I’m obsessed with this frito chili cheese dip. Seriously. It’s my go-to for game days, movie nights, or whenever people drop by unexpectedly. The combo of warm chili, melty cheese and crunchy Fritos makes something magical happen in your mouth. Best part? Just 3 ingredients and 10 minutes to make the dip everyone always asks for. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading for the easiest crowd-pleaser ever.
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Why You’ll Love This Frito Dip Recipe
Ever been stuck figuring out what to bring to a potluck at the last minute? This frito chili dip saved me when my sister-in-law texted about an impromptu gathering last weekend. I threw it together in minutes, and it disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
What makes this recipe awesome is how flexible it is. Got leftover chili? Use that. Want it spicier? Add some jalapeños. Feeding veggie friends? Swap in vegetarian chili. It works for practically any situation and everyone goes crazy for it.
Plus, it’s budget-friendly and way better than anything store-bought. Speaking of store-bought, many folks wonder what happened to fritos chili cheese dip that used to be in stores. Make this homemade version and you’ll forget all about the packaged stuff.
Ingredients for the Best Dip for Fritos
This chili cheese dip 3 ingredients recipe couldn’t be simpler:
1. Chili
- 1 can (15 oz) of your favorite chili – I prefer chili with beans for extra texture, but no-bean chili works great too
- Use homemade chili if you have it! Even better
- For vegetarians, any plant-based chili works perfectly
2. Cream Cheese
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese – brings creamy richness that balances the spicy chili
- Make sure it’s room temperature for easier mixing
- Light cream cheese works fine if you’re watching calories
- For dairy-free folks, plant-based cream cheese gives similar results
3. Shredded Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese – creates that perfect cheese pull we all love
- Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged
- Sharp cheddar gives more flavor, mild works for kids
- Pepper jack adds nice heat if that’s your thing
To Serve
- 1 bag Fritos Original Corn Chips – the scoops version works great for dipping
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or fresh cilantro
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Making this dip is super straightforward:
- Prep your base: Cut cream cheese into cubes and place in a microwave-safe bowl or small slow cooker.
- Add the chili: Pour chili over the cream cheese. If using canned chili, you don’t even need to heat it first.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chili layer.
- Heat it up:
- Microwave method: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir.
- Slow cooker method: Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally until everything melts together.
- Oven method: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Final stir: Once hot, stir everything together until smooth and creamy. You’ll know it’s done when there are no more cream cheese lumps and everything looks melty.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl surrounded by Fritos for dipping. The contrast between warm, creamy dip and crunchy chips is what makes this so addictive.
The texture should be thick enough to cling to chips without dripping everywhere. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and stir again.
Variations on Frito Chili Dip
Here are some awesome ways to customize your frito chili cheese dip:
Spicy Southwest
Add a can of diced green chiles, dash of cumin, and use pepper jack instead of cheddar. Top with sliced jalapeños and avocado.
Meat Lover’s
Mix in ½ pound of browned ground beef or spicy sausage with the chili. Add extra cheese on top.
Loaded Nacho Style
Top the finished dip with diced tomatoes, black olives, green onions, and dollops of sour cream and guacamole.
Buffalo Chicken
Substitute the chili with shredded buffalo chicken and ranch dressing. Still amazing with Fritos!
Veggie Deluxe
Use vegetarian chili and add corn, black beans, and diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
BBQ Twist
Swirl in 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce and top with crispy bacon bits for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or small slow cooker
- Microwave (optional)
- Oven (optional)
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 can 15 oz chili (with or without beans)
- 1 block 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 bag Fritos Original Corn Chips for serving
- Optional garnishes: sliced green onions diced tomatoes, sour cream, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare Base: Cut cream cheese into cubes and place in a microwave-safe bowl (or slow cooker).
- Add Chili: Pour chili over cream cheese.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the chili.
- Heat:
- Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Stir: Once heated, stir everything together until smooth.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl, surround with Fritos, and garnish as desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add green chiles, jalapeños, or taco seasoning.
Works great made ahead—just reheat before serving.
Keeps in the fridge 3-4 days; reheat in the microwave before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Fritos chili cheese dip?
Many people wonder what happened to Fritos chili cheese dip in stores. Frito Lay discontinued their jarred chili cheese dip a few years back, leaving many fans disappointed. Luckily, this homemade version tastes even better and uses just 3 simple ingredients.
Where can I buy Frito Lay chili cheese dip?
Since Frito Lay discontinued their jarred chili cheese dip, it’s hard to find in stores anymore. Occasionally you might spot it at specialty retailers or online marketplaces, but prices are usually high. This homemade version is more economical and honestly tastier.
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix everything together and refrigerate for up to 2 days before heating. It actually tastes better when the flavors have time to meld. Just heat thoroughly before serving and give it a good stir.
How long does frito chili dip last in the fridge?
Leftovers (if you have any!) will keep about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until hot.
Can I freeze this chili cheese dip for Fritos?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly when thawed. If freezing, do it before adding the shredded cheese, then add that fresh when reheating.
What’s the best way to keep this dip warm at a party?
A small slow cooker on the “warm” setting is perfect. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if it starts to thicken too much. If you don’t have a slow cooker, reheat briefly in the microwave as needed.
Can I make corn dip with chili cheese Fritos instead?
Absolutely! For a twist, crush up Chili Cheese Fritos and mix them into the dip itself or use as a topping. This creates a chili cheese Frito corn dip that adds extra texture and flavor.
Bringing People Together, One Dip at a Time
Last Super Bowl, my cousin who’s super picky about food couldn’t stop eating this dip. He actually asked for the recipe, which never happens. That’s when I knew this frito chili cheese dip recipe was truly special.
Food has this amazing power to bring people together, and somehow this simple 3-ingredient creation manages to do that better than dishes that take hours to prepare. Make it your own with the variations above or create your own twist. Whatever you do, don’t expect leftovers – this dip vanishes fast!