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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Baked Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

    Published: Oct 21, 2020 · Modified: Sep 14, 2021 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    123 shares
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    Chili Cheese Dip is the ultimate easy party dip! It's uses only 3 ingredients and can be baked in the oven or made in the microwave.

    Frito pulling cheese from casserole dish
    Table of Contents hide
    1 Recipe features
    2 Ingredients
    3 How to make the recipe
    4 Recipe FAQ and expert tips
    5 Looking for similar recipes?
    6 📖 Recipe
    7 Baked Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

    I've probably eaten this recipe more than any other recipe on the blog. Growing up, this is the dip that everyone in my family loved because it's beyond easy to make, it's full of cheesy goodness, and it is great for sharing.

    This is the kind of recipe to make when you're short on time but need to bring something to a gathering or need something to put out for guests.

    Recipe features

    • Uses only 3 ingredients!
    • Ready in 15 minutes in the oven or 5 minutes in the microwave
    • Great as an appetizer or last-minute party dip

    Ingredients

    You just need three ingredients to make chili cheese dip!

    • Plain cream cheese: I use the blocks of cream cheese, not the spreadable kind. You can use fat-free cream cheese or light cream cheese for a lower fat option.
    • Chili: I've always used canned chili in this recipe but you can use homemade if you prefer. I like using a traditional diner-style vegetarian bean chili. Try my chipotle black bean chili, quinoa chili (I also have an instant pot version) or three bean chili for homemade options.
    • Cheddar cheese: I prefer medium or sharp cheddar but mild also works.

    How to make the recipe

    Steps one through four showing layers of dip

    It's all about the layers:

    1. Spread a block of cream cheese into an oven-safe casserole dish
    2. Top with a can of chili
    3. Cover with shredded cheese
    4. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly
    Overhead view of chili cheese dip topped with cilantro

    Recipe FAQ and expert tips

    • Serving ideas: Fritos/corn chips are my go-to vehicle for this dip but celery is a good veggie option.
    • Toppings: We usually keep it simple and topping-less but fresh chopped cilantro and green onions are great as a garnish.
    • Cream cheese: It's easiest to spread the cream cheese if you let it come to room temperature first. You can also slice it up and microwave it for 15-30 seconds to soften in.
    How do I make chili cheese dip in the microwave?

    Assemble casserole according to recipe instructions in a microwave safe dish. Microwave uncovered for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

    How long does this keep?

    Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days for best quality.

    How do you reheat chili cheese dip?

    Reheat single portions or the entire dish in the microwave in 1-2 minutes. You can also cover it with foil and reheat it in the oven at 350F until the cheese is melted again, about 10 minutes.

    Frito scooping chili cheese out of casserole dish

    Looking for similar recipes?

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    Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the recipe card or a review down in the comments section. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow along on my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter!

    📖 Recipe

    Frito pulling cheese from casserole dish.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Baked Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

    This 3-ingredient baked dip is a family favorite and ready in just a handful of minutes!
    Prep Time3 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time18 minutes mins
    Servings: 8 servings
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 8 ounces cream cheese
    • 15 ounce can of vegetarian chili
    • 1 and ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese mild or sharp
    • optional toppings: chopped cilantro, green onion

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    • Evenly spread cream cheese in an 8x8 inch or similarly sized casserole dish. Spread chili across the top of the cream cheese. Top with shredded cheddar.
    • Bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly. Serve with corn chips.

    Notes

    Microwave instructions: Assemble casserole according to recipe instructions. Microwave uncovered for 3-5 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

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    #cozypeachkitchen

     
    Calories: 242kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 62mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 254mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 772IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 2mg

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    123 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Patricia

      November 01, 2020 at 11:46 am

      I made this for a party and it was a great hit!!

      Reply
      • Cassidy Reeser

        November 01, 2020 at 1:50 pm

        Awesome!! Thanks Pat 🙂

        Reply

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