfect creamy dip is all about properly mixing the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese is really softened. Leave it out for about 30 minutes to get it nice and creamy.
- Mix the cream cheese with the sour cream thoroughly before adding other ingredients. This ensures a smooth consistency.
- Don’t skip the baking step! It melts the cheeses together and creates that desirable bubbly top. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t brown too much!
How to Make Delicious Cream Cheese Chili Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup canned chili (with or without beans)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra kick)
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cream Cheese Chili Dip recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, making the total time about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or party dip!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your dip is ready, the oven will be hot enough to melt all that cheesy goodness.
2. Prepare the Creamy Base:
In a medium bowl, take the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula or mixer to combine them until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will be the creamy base of your dip.
3. Mix in the Chili:
Next, stir in the canned chili into the creamy base. If you like a bit of spice, you can add a dash of chili powder at this stage. Don’t forget to mix in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese as well!
4. Add Some Freshness:
Now, toss in the sliced green onions and mix everything together until it’s well combined. This not only adds flavor but also a lovely crunch!
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grab a baking dish or an oven-safe bowl and transfer the mixture to it, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. This will help everything cook uniformly.
6. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture. This layer will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
7. Bake Until Bubbly:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and starting to golden.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take your dip out of the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with additional sliced green onions for a pop of color, and serve warm with tortilla chips for dipping.
Enjoy this creamy and flavorful chili dip, perfect for sharing with friends and family (or keeping all to yourself)! 😊
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Reduced-fat cream cheese works just as well in this dip. It may be a little less rich, but it will still provide the creamy texture you’re looking for.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, you can mix in diced jalapeños, or use a spicier chili. Additionally, adding a dash of hot sauce or more chili powder can elevate the spice level!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes, you can make the dip ahead of time! Simply assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or you can microwave it on low power, stirring occasionally.
