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My Frito Chili Cheese Dip has quickly become the favorite snack for sports events and laid-back parties at my place. When warm melty cheese meets tasty beef and zesty spices, you get a bowl of goodness that typically disappears minutes after I set it down.
I whipped this dip up for the first time during an unplanned football gathering when I needed something fast and filling. The crushed Fritos topping was my husband's idea the next time around, and we've claimed it as our special party treat ever since.
What You'll Need
- Ground hamburger: Gives that filling base everybody craves
- Cream cheese: Makes everything stick together with smooth creaminess
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring freshness and gentle heat
- Chili starter: Packs real chili taste without cooking forever
- Cheddar cheese: Mixed in and sprinkled on top for that amazing stretchy pull
- Garlic powder and chili powder: Add that deep flavor kick
- Brown sugar: Cuts the sour notes with a hint of sweetness
- White onion: Builds the flavor base and adds some bite
- Bacon: Delivers that smoky crunch against the soft dip
- Green onions: Sprinkle these for color and freshness
- Fritos Scoops: Can handle scooping up this hefty dip
How To Make It
- Get Everything Ready:
- Set your oven to 375°F and make sure your cream cheese sits out long enough to soften completely. Brown your ground beef until fully cooked with no pink spots, then drain off all the fat so your dip won't end up greasy.
- Combine Everything:
- Throw your soft cream cheese, cooked beef, drained tomatoes, chili starter, shredded cheese and all your spices into a big bowl. Stir it all up until everything's mixed well with no lumps of cream cheese left. This is when all those tasty flavors start coming together.
- Start Baking:
- Dump the mixture into a greased 10-inch cast iron skillet or any oven-safe dish. Smooth it out and cover with plenty of shredded cheddar. Pop it in the oven for 8-10 minutes until the cheese starts bubbling around the edges.
- Add Final Touches:
- Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top and put it back in the oven another 3-4 minutes until everything's hot and bubbly. You want slightly brown edges and a thoroughly heated center. Just before serving, scatter fresh green onions on top.
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The chili starter is honestly the hidden gem in this recipe. I found it by chance when I ran out of regular chili beans, and it gives this amazing seasoned foundation that would normally take hours to build from scratch. I now keep a few cans just for making this dip.
Mix It Up
Feel free to play around with this basic recipe. Ground turkey works great instead of beef if you want something lighter. You'll still get awesome flavor but with fewer calories. If you've got vegetarian friends coming over, swap the meat for black beans and corn to make a Southwestern twist that meat-eaters will gobble up too.
Prep In Advance
This dip really works well for planning ahead. You can mix everything up to two days before your party and keep it covered in your fridge. When you're ready to serve, let it sit out for about 30 minutes, then bake according to the instructions, adding an extra 5 minutes to make sure it gets hot all the way through.
Saving Extra Dip
Got leftovers? They'll stay good in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, put some in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a paper towel, and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each until it's warm. Or you can throw it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to get back that fresh-baked feel and bubbling cheese on top.
What To Serve With It
Fritos Scoops are the classic choice, but this dip tastes great with tortilla chips, little pretzels, or even spooned over a baked potato. For a fun party setup, try making a dipping station with different kinds of chips and some fresh veggies like sliced bell peppers and celery for friends who want something a bit lighter.
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Common Questions
- → Can I prep this dip earlier?
You bet! Make the base mixture and keep it in your fridge up to a day ahead. Just add the toppings and pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat.
- → Which chili starter should I use?
We like Bush's Chili Magic for best results. Just pick one that matches your taste preferences.
- → Is ground turkey OK instead of beef?
Sure thing! Ground turkey works great if you want a lighter option for this dip.
- → What can I use if I don't have Frito's Scoops?
You can dip tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks into this yummy mixture.
- → Can I make this more or less spicy?
Definitely! Just play around with the chili powder, hot sauce, and cumin amounts to match how spicy you like your food.