Frito Chili Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a staple in my home, especially during family gatherings and game nights. It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting—exactly what you want when sharing good times with friends and family. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in just about 20 minutes!
What makes this dip truly special is how versatile it is. You can serve it at parties, on busy weeknights, or even as a movie night snack. Trust me, once you make this dip, your guests will be fighting over who gets the last scoop of those crunchy Frito’s Scoops!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dip ready in no time.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy goodness and hearty flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dip ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a tailgate party or cozy night in, this dip fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! Let’s gather everything we need for this delightful Frito Chili Cheese Dip.
For the Dip
- 1 lb. ground hamburger, cooked and drained
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well (like Rotel)
- 15 oz. can chili starter (like Bush’s Chili Magic)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (I used Louisiana)
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
- 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
- Frito’s Scoops for serving
Variations
One of the best things about this Frito Chili Cheese Dip is how flexible it is! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a lighter option.
- Add some beans: Throw in black beans or kidney beans for extra fiber and heartiness.
- Spice it up: If you like more heat, add jalapeños or use spicy chili starter.
- Go veggie: Substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees. This step ensures that your dip bakes evenly and gets that delightful bubbly texture!
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the cooked hamburger and all remaining dip base ingredients. Mix well until smooth—this is where all those flavors come together! Don’t forget to taste-test; adjusting seasonings is key to making this dip perfect for your palate.
Step 3: Bake the Dip
Transfer the mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet—my favorite is a trusty 10 cast iron pan. Top with an additional layer of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy goodness! Bake it in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes until it’s warm and melty.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Once you’ve got that gooey goodness going on, sprinkle crispy chopped bacon on top and return it to the oven. Bake just until bubbly around the edges—about another 3-4 minutes. This step adds texture and savory flavor that everyone will love.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Finally, finish off your masterpiece by adding diced green onions on top. Serve warm alongside those crunchy Frito’s Scoops, and watch as everyone dives in!
Pro Tips for Making Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Creating the perfect Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a breeze with these handy tips!
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Use room temperature cream cheese – This ensures that your dip mixes smoothly without any lumps, resulting in a creamy texture everyone will love.
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Customize your spice level – Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste. Whether you like it mild or fiery, this flexibility makes the dip enjoyable for all guests.
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Layer your ingredients – For an extra cheesy and delicious experience, consider layering some cheese between the dip and the topping. This creates gooey pockets of melted cheese that are simply irresistible!
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Experiment with toppings – Don’t hesitate to add other toppings like jalapeños or olives for a unique twist. These additions can bring new flavors and textures to your dip!
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Keep an eye on baking time – Every oven is different! Start checking your dip a couple of minutes early to ensure it doesn’t overcook and lose its delightful creaminess.
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip
When it comes to serving Frito Chili Cheese Dip, presentation can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to make your dish even more inviting.
Garnishes
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Chopped cilantro – A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor that complements the richness of the dip beautifully.
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Sour cream dollops – Add a few dollops of dairy-free sour cream on top for a cool contrast to the warm dip. It enhances both flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
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Vegetable Platter – Serve alongside a colorful platter filled with fresh veggies like carrots, celery, and bell pepper strips. They provide a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the rich dip.
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Pita Chips – These crispy chips offer a sturdy alternative to Fritos and can be used for dipping too! Their slightly nutty flavor enhances every bite.
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Guacamole – A side of guacamole adds creaminess and zest, making it a perfect counterbalance to the hearty flavors in your chili cheese dip.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad – This vibrant salad featuring corn, lime, cilantro, and jalapeños pairs perfectly with the flavors of your dip while adding freshness to your spread.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set for a delightful gathering where everyone will want seconds—if not thirds! Enjoy your Frito Chili Cheese Dip adventure!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is not only a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later, making it ideal for busy days or unexpected guests.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the dip to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to enjoy, simply reheat as described below.
Freezing
- This dip can be frozen before baking; just prepare it up to the point of adding cheese on top.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating
- For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Transfer the dip to an oven-safe dish if not already in one.
- Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- If reheating from frozen, bake at 375 degrees for about 30-35 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and add cheese for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!
Can I make Frito Chili Cheese Dip without ground beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version while still enjoying great flavor.
How do I spice up my Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or include diced jalapeños. You could also try adding extra chili powder or even diced green chilies for a kick.
What should I serve with Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Fritos Scoops are classic, but you can also serve this dip with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or even bread slices for a delightful twist.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Yes! Low-fat cream cheese works well as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the creaminess of the dip.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about making this Frito Chili Cheese Dip as I am! It’s the perfect blend of creamy and cheesy goodness that will surely impress your friends and family. Whether you’re hosting a tailgate party or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this dip is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every scoop and feel free to get creative with toppings! Happy cooking!
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
If you’re on the hunt for a delicious and comforting appetizer, look no further than this Frito Chili Cheese Dip! Perfect for family gatherings, game nights, or casual get-togethers, this cheesy dip is sure to be a hit. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just 20 minutes. Serve it warm alongside crunchy Frito’s Scoops, and watch as everyone dives in for more. Plus, with options to customize it to your taste, you can create a unique version that suits every palate!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 15 oz chili starter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce
- 2 green onions, diced
- Fritos Scoops for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese with cooked ground beef and remaining dip ingredients until smooth.
- Transfer mixture to a greased oven-safe skillet and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until warm and melty.
- Add toppings like crispy bacon and bake an additional 3-4 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with diced green onions before serving with Frito’s Scoops.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
