Hearty Chili Sour Cream Cheese Dip

You know those moments when you need a dip that’ll make everyone happy? That’s exactly why I love this chili sour cream cheese dip. It’s the kind of recipe I reach for when friends pop over to watch the game or when my kids have their teammates over after practice. I started making it years ago when I was looking for something quick that wouldn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen.

What makes this dip special is how simple it is – just a few ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. I usually mix it up while I’m getting other snacks ready, and it never fails to disappear before halftime. Sometimes I’ll make a double batch because I know my husband will want some for his lunch the next day.

Whether you like your dips mild or with an extra kick, this recipe is easy to adjust. I’ve served it at everything from Super Bowl parties to book club meetings, and there’s never a scoop left in the bowl.

What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?

For this dip, you’ll want to stick with full-fat brick-style cream cheese rather than the whipped or spreadable varieties that come in tubs. The dense, rich texture of block cream cheese creates the perfect base for a dip that holds its shape and won’t become runny when heated. Make sure to let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before using it – room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly and helps you avoid those annoying lumps in your dip. While generic brands will work just fine, name brands like Philadelphia tend to have a slightly creamier consistency that’s worth considering if you want the best results.

Options for Substitutions

This easy dip recipe can be adapted with several simple swaps if needed:

• Cream cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. Greek yogurt cream cheese also works, though the dip might be slightly tangier. Just make sure whatever you use is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Sour cream: Plain Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream – it’ll add extra protein too! You could also use Mexican crema, though you might want to use a bit less since it’s thinner.
• Canned chili: Feel free to use homemade chili instead of canned. You can also try vegetarian chili for a meatless version, or even a can of refried beans mixed with taco seasoning in a pinch.
• Shredded cheese blend: Any melting cheese works great here – try cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack for some heat, or even Mexican cheese blends. Just avoid hard cheeses like parmesan as they won’t melt as smoothly.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making chili cheese dip is dealing with cold cream cheese, which can leave you with unwanted lumps – make sure to let your cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Another common mistake is overheating the dip in the microwave, which can cause the cheese and sour cream to separate and become greasy – instead, heat it in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each round. To prevent a watery dip, be sure to drain any excess liquid from your canned chili before adding it to the mixture, and if you’re keeping it warm in a slow cooker, use the “warm” setting rather than “low” to maintain the perfect consistency. For the smoothest results, blend the cream cheese and sour cream together first before adding the other ingredients, ensuring everything combines evenly.

What to Serve With Chili Cheese Dip?

This warm and cheesy dip is perfect for scooping up with all kinds of dippers! Tortilla chips are the classic choice – I like using the sturdy, restaurant-style ones that won’t break when you dig into the thick dip. For a fresher option, cut up some crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers, which add nice color to your spread and give guests a lighter option. You can also put out some toasted baguette slices or pita chips if you want to mix things up. Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker or heated serving dish so it stays nice and melty throughout your gathering.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This tasty dip stays good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you notice any liquid separation, just give it a good stir before serving. The flavors actually get even better after a day as everything mingles together!

Make Ahead: You can easily prep this dip a day before your party or gathering. Just assemble all the ingredients, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, bake it until it’s hot and bubbly.

Warm Up: To warm up leftover dip, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it reaches your desired temperature. You can also warm it up in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	30-40 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 50-60 g
• Fat: 90-100 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 g

Ingredients

• 8 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese
• 1/2 cup rich sour cream
• 15-ounce can of chili
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (or your favorite cheese)

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF (200ºC).

While the oven is heating, lightly spray a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese and Sour Cream Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, add softened cream cheese and sour cream.

Use an electric mixer or silicone spatula to blend them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

This creates a creamy base for your dish.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cream cheese and sour cream mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Next, add a full can of chili on top, ensuring it’s spread into an even layer over the cream cheese mixture.

Finally, sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese over the chili, covering the top completely.

Step 4: Bake or Microwave

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the dish is hot.

Alternatively, you can heat in the microwave on high for 2-4 minutes if you prefer a quicker method.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, carefully remove the dish from the oven or microwave.

Serve the hot dip with your choice of tortilla chips, corn chips, sliced veggies, or any other preferred dippers.

Enjoy the creamy and cheesy goodness!