top of page

Frito Chili Cheese Dip: The Ultimate Comfort Appetizer

Updated: 2 days ago


Frito Chili Cheese Dip: The Ultimate Comfort Appetizer


Looking for a warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing appetizer? Look no further than this Frito Chili Cheese Dip! It's loaded with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any gathering. Instead of relying on canned chili, we’re using a chili starter and adding fresh ground beef, seasonings, and other tasty ingredients to elevate the dish. The result? A cheesy, savory dip that’s guaranteed to have your guests fighting over the last scoop!


Why You'll Love This Frito Chili Cheese Dip:


  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes! Simply brown some ground beef, mix your ingredients, and bake.

  • Versatile: Adjust the recipe to your taste—add extra heat, swap out ingredients, or make it your own!

  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game days, parties, or tailgates. Serve with Fritos Scoops for the ultimate dip experience.

  • Leftover-Friendly: It gets even better the next day! Use it to top hot dogs or burgers for a sloppy joe twist.



Flavor Highlights:


This dip is packed with bold flavors: a little heat from the seasonings, creaminess from the cheddar and cream cheese, and a sweet-savory kick from crispy bacon and green onions. Even if you're not typically a fan of chili, this dip is so addictive, you won’t be able to resist coming back for more!


Ingredients for Frito Chili Cheese Dip:


This recipe combines simple, flavorful ingredients to create a rich, savory dip. Here's what you'll need:

  • Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the dip.

  • Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and flavor.

  • Rotel Tomatoes: Brings a tangy, spicy kick.

  • Chili Starter: A mix of beans and chili sauce for convenience.

  • Cheddar Cheese: For that melty, cheesy goodness.

  • Onions: A combination of white onions and green onions for added texture and flavor.

  • Crispy Bacon: Adds crunch and a smoky flavor.

  • Seasonings: Chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and hot sauce for a bold, balanced taste.


How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip:


This dip is best served hot and bubbly straight from the oven. Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the MeatBrown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain any excess fat, then transfer it to a large bowl.

Step 2: Combine IngredientsIn the bowl with the beef, add cream cheese, Rotel tomatoes, chili starter, onions, cheddar cheese, and your seasonings. Mix well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Bake the DipPreheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a skillet or oven-safe dish, then spread the dip mixture evenly into the dish. Bake for 10 minutes until the dip is heated through and bubbling.

Step 4: Top and FinishRemove the dish from the oven and sprinkle crispy bacon on top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. When done, top with green onions and serve immediately with Fritos Scoops (or tortilla chips if preferred).


Quick Tips for the Perfect Chili Cheese Dip:


  • Soften the Cream Cheese: For easy mixing, soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 10-second intervals or leaving it in hot water (with foil still on) until it’s soft but not melted.

  • Use Fritos Scoops: Regular Fritos may crumble, so go for the sturdy Scoops variety to get every last bit of dip.

  • Prep Bacon in Advance: Cook the bacon ahead of time and chop it up, so you can easily top your dip when it's time.



Final Thoughts:


This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a guaranteed hit at any party or gathering. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or a movie night at home, this creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dip is the perfect appetizer. The best part? It’s easy to customize, forgiving to make, and even tastier the next day—if you have any leftovers, that is!


Frequently Asked Questions:


1. Can I make this dip ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare the dip in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready, pop it in the oven to heat before serving.

2. What can I serve with this dip?Serve it with Fritos Scoops, tortilla chips, or even crunchy veggies for a lighter option (but the Fritos are best!).

3. Can I add more spice to the dip?Absolutely! Add extra hot sauce, jalapenos, or crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer more heat.

4. How do I store leftovers?Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?Yes, feel free to mix in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a smoky Gouda for a different flavor profile.

6. Is there a vegetarian version of this dip?Yes, simply omit the ground beef and bacon, and use a meatless chili starter or beans as a base for the dip.

7. Can I use store-bought chili instead of making my own?Yes, you can use canned chili for a quicker option, though making it with fresh ingredients elevates the flavor.

8. Can I substitute the beef for another protein?Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage are great alternatives to ground beef.

