3-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

Cheesy, creamy, and irresistibly easy! This 3-ingredient Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate party snack. Ready in minutes, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Let’s talk about the MVP of party snacks: 3-Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip. It’s cheesy, gooey, and downright irresistible, with a bold chili kick that keeps you coming back for more. 

And the best part? You only need THREE ingredients to make it happen. 

That’s right—just cream cheese, a can of chili, and shredded cheddar cheese. No fancy ingredients, no endless prep work—just pure, unadulterated deliciousness. This dip is a total lifesaver. 

Got last-minute guests around the holidays? Chili Cheese Dip. Game day spread feeling a little blah? Chili Cheese Dip. Need a midnight snack that hits every craving? You guessed it—Chili Cheese Dip. 

It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, it almost feels like cheating. But when everyone’s hovering around the dish, scraping out the last bits, you’ll know you’ve struck gold.

What’s even better? It’s endlessly versatile. 

Serve it with tortilla chips, Fritos scoops, pita bread, veggie sticks, or even spoon it over baked potatoes or nachos. You can spice it up with jalapeños, add a dollop of sour cream for flair, or just keep it classic. 

Either way, this dip is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes just minutes to throw together. So, preheat your oven, grab your chips, and get ready to dip into greatness.

If you love easy dip recipes you may also enjoy my Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip or my Red Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS 3-INGREDIENT CHILI CHEESE DIP RECIPE

• Incredibly Easy: Just three ingredients and minimal effort for maximum flavor. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or lazy snack cravings.
• Super Cheesy: Cream cheese and cheddar come together for the ultimate gooey, melty dip that’s impossible to resist.
• Total Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or movie night, this dip is always the first to disappear.
• Endlessly Versatile: Serve it with chips, veggies, or even spoon it over nachos or baked potatoes for a next-level twist.
• Quick to Make: Ready in just 15–20 minutes—because who has time for complicated recipes?
• Customizable: Spice it up with jalapeños, garnish with green onions, or switch up the cheese for your own signature spin.
• Budget-Friendly: Just three pantry staples for a dip that tastes like a million bucks.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HOMEMADE CHILI CHEESE DIP

You will need the following handful of ingredients listed below to make this perfect appetizer (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Block softened cream cheese
• Canned chili – your favorite brand or leftover homemade chili. Can also use vegetarian chili for a vegetarian version of this cheesy dip.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – could also use a mexican blend cheese, colby jack, monterey jack, or pepper jack cheese.
• Serve with Fritos corn chips, favorite tortilla chips, pita chips, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE CHILI CREAM CHEESE DIP

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the block of cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Pour the chili over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chili layer.
4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
5. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Serve hot with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or crusty bread.

STORING LEFTOVER CHILI CHEESE DIP

To store leftover Chili Cheese Dip, first let it cool completely to room temperature to prevent condensation, which can make the dip watery. 

Once cooled, transfer the dip to an airtight container to lock in freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors in the fridge. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. 

When reheating, you can use the microwave by placing a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven by covering the dip with foil and baking at 350°F for 10–15 minutes.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Soften the Cream Cheese
  • Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before spreading. This makes it easier to create an even layer.
• Choose Your Chili Wisely
  • Use your favorite canned chili or homemade version. Chili with beans adds heartiness, while no-bean chili creates a smoother dip.
• Grate Your Own Cheese
  • For the best melt and flavor, grate your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Add a Kick
  • Spice things up by mixing in diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or chili powder before baking.
• Even Layers for Easy Dipping
  • Spread each layer evenly for a balanced bite every time. Nobody wants all the cheese in one corner!
• Don’t Overbake
  • Keep an eye on the dip as it bakes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, but avoid letting it dry out.
• Use the Right Dish
  • An 8×8-inch baking dish is ideal, but a pie dish or any shallow oven-safe dish will work. This ensures even heating and easy serving.
• Serve Hot
  • This dip is best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. Keep it warm by placing it in a slow cooker on the “low” setting if serving over a longer time.
• Get Creative with Dippers
  • Tortilla chips are classic, but veggie sticks, pita bread, or even potato wedges make excellent alternatives.
• Make It Ahead
  • Layer the ingredients in your baking dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
• Leftover Love
  • Use leftover dip as a topping for baked potatoes, burgers, or nachos for a quick and flavorful upgrade.

FAQS

WHAT MAKES THIS CHILI CHEESE DIP THE PERFECT DIP?

Chili cheese dip is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold chili flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food and a crowd-pleasing favorite snack for any occasion.

IS THIS A GOOD OPTION FOR THE BIG GAME?

Absolutely! Chili cheese dip is a game-day classic. It’s easy to make, keeps well throughout the entire game, and is always a hit with guests.

CAN I MAKE THIS CHILI DIP IN THE CROCKPOT?

Yes! For crockpot chili cheese dip, layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and heat on medium-low until the cheese melts. Stir occasionally for an even mix.

HOW DO I TAKE THIS EASY CHILI CHEESE DIP RECIPE TO THE NEXT LEVEL?

To elevate your chili cheese dip, add fresh cilantro, a drizzle of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of green onions on top of the cream cheese layer for extra flavor.

CAN I USE PRE-SHREDDED CHEESE FROM THE GROCERY STORE?

Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese melts smoother and creates a creamier dip.

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IF YOU TRIED THIS TASTY DIP PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS EASY APPETIZER ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails