Super Bowl Chili Cheese Dip (Printable)
Layered dip combining spicy chili, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. A crowd-pleasing game day favorite that's simple to make.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chili Layer
01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 pound ground beef or plant-based alternative
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
07 - 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
08 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - ½ teaspoon paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese Layer
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
16 - ½ cup sour cream
→ Toppings
17 - ¼ cup sliced green onions
18 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
19 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F.
02 - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
05 - In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Spread mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or ovenproof skillet.
06 - Layer the chili mixture over the cream cheese base.
07 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chili layer.
08 - Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbling and golden.
09 - Remove from oven and top with green onions, cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Each spoonful delivers three distinct layers that somehow melt together perfectly in your mouth - I accidentally discovered this happens best when you scoop all the way to the bottom.
- Its that rare crowd pleaser that satisfies both the heat seekers and the mild flavor fans at your party, as you can customize the spice level with those optional jalapeños.
02 -
- The first time I made this, I skipped draining the tomatoes and ended up with a dip that was far too watery - now I sometimes even blot them with paper towels for the perfect consistency.
- Letting the dip rest for 5 minutes after baking prevents burned tongues and allows the layers to settle, creating that perfect scoop-ability that keeps people coming back.
03 -
- Grate your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded bags - the anti-caking agents in packaged cheese prevent that luxuriously smooth melt that makes this dip irresistible.
- Keep the dip warm throughout your gathering by transferring it to a small slow cooker on the warm setting after its initial bake - this maintains that perfect molten consistency even during overtime.