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Chili Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 58 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chili Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Layers of softened cream cheese, hearty no-bean chili, and melted Colby Jack cheese are baked to bubbly perfection and topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Served warm with tortilla or corn chips, this dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Base Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Main Layer

  • 15 ounces chili with no beans

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sliced jalapeños

Serving

  • Tortilla chips or corn chips for dipping


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the dip.
  2. Prepare Base Layer: Spread the softened cream cheese evenly across the bottom of an oven-safe dish or cast iron skillet, creating a smooth layer.
  3. Add Chili Layer: Pour the chili with no beans over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly to cover the base layer.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the chili layer to ensure it melts uniformly during baking.
  5. Bake the Dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
  6. Cool and Garnish: Remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Add optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to enhance flavor and presentation.
  7. Serve: Serve the warm chili cheese dip with tortilla or corn chips for dipping. Enjoy while warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • You can substitute the chili type according to preference, but ensure it contains no beans for the best texture layering.
  • Adjust the jalapeño quantity based on how spicy you want the dip.
  • For a richer flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the chili before baking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
  • This dip pairs excellently with a variety of chips, or even vegetable sticks for a lighter option.