This 3 ingredient chili cheese dip is the perfect quick and easy appetizer for game day, holiday parties, potlucks, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing snack. Made with cream cheese, a can of chili, and shredded cheddar, it’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor.

A tortilla chip being dipped into hot, melted 3-ingredient chili cheese dip, with gooey cheese and chunks of chili stretching from the dish.

The layers of creamy cream cheese, hearty chili, and melty cheddar cheese bake together to create a dip that’s perfect with tortilla chips or corn chips. For another 3 ingredient dip with cream cheese try this incredible Cream Cheese and Rotel Dip.

Whether you’re making it for a party or just a cozy night in, this easy dip is a guaranteed hit.

Why you’ll love this chili dip recipe

Just 3 Ingredients: Simple, budget-friendly, and easy to keep on hand.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes in the oven—or under 10 minutes in the microwave.
Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s always a hit at parties and game days.

Ingredients for Chili Cream Cheese Dip

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients for 3-ingredient chili cheese dip displayed in a glass pie dish: a block of Philadelphia cream cheese, a can of Hormel chili (no beans), and shredded cheddar cheese.

Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy spreading. If you forget to soften it, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften quickly.
Chili: A can of Hormel chili without beans works perfectly here, but you can use chili with beans if you prefer beans in your chili dip. Leftover homemade chili would be great to use as well.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully, but feel free to swap it out for Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese for a twist.

How to Make Chili Cheese Dip with Cream Cheese

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Collage showing steps for making 3-ingredient chili cheese dip. Top-left: softened cream cheese pressed into the bottom of a round pie dish. Middle-left: chili layered over cream cheese. Bottom-left: shredded cheddar cheese added on top. Right: baked dip, golden and bubbly, served with tortilla chips.

Layer: Spread cream cheese, layer chili, and top with shredded cheese in a 9-inch pie dish.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, corn chips, or even veggie sticks for dipping.

Microwave Option

Short on time? Heat the dip in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until cheese is melted, instead of baking.

A spoonful of chili cheese dip lifted from the baking dish, showcasing the creamy, cheesy layers.

Storage

Refrigerate: Store leftover chili cheese dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezing: This dip is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing, as the texture may change when thawed and reheated.

Tips for the Best Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Even Layers: Spread each layer evenly to ensure every bite has all three flavors.
Melting Cheese: Shred cheese from a block for the best melt; pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
Spice It Up: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
Make Ahead: Assemble, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before heating and serving.

A hand dipping a tortilla chip into the partially eaten chili cheese dip, showing the creamy layers and melted cheese.

Additions and Variations

Beans: Use a can of chili with beans or homemade ground beef chili with beans.
Mexican Cheese Blend: Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend for a slightly spicier, zestier flavor.
Garnish: Top with green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sliced cherry tomatoes, and/or chives for a pop or color and added flavor.

More Easy Dip Recipes

Or better yet, check out this collection of the 13+ Best Game Day Dip Recipes for even more ideas!

A close-up of the baked Hormel chili cheese dip with a section scooped out, revealing layers of cream cheese, chili, and cheddar topped with chives.

Recipe

A close-up of a tortilla chip being dipped into the hot, melted chili cheese dip, showing the rich layers of melted cheddar and chili.

Recipe

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3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 5

Cook: 20

Total: 25

This 3-ingredient chili cheese dip is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for game day, potlucks, parties, or anytime you need a quick and easy appetizer!

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 8 ounce cream cheese softened
▢ 15 ounce no beans chili
▢ 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉.
Use the back of a spoon to spread the cream cheese into the bottom of a pie dish or baking pan in an even layer.
Spread chili in an even layer on top of the cream cheese.
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chili.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with tortilla chips or Fritos scoops for dipping.

Notes

Chili: I like to use Hormel no beans chili in this recipe but you can use your favorite brand of canned chili or homemade chili. Chili with beans or even a vegetarian chili would also work.

Microwave: Instead of baking you can microwave the dip for 2-4 minutes until cheese is melted.

Prep ahead: Assemble, cover with plastic wrap, and keep in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before heating and serving.

Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave and enjoy.

Nutrition

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