Chili Cream Cheese Dip

Looking for an easy dip recipe that you can whip up quickly? Try this chili cream cheese dip! Made in about 15 minutes, it’s savoury, creamy, cheesy and utterly decadent. Perfect for get-togethers, parties or simply a relaxing night at home.

I”m sharing a super easy cream cheese dip with you all today! I don’t know about you, but I’m always, always, down for some chips and dip. And I’ve made this chili cream cheese dip so many times already and never tire of it. It’s a pretty popular one around here (and for good reason!).

This dip recipe is beyond easy, and it’s so tasty. It’s just the kind of no fuss thing I want on Friday after a busy work week. And if I’m being honest here, I could legit make a meal out of chips and dip some days. You too?

I like to make a batch of this dip, throw on some cozy clothes, pin up my hair and get comfy for a jam-packed exciting night of tv, snacks and a glass of my favourite beverage. I know, riveting, right? What can I say, I lead an exciting life, LOL. And, you know what? I wouldn’t change a thing!

Ingredients

• Chili: You can use a homemade or store-bought chili. Because there are so few ingredients in this dip, just be mindful that whatever variety of chili you use will have an impact on the overall flavour of the dip.
• Cream cheese: I’ve made this dip with either regular or light cream cheese. Both versions work fine.
• Cayenne pepper: This is optional to add a little spice to the dip. You can substitute with a dash or two of your favourite hot sauce if you like.
• Cheddar cheese: Grate the cheese yourself (versus buying pre-shredded) for optimal cheesy meltiness.
• Garnish: Tomatoes and green onion add a pop of flavour and freshness to this dip. While totally optional, I do enjoy using them.

How To Make Chili Cream Cheese Dip

Here is an overview of how to make chili cream cheese dip (full details are in the recipe card below):

1. Place chili, cream cheese and cayenne pepper (if using) in a frying pan.
2. Heat through and as the mixture warms, break up the cream cheese, incorporating it into the chili so you have a nice well-combined mixture.
3. Working in batches, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Transfer the dip to a serving dish and garnish with tomatoes and green onion.

What Flavour of Chili Should I Use?

Use your favourite variety! Just keep in mind that tomato-based chili recipes work best here over, say, white chili.

I’ve made this chili cream cheese dip with all sorts of flavours of chili. Some of my favourite varieties of to use in this dip are classic beef chili, turkey chili, chorizo chili, or three bean chili.

Tips

• Don’t have 2 cups of chili? Substitute some chili with your favourite chunky salsa.
• If you don’t homemade chili, use your favourite store-bought variety. Heck, I’ve even used chili from a favourite fast food restaurant. Use what you like, I say!
• If you want to add more heartiness to your dip, mix in some canned black beans (rinse and drain them first).
• I garnished the dip with tomatoes and green onion, but there are loads of possibilities. Some other delicious options are fresh or pickled jalapeno peppers, cilantro, queso cotija and red onion.

More Easy Dip Recipes

• Cheesy Kale Dip
• Cheesy Refried Bean Dip
• Dill Pickle Dip

If you try this recipe for chili cream cheese dip, be sure to leave a comment below!