Make this epically easy 3 ingredient Chili Cheese Dip in less than 30 minutes for a gooey, cheesy, crowd-pleasing favorite snack for your next game day or party!
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip
This 3-ingredient Chili Cheese Dip is one of the easiest dip recipes out there, and still one of our absolute family favorites.
It is the perfect dip for game day or a party because it is a huge crowd-pleaser and so easy to make!
Do I Have to Use Canned Chili?
No, it's just used here as convenience to make this recipe ridiculously simple. You can absolutely use your own homemade chili. Just use about 1.5 cups homemade chili in place of the canned chili.
Can I Make 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip in the Slow Cooker?
Yes! Just dump all ingredients in the slow cooker, and mix well. Turn on high and cook for about 2-3 hours until heated through and bubbly.
What to Serve with 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip
Serve this chili cheese dip with tortilla chips or Fritos. They're quick, easy, and crunchy which goes well with the rich gooey-ness of the dip.
You can also go with French fries if you like the chili-cheese-fries vibe. Or serve with some veggies, such as carrot slices, bell pepper strips, mini bell peppers, or radish slices.
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Variations
With only 3 ingredients, it's super easy to add a little something different or extra to this dip. Here are some ideas.
- Chili - Use chili with beans if you like that better, or homemade chili, as mentioned above.
- Cheese - this recipe calls for cheddar, but a Colby or Monterey Jack cheese or a Mexican blend cheese would also work great. If you're a big fan of the cheese sauce on chili cheese dogs or fries, you can also use American cheese or Velveeta instead of traditional shredded cheese.
- Toppings - This is the fun part! Top your chili cheese dip with your favorite chili cheese dog or fry toppings! Try pickled jalapeno, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, bacon, pico de gallo, or a dollop of sour cream.
More Warm Dip Recipes You'll Love
- Texas Trash Dip - a warm and cheesy bean dip with just a little kick of spice.
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip - classic buffalo chicken and ranch flavors come together with creamy gooey cheese in the slow cooker.
- Philly Cheesesteak Dip - your favorite sandwich in dip form loaded with tender bites of steak, peppers, and onions.
- Jalapeno Popper Dip - creamy, cheesy dip loaded with jalapenos and bacon for good measure.
- Crab Rangoon Dip - just like the filling in classic crab rangoons!
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip Video
3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili with no beans
- 1 (8 ounce) block of cream cheese softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Additional shredded cheddar for topping optional
- Tortilla chips for dipping
Instructions
- First, soften your cream cheese. I usually just pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
- Then, mix in your chili. You can use chili with or without beans. We prefer without beans, so that's what I used here.
- Add your cheese and stir it in. Top with additional cheese, if you'd like.
- Bake in a 350° oven for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Video
Notes
- Make Ahead: You can prep dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before use. Then bake before serving, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time to account for the cold dish.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat individual servings in a microwave dish.
Nutrition
UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in August 2014. It has been updated with new pictures, tips, and a video and republished in August 2022.
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Kim says
This looks delicious! I've made the same recipe by just layering the cream cheese, chili, and cheese on a microwave- safe plate (not mixing it together).
Biana says
This chili cheese dip looks amazing! Definitely a great appetizer for the holidays.
Deb says
Made this tonight. Was so easy my 4 yr old could make it. And super decadent!
MacKenzie says
I made this last weekend. Love that it is just three ingredients. Can’t wait to make again.
Sophia says
I made this for a bbq recently and it was such a hit! I can't wait to start brining it to game days, it's the perfect football appetizer. Thanks for the great and easy recipe!
Emily says
This was so delicious and easy to make, everyone at the party loved it! So good with tortilla chips!
Carrie Robinson says
This looks so good! Would be perfect to serve for game day this coming weekend. 🙂
Luci's Morsels says
This looks amazing!!! I'm so glad you put chopped, raw onion on top too. I LOVE onion on my cheese dip. I hadn't thought about red onion though - love the color bombo!
Kim says
Love how easy this was and it was a huge hit for game day! Great flavors without having to use a processed cheese.
Jess says
Immediately obsessed with this dip!
Emily says
T hi is is very similar to my aunt’s recipe and it is truly the best chip dip of all time!! Perfect appetizer for casual get togethers!
Dannii says
This looks incredible. It will be perfect for super bowl.
Gina Abernathy says
So easy and so delicious! The whole bunch gobbled it up in no time. I'll have to make 2 pans the next time!
Stephanie Sandstone says
This recipe without the cream cheese is exactly what I've been putting on my nachos for years, with a hefty dollop of sour cream. I've never thought about making a dip out of it, and cream cheese is my favorite! I'm sure I'll love it.
Kim says
This will be perfect for my next get-together. I love dips with a good kick of spice to them.