Irresistibly Creamy Frito Chili Cheese Dip Everyone Will Love

Frito chili cheese dip is a comforting dish that brings together rich and hearty flavors in one bowl.

This popular appetizer mixes savory ingredients into a creamy, indulgent snack that is sure to satisfy your hunger.

People love this versatile dish because it’s simple to make and always pleases the crowd.

Warm, melted cheese blends with spicy chili, making it an ideal dip for crispy corn chips or crunchy veggies.

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes by adding different spices or ingredients.

It’s perfect for game days or casual hangouts, turning ordinary snacking into something memorable and fun.

Why Frito Chili Cheese Dip Gets Everyone Snacking

• Speedy Crowd-Pleaser: Whips up in just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey for beef or add jalapeños for extra kick, allowing personal flavor preferences to shine through.
• Versatile Party Companion: Excellent for game day events, potlucks, movie nights, or casual get-togethers where everyone loves digging into a hearty, cheesy appetizer.
• Simple One-Pan Magic: Requires minimal cooking skills, uses a single skillet, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, appealing to both novice and experienced cooks.

Frito Chili Cheese Dip Ingredient Guide

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich meaty flavor to the dip.
• Bacon: Crispy topping that provides smoky and salty crunch.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth base that creates creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds tangy flavor.

• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that adds moisture and slight acidity.
• Chili Starter: Premixed spice blend that brings depth and warmth to the dip.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides light onion flavor and color.

• Unspecified Seasonings: Additional spices to boost overall flavor profile.

• Frito's Scoops: Crunchy corn chips perfect for scooping and dipping.

How To Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip Fast

Step 1: Crank Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a mouthwatering adventure.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Explosion

• Softened cream cheese
• Cooked ground beef
• Diced tomatoes
• Chili starter
• Cheddar cheese
• Seasonings

Blend everything thoroughly, tasting and adjusting seasonings until the mixture sings with flavor.

Step 3: Transfer To Baking Vessel

Pour the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet (a 10-inch cast iron works perfectly).

Step 4: First Cheese Layer

Sprinkle an extra layer of cheddar cheese on top and slide into the oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, melty blanket.

Step 5: Bacon Boost

Remove the skillet and crown the dip with crispy chopped bacon. Return to the oven for 3-4 more minutes until the edges bubble with deliciousness.

Step 6: Fresh Finale

Pull out the skillet, scatter diced green onions across the top, and serve piping hot alongside Frito’s Scoops for the ultimate dipping experience.

Best Tips For Frito Chili Cheese Dip

• Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili starter, or include diced jalapeños for extra kick.
• Perfect Cheese Melt: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and ensure even cheese distribution throughout the dip.
• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon separately before adding to guarantee maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dip mixture in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving to save time during gatherings.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.

How To Store And Reheat Frito Chili Cheese Dip

• Refrigerate: Store leftover dip in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
• Oven Reheating: Spread dip in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Remove foil for the last 3 minutes to restore top's crispy texture.
• Quick Tip: Discard dip if it develops an off smell or shows signs of spoilage, as dairy and meat ingredients can deteriorate quickly.

Tasty Pairings With Frito Chili Cheese Dip

• Sip and Savor Cold Beer Pairing: Crack open a crisp, light lager or amber ale that cuts through the rich, meaty dip and cleanses the palate with its refreshing carbonation.
• Crunch with Corn Chips Complement: Layer additional Fritos around the dip for extra crunch, creating a textural experience that highlights the dip's creamy and cheesy base.
• Cool Dip Balance: Add a dollop of sour cream or fresh salsa on top to introduce a tangy contrast that brightens the heavy, savory flavors of the chili cheese dip.
• Fresh Herb Accent: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions or cilantro just before serving to add a vibrant, fresh note that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Twists To Try With Frito Chili Cheese Dip

• Vegetarian Chili Dip: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a meat-free version. Add extra spices to boost flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Friendly Option: Swap Frito's Scoops with crispy cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or pork rinds for dipping. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dip's rich taste.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced fresh jalapeños or green chiles into the mixture for added heat. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top to enhance the spice level.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar cheese substitutes. Ensure all ingredients are lactose-free while maintaining the classic dip's creamy texture and savory profile.

Frito Chili Cheese Dip FAQ

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this dip and provides a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this dip spicy?

The dip has a mild to moderate heat level from the chili starter. You can adjust the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot chili starter, or adding additional hot sauce to taste.

• Do I need to drain the ground beef before mixing?

Absolutely. Brown the ground beef, drain excess fat completely to prevent the dip from becoming greasy and ensure a better overall consistency.

• Can I prepare this dip ahead of time?

You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the mixture is cold.

Heavenly Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Frito Chili Cheese Dip promises a flavor explosion of classic comfort food. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and zesty spices combine for an irresistible party snack that keeps guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef, cooked and drained
• 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 block 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 ½ cups (283 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings and Additions:

• 1 can 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes, drained (like Rotel)
• 1 can 15 ounces (425 grams) chili starter (such as Bush’s Chili Magic)
• ½ medium white onion, diced
• 2 green onions, diced (both green and white parts)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Louisiana-style preferred)
• Fritos Scoops, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing for a delectable dip adventure.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, harmonize softened cream cheese with thoroughly cooked ground beef, incorporating vibrant diced tomatoes and zesty chili starter.
3. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese and carefully selected seasonings, blending ingredients until they create a unified, tantalizing mixture.
4. Taste the concoction and refine the flavor profile with additional seasoning if desired.
5. Generously coat an oven-safe skillet with cooking spray, transferring the luxurious mixture into its temporary home.
6. Shower the surface with an extra generous layer of cheddar cheese, ensuring maximum coverage.
7. Slide the skillet into the preheated oven and allow the cheese to transform into a molten landscape for 8-10 minutes.
8. Extract the skillet and crown the melted landscape with crispy, crumbled bacon pieces.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 3-4 minutes, watching for bubbly edges and golden-brown hints.
10. Retrieve the dip and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately alongside Frito’s Scoops, inviting guests to dive into this irresistible comfort creation.

Notes

• Cream cheese works best when softened at room temperature, making it easier to blend smoothly with other ingredients.
• For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative to reduce fat content.
• Adjust spice levels by selecting mild or hot chili starter, catering to different heat preferences of guests.
• Preparing this dip ahead of time is possible; refrigerate mixed ingredients and bake just before serving to maintain optimal

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg