Homemade Chili Cheese Dip

Homemade Chili Cheese Dip made with just four ingredients (chili, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and salsa) can be made on the stove top or in the slow cooker!

There’s just something about warm cheesy appetizers that warms the soul. They’re a must for tailgating or game-watching parties, and our other favorites are Baked Fontina Cheese Dip and Spinach Artichoke Dip!

We are nearing Superbowl time, aka the one day of the year that I actually sit and watch the ENTIRE game! This task is made easier by having a large pot of homemade Chili Cheese Dip (or “QUESO” as we call it in our house) within reach.

Seriously though, what’s better than a relaxing Sunday afternoon watching a great game–and hopefully some funny commercials!? But the best part of the Superbowl is the party food!

If you’re looking for some more great food ideas, don’t miss this roundup of Fun Party Appetizers!  This chili cheese dip though….hold the chips and give me a spoon! And it’s only four ingredients, making it the easiest appetizer ever!

You only need FOUR Ingredients:

• Chili: You can use homemade chili, or your favorite canned, store-bought chili.
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Be sure to shred the cheese fresh, instead of buying pre-shredded cheese as it wont melt as smoothly. I use a both pepperjack and cheddar.
• Salsa

When Choosing Chili:

Obviously I am a big fan of homemade chili.  My Classic Homemade Chili recipe is so easy to throw together and it’s freezer friendly if you want to save some for another day!  However, any type of chili (even chili from a can) will work for this recipe.

When Choosing Cheese:

For the cream cheese: Cream cheese is a major player in this recipe in terms of the flavor and consistency it adds.  I recommend Philadelphia cream cheese and definitely recommend sticking with the full fat version!

For the cheese:  I use pepperjack and sharp cheddar cheese. I beg you to avoid buying pre-shredded cheese at the store.  I know it’s convenient but, especially when your melting cheese, pre-shredded cheese is NOT the way to go.  Block cheese melts much smoother and tastes SO much better!

How to Make Chili Cheese Dip:

On the Stovetop:

1. Combine ingredients in saucepan.  Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

2. Cook, stirring constantly, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese is bubbly, about 6-8 minutes.  Add more milk to thin the mixture, if necessary.

3. Serve.

For Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip:

1.  Layer in slow cooker. Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or use a liner). Place cream cheese cubes in the slow cooker. Smoother them with chili, then salsa, then the cheddar cheese.
2. Cook on LOW for 1-3 hours.
3. Stir and serve.

Serve with:

• Chips
• Cubes of bread
• Fresh chopped vegetables

MAKE AHEAD, STORING AND FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS:

To store: Store this chili dip in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

To make ahead: You can make chili cheese dip 1-2 days ahead of time.  Follow storage instructions. Reheat on the stovetop.

To freeze: Allow the dip to cool completely and store it in a freezer safe container in the freezer for 2-3 months.  Reheat on the stovetop.

Consider trying these popular appetizers:

• Easy 7-Layer Bean Dip
• Cheesy Bean Dip
• Easy Vegetable Dip
• Artichoke Dip

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Recipe

4.96 from 215 votes

Chili Cheese Dip

Homemade Chili Cheese Dip made with 4 ingredients (chili, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and salsa) can be made on the stove top or in the crockpot!

Print Pin Review

Author Lauren Allen

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 291

Prep 2 minutes mins

Cook 8 minutes mins

Total 10 minutes mins

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 2 1/2 cups chili homemade, or 2 (14 oz cans) store-bought
• ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese , cut into cubes
• ▢ 2 cups shredded cheese I use pepperjack and sharp cheddar
• ▢ 1/4 cup salsa
• ▢ cayenne pepper , optional, for heat

Instructions

 

To make in a saucepan:

• Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. 
• Cook, stirring constantly, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese is bubbly, about 5 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips, bread cubes or vegetables.

For Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip:

• Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or use a liner). Place cream cheese cubes in the slow cooker. Smoother them with chili, then salsa, then the cheddar cheese. 
• Cook on LOW for 1-3 hours. Stir and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 11gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 704mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 1.5mgCalcium: 211mgIron: 2.9mg

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I originally shared this recipe January 2015. Updated January 2020 with process photos and instructions.

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