When it comes to easy appetizers that disappear in minutes, this Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip is a game-day, movie-night, and party favorite. It’s warm, cheesy, tangy, and packed with hearty chili and creamy richness that keeps everyone reaching for more chips. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just want a comforting snack, this dip comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Imagine layers of melty cheese, savory chili, and rich cream cheese bubbling together into a hot, gooey masterpiece. Served with crunchy tortilla chips, it delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that are simply addictive. The best part? It takes only minutes to prep and just a short time in the oven.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip
- Ultra easy to make with pantry staples
- Bold flavors from chili, cheese, and spices
- Crowd-pleasing for game day, holidays, or cozy nights
- Customizable with your favorite toppings or spice level
- Minimal cleanup thanks to simple layering and baking
What Kind of Chili Works Best for This Dip?
You can use any canned chili you love—with or without beans—or even leftover homemade chili. A thicker chili tends to work best to avoid watery dip. If you like spice, go with a hot chili, or stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
Ingredients for the Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip
Every layer of this dip brings something delicious to the table. Here’s what you’ll need and why each matters:
- Cream Cheese: Forms the creamy, rich base. Make sure it’s softened for easy spreading.
- Canned Chili: Adds savory, meaty flavor and texture. Choose your favorite kind!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that classic cheesy pull.
- Shredded Monterey Jack or Mozzarella: Balances cheddar with creamy smoothness.
- Tortilla Chips (for serving): The perfect crispy vessel to scoop all the goodness.
How To Make the Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a small baking dish lightly or spray with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
Spread the softened cream cheese evenly along the bottom of your baking dish. This is your luscious base layer.
Step 3: Add the Chili
Spoon your canned or homemade chili over the cream cheese layer. Spread evenly for full coverage.
Step 4: Pile on the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack over the chili until fully covered. Don’t skimp here—the cheese is what makes the top layer gooey and golden.
Step 5: Bake It Hot
Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 6: Serve and Dip Away
Serve hot straight from the oven with tortilla chips, pita wedges, or even sliced veggies for dipping.

How to Serve and Store This Dip
This dip feeds about 6 to 8 people as an appetizer. Serve it in the same dish you bake it in to keep cleanup easy. It pairs great with a spoon nearby for scooping, especially when the cheese gets super melty!
To store leftovers, cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
What to Serve With Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip?
Tortilla Chips
Classic and crunchy—a must-have pairing.
Cornbread Bites
A Southern twist that pairs wonderfully with chili.
Celery and Carrot Sticks
Perfect for guests looking for a lighter option.
Mini Soft Pretzels
Salty and chewy, these make a hearty dipper.
Jalapeño Slices
Top the dip for extra heat and a fresh crunch.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Cool contrast for spicy bites.
Guacamole or Avocado Slices
Creamy meets creamy for next-level indulgence.
Want More Dip Ideas?
If you’re loving the cozy comfort of this dip, you’ll want to explore these other savory snack options:
- Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip for ranch and bacon lovers.
- Spicy Sailor’s Dip for a bold, flavor-packed punch.
- Jalapeño Popper Dip with a spicy, cheesy kick.
- Taco Ranch Bites if you love Southwest flavors in mini form.
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole for a veggie-filled option.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or keep it classic? Maybe threw in a layer of beans or extra cheese?
I love hearing how you make these dips your own. Let’s keep the snack table exciting!
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comfort food ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your new go-to for hosting or cozy nights in!
Easy Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Looking for an effortless, crowd-pleasing appetizer? This Easy Hot Cream Cheese Chili Dip is your ultimate go-to! With just a few pantry staples, it transforms into a hot, creamy, cheesy dip layered with bold chili flavor and bubbly melted cheese. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy snack at home, this dip is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together. Great for anyone hunting for quick appetizers, dip ideas for parties, or easy comfort food recipes that impress with minimal effort. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips or crunchy veggies, it’s sure to be the first dish to disappear!
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese
15 oz canned chili
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
Tortilla chips for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a small baking dish.
2. Spread the softened cream cheese evenly on the bottom of the dish.
3. Layer the canned chili on top of the cream cheese.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chili.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot with tortilla chips or dippers of your choice.
Notes
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier spreading.
Use a thicker chili to avoid the dip turning too runny.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dip
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
