This warm and cheesy dip is a crowd-pleaser! Made with delicious chili, gooey cheese, and your favorite spices, it comes together easily in a Crock Pot.
Perfect for game night or parties! Grab some tortilla chips, and you’ll be the star of the show. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers! 🏆
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chili: Use your favorite canned chili. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try low-sodium chili or even a vegetarian one with beans and veggies. If you have leftover homemade chili, that works great, too!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the dip creamy. If you want a lighter version, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat, or a dairy-free cream cheese if you’re vegan.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, giving a nice blend of flavor and stretch. You might consider using pepper jack for a spicy kick or swapping in a dairy-free cheese for a vegan version.
Sour Cream: If you want to reduce fat, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. It gives the same tangy flavor while being healthier.
Green Onions: These add freshness and a bit of crunch. If you don’t have green onions, chopped red onions or chives can work well, too. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add a nice touch.
How Can I Make Sure the Cheese is Perfectly Melted?
To achieve that wonderfully smooth and melted cheese in your dip, here’s what to do:
- Always start with softened cream cheese; it blends in better when it’s not cold.
- Stir the mixture well before cooking to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Keep the Crock Pot on low heat; high heat can make the cheese grainy. Stir occasionally to aid melting.
- For best results, if the dip seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
By paying attention to these tips, you’ll end up with a smooth, delicious dip that everyone will love!
Crock Pot Chili Cheese Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (15 oz) can chili (with or without beans, your preference)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Optional: chopped jalapeños for extra heat
- Tortilla chips, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 2 to 3 hours to cook in the Crock Pot. So, set aside a little time for prep plus some time for the dip to cook while you relax or prepare for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Crock Pot:
Start by spraying the inside of your Crock Pot with non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the dip from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
2. Combine The Ingredients:
In the Crock Pot, add the canned chili, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, chili powder, and cumin. Make sure to stir everything together well so that all the ingredients are mixed evenly.
3. Let it Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot, and cook on low heat for about 2 to 3 hours. Make sure to give it a stir every now and then to help the cheese melt evenly and mix all the flavors together.
4. Spice it Up (Optional):
If you like a bit of heat in your dip, feel free to toss in some chopped jalapeños during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir them in so they’re well combined.
5. Ready to Serve:
Once the dip is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted beautifully, switch your Crock Pot to the warm setting to keep it ready for serving. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra chopped green onions for a fresh touch!
6. Enjoy with Tortilla Chips:
Your creamy, cheesy dip is now ready! Serve it warm alongside your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy a flavor-packed treat that everyone will love.
Gather your friends, dig in, and enjoy this crowd-pleasing, cheesy Mexican-inspired dip perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicier flavor or a blend of your favorites to add depth to the dip.
What Can I Serve Instead of Tortilla Chips?
If you want to mix it up, try serving the dip with vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers, pita chips, or even crackers. It’s versatile, so use whatever you enjoy!
Can I Prepare This Dip in Advance?
Yes! You can prep everything and combine the ingredients in the Crock Pot the night before. Just keep it in the fridge and then cook in the morning or a few hours before your event. Just add a little extra time to the cooking for cold ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it up in the microwave or back in the Crock Pot on low heat until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk to revive the creaminess!
