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    Home » Sides

    Homemade Chili Cheese Dip

    Published: Nov 14, 2022 · Modified: Feb 11, 2023 by Kristin @ Dirt & Dough · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Wood board with a white bowl with a chili cheese dip and blue corn tortilla chips.
    Braiser with a orange chili cheese dip with green onions.
    Braiser with a orange chili cheese dip with green onions.

    This homemade chili cheese dip is one you will want to save. It's made with real, fresh ingredients and is so smooth and creamy. Ditch the canned stuff and start with a quick chili mix finished off with three types of cheese. This cheesy dip is sure to be a hit at your next super bowl party!

    Red braiser pot with a cheese dip with green onions on top.

    This homemade cheesy chili dip is the ultimate game day snack. It starts with a homemade bean chili that is full of ground beef, peppers, and black beans. Then, it's smothered in a 3 cheese sauce, salsa, and sour cream.

    If you want to use a left-over chili, my beef and black bean chili is a great option.

    While canned or premade chili can also be used, this recipe calls for a quick chili mix that's full of flavor. It's what makes this dip that much better.

    Taking the extra step to make your own chili is so worth it. To get the best results, add the cheese and finish this dip right before serving. 

    This chili cheese dip recipe is the perfect appetizer for your next party, nacho bar, or big game.

    If you are looking for more appetizer recipes or side dishes, here are a few others I would recommend:

    Smoked Salmon Dip

    Hot Crab Dip

    Pineapple Mango Salsa

    Baked Beans with Ground Beef

    Ingredients

    The most important thing to remember is to use freshly shredded cheese. The bagged stuff just does not work. The cheese needs to be as fresh as possible. 

    Ingredients in prep bowls and measuring cups. Beef, black beans, peppers, cheese, onions, spices, sour cream, Olive oil, salsa, green onions.

    Ground Beef: Ground turkey can also be used in place of the ground beef.

    Fresh Cheese: Use freshly grated cheeses. Pre grated cheese in the bag does not melt well.

    Salsa: The best salsa to use for this dip is a smoother consistency. It helps make the dip creamier.

    Optional: Hot sauce to make it spicy!

    Serve with tortilla chips, Fritos scoops or your other favorite chips.

    Instructions

    Braiser pan with sautéed onions and red bell peppers

    In a braiser, large cast iron pan, or other non-stick skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat.

    Add in the onions and saute until soft and translucent.

    Add in bell pepper and jalapeños then sauté until soft.

    Braiser pan with red bell peppers and browned ground beef.

    Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

    It's done when the beef is completely browned.

    Red braiser pan with browned ground meat, salsa, and black beans.

    Mix in seasonings, salsa, and black beans.

    Cook for a few minutes bringing everything up to temp.

    Braiser pan with a chili mix and sour cream.

    Mix in the sour cream.

    Reduce heat to low. Add in the cubed cream cheese and cook on low until completely melted and incorporated.

    Turn off the heat and add in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack. Mix until it's completely melted.

    As the cheese melts, keep stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.

    A large braiser with a chili cheese dip.

    Can be served right in the pan you made it in or transfer to a baking or serving dish. 

    Top with green onions and serve right away while it's still warm.

    This chili cream cheese dip does not reheat well and may become a different consistency. It's best served right away.

    While it can be reheated and eaten the next day, it's just not the same as when you first make it.

    Make ahead: If you would like to make this ahead of time, just cook everything together leaving out the sour cream and cheeses. Just before serving it, warm over medium heat, reduce to low, then add the sour cream and cheeses.

    Substitutions

    A white bowl with a chili cheese dip and a blue chip taking a scoop out.

    Canned Chili - A couple cans of chili can be used in place of making your own. Just warm up the chili in a pan and add the salsa, sour cream, and all the cheese.

    Different cheese - Colby jack cheese can be used in place of the pepper jack. 

    Variations

    Leftover chili dip: Leftover chili can absolutely be used. Just add 3 cups of your leftover chili and warm over medium heat, then reduce to low and add in the sour cream, salsa, and cheese.

