This Easy 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip is made with cream cheese, canned chili and shredded cheddar! Bake it until hot and bubbly and serve with Fritos!
THE EASIEST PARTY DIP EVER
When I tell you this dip is easy, I mean it. Three ingredients. That’s all. You just layer them in a dish and stick it in the oven. No mixing, no complicated steps, nothing. I make this all the time for parties because it tastes way better than it has any right to for how little effort it takes. And people always ask me for the recipe like I did something fancy! Serve it with Fritos Scoops and watch it disappear. Seriously, make extra because this goes fast.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What kind of chili should I use?
Any canned chili works! I like the chunky kind with beans, but use whatever you prefer. Even vegetarian chili is fine since the cream cheese and cheddar are so rich.
Can I use a different cheese?
Sure! Pepper jack would be great if you want some spice. Mexican blend or Colby Jack would work too.
Do I have to use Fritos?
Nope, any chip works. Tortilla chips are good, or those thick corn chips. Fritos Scoops are just my favorite because they’re sturdy and scoop up a lot of dip.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can layer everything in the dish, cover it and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven.
What size dish should I use?
A 9-inch pie dish is perfect. You could also use an 8×8 baking dish.
How do I know when it’s done?
When it’s hot all the way through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. About 25 minutes.
Can I double this?
Absolutely. Just use a 9×13 baking dish and double everything. You might need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- cream cheese – one 8-ounce block. It doesn’t need to be softened since you’re just spreading it and then baking it.
- canned chili – one 15-ounce can. Any brand, any style. With beans, without beans, turkey chili, whatever you want.
- shredded cheddar cheese – about a cup, maybe more if you’re feeling cheesy. I never measure this one too carefully.
- Fritos Scoops – or whatever chips you want for dipping.
HOW TO MAKE 3 INGREDIENT CHILI CHEESE DIP:
Turn your oven on to 350F degrees.
Grab a pie dish (glass works great) and take your block of cream cheese. Use the back of a big spoon to spread it out on the bottom of the dish. Just smoosh it around until it covers the bottom in an even layer.
Open your can of chili and pour it right over the cream cheese. Spread it out so it covers everything.
Take your shredded cheese and sprinkle it all over the top. Use as much as you want – I usually use at least a cup but sometimes I go crazy and add more.
Stick the whole thing in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You want the cheese melted and everything hot and bubbly.
Pull it out, grab your bag of Fritos, and start dipping! Serve it right in the pie dish while it’s still hot.
Easy 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 8 ounce block cream cheese
- 15 ounce can chili any variety
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more to taste
- Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- Using the back of a large spoon, spread 8 ounce block cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch glass pie dish.
- Pour 15 ounce can chili over the cream cheese layer. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more) over the top of the chili.
- Bake for 25 minutes until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately with Fritos Scoops or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Any type of canned chili works – with beans, without beans, turkey chili, or vegetarian chili.
- Pepper jack cheese can be used for extra spice.
- Can be assembled ahead of time, covered and refrigerated. Bake when ready to serve.
- A 8×8-inch baking dish can also be used.
- Double the recipe in a 9×13-inch dish for larger crowds.
