Description
A creamy, spicy chili cheese dip perfect for parties or snacking, combining hearty chili with melted cheese and a kick of salsa and cayenne. This versatile dip can be quickly prepared on the stovetop or slowly cooked in a crockpot for a smooth, melty texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups chili, homemade, or 2 (14 oz) cans store-bought (625g)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (113g)
- 2 cups shredded cheese, pepper jack and sharp cheddar blend (226g)
- 1/4 cup salsa (60g)
- Cayenne pepper or hot sauce, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place chili, cream cheese cubes, shredded cheese, salsa, and optional cayenne pepper or hot sauce into a medium saucepan.
- Heat and Melt: Set saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring constantly to blend all ingredients and prevent sticking, until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is bubbly, about 5 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer dip to a serving bowl and serve warm with tortilla chips, bread cubes, or vegetables. It also pairs well served on chili hot dogs, nachos, or baked potatoes.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method: Spray the bottom of a slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a liner. Layer the cream cheese cubes, cover with chili, then salsa, and top with shredded cheddar. Cook on LOW for 1 to 3 hours until smooth and melted. Stir well before serving.
Notes
- For spicier dip, add cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to taste.
- Use homemade chili or canned chili based on convenience and flavor preference.
- The dip can be kept warm in a slow cooker during gatherings for easy access and minimal effort.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- To make the dip gluten free, ensure that the chili and salsa used are labeled gluten free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (stovetop), 1-3 hours (slow cooker)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chili cheese dip, party dip, creamy chili dip, spicy cheese dip, pepper jack cheese dip, party appetizer
