If you are on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, downright delicious dip, look no further than the Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe. This warm, cheesy concoction blends creamy textures, hearty chili, and the irresistible crunch of Fritos into one unforgettable dish. Best suited for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, this dip delivers a perfect balance of spice, cheesiness, and that salty corn chip goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dip lies in its simple but brilliant combination of ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the rich flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying crunch that make the Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe an instant classic.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces softened): Provides the rich and creamy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a tangy smoothness that lightens the richness of the cream cheese.
- Canned chili with beans (1 can, 15 ounces): Brings hearty, savory depth and a hint of spice to the dip.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Delivers sharpness and that quintessential cheesy pull on top and inside the dip.
- Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts beautifully, adding creaminess and a subtle mild flavor.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Introduces smoky warmth to complement the chili.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Offers an earthy undertone that enhances the chili flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a subtle savory note that rounds out the spices.
- Green onions (2 sliced): Add freshness and a bit of crunch inside the dip.
- Fritos corn chips (3 cups lightly crushed plus more for serving): Bring signature corn chip flavor and essential crunch mixed right in and for dipping.
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or something similar in size. This ensures the dip won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Then stir in the canned chili with beans, 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mixing these thoroughly creates the ultimate cheesy, spicy base for your dip.
Step 3: Fold in Green Onions and Fritos
Gently fold in the sliced green onions and lightly crushed Fritos. This step incorporates freshness and that unmistakable corn chip crunch right inside the dip.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the dip is hot, bubbling, and the cheese on top has melted into a golden, irresistible layer.
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra sliced green onions or diced jalapeños on top just before serving for a pop of color and a fresh bite. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who love a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This dip deserves to be the star, but pairing it with crunchy veggies like celery and carrot sticks or classic tortilla chips alongside Fritos makes for a fun and varied snacking experience. It’s perfect for game day spreads or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or layered in a clear glass dish to show off the colorful mix. You could even use individual ramekins for personal servings at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even further, making it taste just as good reheated.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip, keep in mind the texture of cream cheese and sour cream might change slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a sprinkle of fresh shredded cheese on top before reheating will revive that gooey, melty cheese love.
FAQs
Can I make this dip spicier?
Absolutely! You can add diced jalapeños, a splash of your favorite hot sauce, or even swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack to turn up the heat to your liking.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe is vegetarian as long as the canned chili you use doesn’t contain meat. Be sure to check the label or use a vegetarian chili for peace of mind.
Can I prepare this dip in advance?
Yes! You can mix all the ingredients and refrigerate the assembled dip before baking. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep it warm and bubbly.
Can I use other chips besides Fritos?
While Fritos are the classic and signature choice for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other corn chips or tortilla chips to put your spin on it.
How many does this recipe serve?
This recipe yields about 8 generous servings, making it perfect for a small gathering or game day party where dip lovers will gather around happily.
Final Thoughts
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe isn’t just a dip; it’s a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a big game day bash or just craving something comforting and fun, give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Print
Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for game days and parties. This easy-to-make dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, chili with beans, and a blend of shredded cheeses, seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Baked until hot and bubbly, it’s served warm with crunchy Fritos corn chips for dipping.
Ingredients
Dip Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (15 ounces) canned chili with beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 3 cups Fritos corn chips, lightly crushed, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch or similar baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, canned chili with beans, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Green Onions and Fritos: Fold in the sliced green onions and the lightly crushed Fritos corn chips into the mixture, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheese crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm with additional Fritos corn chips for dipping to enjoy this flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to the dip mixture.
- You can prepare this dip in a slow cooker on low heat for 2 hours as an alternative cooking method.
- Try swapping cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese for an added spicy kick.