9. How can I make this dip lighter?Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar, and substitute the beef with ground turkey or a meat alternative.

10. How long should I bake the dip?Bake the dip for 10 minutes initially, then add the bacon and bake for an additional 5 minutes for a total of 15 minutes.




Enjoying this recipe? Be sure to check out our podcast, That Love Podcast!





Craving delicious recipes? Explore a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you're in the mood for savory appetizers or indulgent treats, we've got you covered. Check out these featured recipes:

  1. Buffalo Chicken Dip – The ultimate cast iron appetizer, perfect for game day or any gathering. Get the recipe here.

  2. Korean Chicken Thighs – Sweet and spicy with a gochujang kick that will leave your taste buds craving more. Check out this flavorful dish.

  3. Irish Pub Potato Nachos – Comfort food at its finest with this hearty and satisfying appetizer. Learn how to make it here.

  4. Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – Quick, healthy, and delicious! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Try this easy stir-fry recipe.

  5. Copycat Starbucks Bacon & Egg Bites – A tasty and easy breakfast option for when you're on the go. See how to make them here.

  6. French Toast Breakfast Sandwich – The ultimate sweet and savory breakfast treat. Get the recipe here.

  7. 3-Ingredient Cookie Puff Pastry – A quick and delightful treat you can whip up with just a few ingredients. Find out how to make it here.

  8. Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls – Your new fall favorite, combining pumpkin and cinnamon in a delectable roll. Check out the recipe here.

  9. Zesty Buttery Orange Cranberry Muffins – The perfect muffin for any occasion, with a bright citrus twist. Bake them with this recipe.

Enjoy exploring these recipes and adding new favorites to your kitchen!


If you want more recipes, checks these folks out:

  • Over 1 million recipes from around the world

  • Easy to search and find recipes

  • Over 25 million monthly visitors

  • The Food Network - https://www.foodnetwork.com/

    • Over 15,000 recipes from celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, and Guy Fieri

    • Recipes for all occasions and dietary preferences

    • Video recipes available

  • Yummly - https://www.yummly.com/

    • Over 2 million recipes with advanced filtering options

    • Appealing and easy to navigate interface

    • Ability to create meal plans based on diet and allergies

  • Epicurious - https://www.epicurious.com/

    • Hand-picked recipes from Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazines

    • Focus on quality over quantity

    • Over 30,000 recipes from around the world

  • Tasty - https://tasty.co/

    • Primarily video-based recipes with catchy music and quick steps

    • Covers popular recipe trends like air fryer and baked feta pasta

    • Simple ingredients and 10-minute recipes for beginners

  • Delish - https://www.delish.com/

    • Thousands of tested recipes with mouthwatering photos

    • Organized by trending dishes, favorites, healthy options and more

    • Helpful articles and videos on food blogging and cooking tips

  • The Kitchn - https://www.thekitchn.com/

    • Recipes and helpful cooking articles and lesson videos

    • Organized by season, meal type and more for easy browsing

    • Interviews with professional chefs and step-by-step technique videos

  • Love and Lemons - https://www.loveandlemons.com/

    • Focuses on fresh, seasonal produce and vegetable-forward dishes

    • Stunning food photography and simple, flavorful recipes

    • Great for vegetarians or those looking to eat healthier

  • Smitten Kitchen - https://smittenkitchen.com/

    • Comfort food favorites and exciting new dishes

    • Deb's signature style of making complex recipes accessible

    • Shared with humor and a lot of love

  • Serious Eats - https://www.seriouseats.com/

    • Explores the science and art of cooking

    • Recipes, food science explainers, and cooking techniques

    • Trusted resource for food geeks and home cook


 Enjoyed what you read? Subscribe to That Love Podcast’s newsletter for the latest blogs, updates, and exclusive giveaways! Share the joy—pass along our blogs and website to family and friends so they can join in on the fun. Let’s spread the love together!


"For more inspiration on personal transformation, check out the Transform Your Life series at That Love Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/transform-your-life) and explore wellness tips at That Blissful Wellness Podcast (https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/thatblissfulwellnesspodcast)."


489 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page