Creamy Chili Cheese Dip
A quick and easy creamy chili cheese dip that combines melted cheese with spicy chili for a comforting snack perfect for game nights and casual get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) canned chili (no beans or with beans, as preferred)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream (or Greek yogurt as a substitute)
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
- Tortilla chips or fresh veggies for serving
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Shred the sharp cheddar cheese finely.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with sour cream. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Gently fold in the chili and shredded cheddar cheese. Add jalapeño if using, being careful not to overmix to maintain texture.
- Stir in the finely chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes to let flavors meld. To serve warm, heat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra green onions or a sprinkle of paprika.
Notes
Soften cream cheese fully to avoid lumps. Use freshly shredded cheddar for best melting and texture. Adjust chili and jalapeño for desired heat. If dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra sour cream to loosen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chili cheese dip, creamy dip, quick snack, game day dip, easy appetizer, comfort food