Chili Dip With Cream Cheese

Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of a chili dip, bubbling away in your oven, filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma.

This delightful appetizer is a breeze to whip up, offering both comfort and indulgence with its layers of smooth cream cheese, savory chili, and melted cheddar.

As it bakes, the flavors meld into a harmonious blend, perfect for scooping up with tortilla chips.

Let’s bring this dish to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Baking dish
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Spoon
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili, with beans
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup olives, sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 bag tortilla chips, for serving

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Chili Dip with Cream Cheese, here’s a suggested timeline:

Timeline for Chili Dip with Cream Cheese

1. Preparation Time (10 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 1:00 minute: Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
   • 1:00 – 3:00 minutes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • 3:00 – 5:00 minutes: Soften the cream cheese if not already done, and spread it evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
   • 5:00 – 6:00 minutes: Open the can of chili and pour it over the cream cheese, spreading it evenly.
   • 6:00 – 7:00 minutes: Measure and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
   • 7:00 – 8:00 minutes: Slice green onions and olives, then sprinkle them on top.
   • 8:00 – 9:00 minutes: Measure and sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the top.
   • 9:00 – 10:00 minutes: Do a quick clean-up of the workspace and make sure everything is ready for baking.
2. Cook Time (15 minutes)
   • 10:00 – 25:00 minutes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
   • Use this time to set out tortilla chips and any additional garnishes or hot sauce you may want to serve with the dip.
3. Resting Time (5 minutes)
   • 25:00 – 30:00 minutes: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spread cream cheese evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

Pour chili over the cream cheese and spread evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.

Top with sliced green onions and olives.

Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the top.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Serving Tips

• Tortilla Chips: The classic choice for dipping, offering a satisfying crunch to complement the creamy and savory dip.
• Sliced Baguette: Provides a hearty and chewy base that pairs well with the rich flavors of the dip.
• Vegetable Sticks: Opt for a healthier option with carrot, celery, or bell pepper sticks to add freshness and color to the presentation.
• Pita Bread: Warmed and sliced into triangles, pita offers a soft yet sturdy alternative perfect for scooping.
• Crackers: Choose a variety of crackers for an additional layer of texture and flavor, making it a versatile option for guests.

Storage

Store leftover chili dip with cream cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. Enjoy its flavors.

Freezing

To freeze Chili Dip with Cream Cheese, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to an airtight container.

Label and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat chili dip with cream cheese, use a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warm.

Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring to guarantee even heating.

Final Thoughts

Chili dip with cream cheese is a perfect appetizer for gatherings or casual nights in.

Its creamy texture and savory layers make it a crowd-pleaser.

With minimal prep and cook time, it’s an easy dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Remember to let the dip rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve it warm with tortilla chips for a deliciously satisfying snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Cheddar?

Absolutely, you can substitute cheddar with another cheese. Opt for Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder flavor, or use Pepper Jack for added heat. Make certain the cheese melts evenly by shredding it finely before sprinkling.

Is It Possible to Make This Dip Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by using a vegetarian chili with beans. Confirm all ingredients, including cheese and toppings, are vegetarian-friendly. Maintain flavor integrity by tasting and adjusting seasoning prior to baking.

What Are Some Alternative Toppings for This Dip?

You can enhance your dip by adding caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a fresh twist, consider chopped cilantro or diced avocado. Experiment with crumbled feta or blue cheese for a distinctive flavor profile.

Can This Dip Be Made in a Microwave Instead of an Oven?

Yes, you can make the dip in a microwave. Spread ingredients in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on high for 5-7 minutes. Stir halfway through to guarantee even melting. Let it rest briefly before serving.

How Can I Make This Dip Spicier Without Altering the Flavor Too Much?

To increase the dip’s spiciness without altering its flavor considerably, incorporate finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of your preferred hot sauce before baking.

Chili Dip with Cream Cheese

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 Baking dish
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Spoon
• 1 Oven

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 can (15 ounces) chili with beans
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/4 cup green onions sliced
• 1/4 cup olives sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 bag tortilla chips for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread cream cheese evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
• Pour chili over the cream cheese and spread evenly.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chili layer.
• Top with sliced green onions and olives.
• Sprinkle garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the top.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and melted.
• Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm with tortilla chips.

Notes

For the best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent it from clumping when spreading. Taste the chili before use to adjust seasoning as needed. Feel free to add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat. The dip can also be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, just extend the baking time by a few minutes if it’s chilled.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.