    Crock Pot Chili Cheese dip: This dip can be made in a slow cooker but it's not ideal. Just cook everything in a pan, leaving out the cheese. About 30 minutes to an hour before serving add everything to the crock pot, mix in the cheese and sour cream and cook on low. Stir often and serve right away.

    If sitting too long, the cheese will start to separate causing the dip to become a different consistency.

    Spicy Chili Cheese Dip: If you would like a spicy version, select a spicy salsa, add in about ¼ cayenne or your favorite hot sauce. 

    Equipment:

    Large skillet, pan or braiser: I prefer to use my Le Creuset braiser to make this dip but any large skillet or pan would work great.

    Did you make this recipe? If you enjoyed it, please leave a 5-🌟rating and a comment in the recipe card below.

    *Let's Connect! Follow along on Instagram, Pinterest or subscribe to receive emails!

    A white bowl fill with a cheesy chili dip with a blue tortilla chip taking out a scoop.

    Chili Cheese Dip

    This homemade chili cheese dip is one you will want to save. It's made with real fresh ingredients and is so smooth and creamy. Ditch the canned stuff and start with a quick chili mix then finish off with three types of cheese. This cheesy dip will be a hit at your next super bowl party!
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 People
    Calories 214 kcal

    Equipment

    Braiser

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 pound Ground Beef
    • 1 medium Onion Diced
    • 1 Jalapeno Pepper Diced
    • 1 Red Bell Pepper Diced
    • 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
    • 2-3 Garlic Cloves pressed or minced
    • 1 Cup Salsa
    • 1 15oz Can Black Beans Drained and rinsed
    • 1 8oz Brick of Cream Cheese Diced into cubes and at room temperature
    • 1 Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Packed
    • 1 Cup Shredded PepperJack Cheese Packed
    • ½ Cup Sour Cream
    • ¼ Cup Diced Green Onions

    Instructions
     

    • In a large cast iron pan or other non-stick skillet, warm up olive oil over medium heat. 
    • Add in the onions and saute until soft and translucent. 
    • Add in bell pepper and jalapeños then sauté until soft.
    • Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. 
    • It's done when the beef is completely browned.
    • Mix in seasonings, salsa, and black beans.
    • Cook for a few minutes bringing everything up to temp.
    • Mix in the sour cream.
    • Reduce heat to low. Add in the cubed cream cheese and cook on low until completely melted and incorporated. 
    • Turn off the heat and add in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack. Mix until it's completely melted.
    • As the cheese melts, keep stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula.
    • Can be served right in the pan you made it in or transfer to a baking dish.
    • Top with green onions and serve right away while it's still warm.

    Notes

    Cheese: Only use freshly grated cheeses. Do not used bagged, pre-grated cheese. It will not melt properly and will turn out grainy. 
    Serve Warm Right Away: Serve warm right after cooking. This dip does not reheat well. 
    How to make ahead: If you want to make it ahead of time cook everything leaving out the sour cream and cheeses. Right before serving, warm the chili mix in a pot and then follow the instructions for warming the cheese. 
    Variations
    Leftover chili: Leftover chili can absolutely be used. Just add 3 cups of your leftover chili and warm over medium heat, then reduce to low and add in the sour cream, salsa, and cheese.
    Crock Pot Chili Cheese dip: This dip can be made in a slow cooker but it's not ideal. Just cook everything in a pan, leaving out the cheese. About 30 minutes to an hour before serving add everything to the crock pot, mix in the cheese and sour cream and cook on low. Stir often and serve right away.
    If sitting too long, the cheese will start to separate causing the dip to become a different consistency.
    Spicy Chili Cheese Dip: If you would like a spicy version, select a spicy salsa, add in about ¼ cayenne or your favorite hot sauce. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 214kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 12gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 464mgPotassium: 229mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 483IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 169mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Cheese Dip, Chili, Chili Cheese Dip, Dip
    Did you try this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cat

      February 10, 2023 at 10:47 pm

      Substitute only 1 can of chili for all that?! That’s way more than a can !!

      Reply
      • Kristin @ Dirt & Dough

        February 11, 2023 at 6:02 am

        I think you right Cat. I updated that info to use a couple of cans.

        Reply

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