This easy Chili Cheese Dip is made in just 10 minutes with only 4 ingredients (chili, cheese, cream cheese, and salsa)! It's warm, cheesy, and the ultimate party dip! Make it on the stovetop or slow cooker!

An easy Chili Cheese Dip made with just four ingredients served in a white bowl with tortilla chips.

Chili Cheese Dip is that lazy appetizer I can whip together in 10 minutes!

It should be no surprise that my favorite part of any sports related party is the food! I can watch anything when a bowl of chili cheese dip (or “queso” as we call it) is involved! I love to serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, pita bread, potato wedges, and artisan bread cubes.

Hot, cheesy dips are not only warming for the soul, everyone just flocks to them! My other favorite dip recipes are Spinach Artichoke Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, and Baked Fontina Cheese Dip.

Let's make it, with only 4 Ingredients:

  1. Chili: use homemade chili or any leftover chili! You could also use your favorite canned, store-bought chili.
  2. Cream Cheese: It must be room temperature! The cream cheese adds flavor and texture, so I recommend full-fat Philadelphia brand.
  3. Shredded Cheese: Please take the few extra seconds to shred your own cheese (pre-shredded doesn't melt as smoothly or taste as good). I love using pepperjack and sharp cheddar for chili cheese dip.
  4. Salsa homemade or store-bought.

Add all ingredients to a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Cook, stirring constantly, until everything is melted together and well combined. Add a splash more milk to thin, if needed.

Serve this easy chili cheese dip recipe with what I've recommended below, over a hot dog, or with a spoon.

I've got slow cooker instructions, Make Ahead and freezing instructions in the recipe card notes!

Four images showing how to make a chili cheese dip recipe by heating all of the ingredients together then dipping a tortilla chip in it.

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Recipe

An easy Chili Cheese Dip made with just four ingredients served in a white bowl with tortilla chips.
Prep 2 minutes
Cook 8 minutes
Total 10 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups chili homemade, or 2 (14 oz cans) store-bought (625g)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese , cut into cubes (113g)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese , I use pepperjack and sharp cheddar (226g)
  • 1/4 cup salsa (60g)
  • cayenne pepper or hot sauce , optional, for heat

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the cheese is bubbly and melted, about 5 minutes.
    2 ½ cups chili, 4 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups shredded cheese, ¼ cup salsa, cayenne pepper or hot sauce
  • Serve with tortilla chips, bread cubes or vegetables. Serve with a chili hot dog, over nachos, or baked potatoes.

For Crockpot Chili Cheese Dip:

  • Spray the bottom of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray (or use a liner). Place cream cheese cubes in the slow cooker. Smoother them with chili, then salsa, then the cheddar cheese. Cook on LOW for 1-3 hours. Stir and serve.

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions: chili cheese dip can be made 1-2 days ahead of time, stored in the fridge. 
Freezing Instructions: Store in a freezer safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then rewarm on the stove.
Slow Cooker Instructions: Spray non-stick cooking spray on the bottom of slow cooker or use a liner. Place cream cheese cubes in the bottom then pour chili on top followed by salsa then cheddar cheese. Cook on LOW for 1-3 hours. Stir and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 16gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 914mgPotassium: 474mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 911IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 318mgIron: 4mg

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I originally shared this recipe January 2015. Updated January 2020 and May 2025.

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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Suzi
7 months ago

Can you freeze the leftovers of this?

Randy Roe
8 months ago

How much of the chili cheese dip is in a serving

KH
1 year ago

5 stars
Easy and delicious. Hearty. Would be great over nachos or rice for a quick supper.