Get ready for the ultimate game-day snack—Frito Chili Cheese Dip! This rich, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dip is packed with bold flavors and layers of gooey cheese, hearty chili, and crunchy Fritos. It’s the kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes, so you might want to make a double batch! Whether you’re hosting a party, tailgating, or just craving something indulgent, this dip is a must-try.
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Why You’ll Love Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps stand between you and cheesy, chili-filled perfection.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, parties, or casual get-togethers. Everyone will be diving in for more!
Customizable: Add extra toppings like jalapeños, green onions, or sour cream to make it your own.
Hearty and Satisfying: With layers of chili, cheese, and crunchy Fritos, this dip is bold and filling.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or having a cozy movie night, this dip is always a hit.
Ingredients in Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Chili: Use your favorite canned or homemade chili for a rich and meaty base.
Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy, tangy element that balances the bold flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: The melty, gooey goodness that makes this dip irresistible.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Enhances the cheesiness with a smooth, slightly mild flavor.
Fritos: The signature crunch that makes this dip extra special.
Green Onions: A fresh pop of color and mild oniony bite.
Jalapeños (Optional): For a little heat, add fresh or pickled jalapeños.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread softened cream cheese in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with chili, then sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Top and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Fritos, green onions, and jalapeños if using. Serve immediately with extra Fritos or tortilla chips for dipping.
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip
With Extra Fritos: The more crunch, the better! Serve with a big bowl of Fritos for scooping.
With Tortilla Chips: A sturdy chip holds up well to the cheesy goodness.
With Fresh Veggies: Balance out the richness by serving with sliced bell peppers, celery, or carrots.
As a Nacho Topping: Spoon the dip over tortilla chips and add extra toppings for an epic nacho platter.
With a Spoon: Let’s be honest—this dip is so good, you might just eat it straight from the dish!
Additional Tips
Use Homemade Chili: If you have extra time, making a homemade chili adds even more depth of flavor.
Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Make It Ahead: Assemble the dip ahead of time and bake just before serving.
Keep It Warm: If serving at a party, keep the dip warm in a slow cooker on low.
Try Different Chips: Swap Fritos for Doritos, pita chips, or even pretzel crisps.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
A1: Yes! Layer the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until warm and melty.
Q2: Can I use canned cheese instead of shredded cheese?
A2: While shredded cheese melts best, you can use canned nacho cheese for an extra creamy texture.
Q3: What kind of chili works best?
A3: Any chili will work, but a thick, hearty chili with beans and beef gives the best texture.
Q4: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Assemble the dip and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q6: Can I freeze this dip?
A6: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw in the fridge and bake as usual.
Q7: What’s the best cheese for this dip?
A7: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the best flavor and melt, but you can also use pepper jack or Colby.
Q8: How can I make this dip healthier?
A8: Use light cream cheese, reduced-fat cheese, and serve with veggies instead of chips.
Q9: Can I use Velveeta cheese?
A9: Yes! Velveeta will make the dip extra creamy and smooth. Just melt it with the chili before baking.
Q10: What can I do with leftovers?
A10: Use the dip as a topping for baked potatoes, hot dogs, or even burgers for a delicious twist.
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate comfort food snack—cheesy, crunchy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Dig in and enjoy!
Print
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a rich, creamy, and cheesy appetizer that’s perfect for game nights and parties! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, chili, and melted cheddar, then topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, it’s the ultimate dip for Frito’s Scoops! Quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors!
Ingredients
Chili Cheese Dip Base
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (like Rotel)
- 1 can (15 oz) chili starter (such as Bush’s Chili Magic)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred)
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
Toppings & Serving
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (both green and white parts)
- Frito’s Scoops, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Dip
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, chili starter, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. Mix until well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Bake the Dip
- Transfer the mixture to a greased oven-safe skillet (a 10-inch cast iron works great).
- Sprinkle extra cheddar cheese on top and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, top with chopped bacon, and return to the oven for 3-4 more minutes, until bubbly around the edges.
Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with diced green onions, and serve warm with Frito’s Scoops.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Add jalapeños for extra spice!
- Great with tortilla chips, crackers, or even veggie sticks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg