Frito Chili Cheese Dip is the perfect appetizer for any gathering, whether it’s a game day celebration or a cozy night in. This dip combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the hearty flavors of chili and turkey bacon. Easy to prepare and downright irresistible, it will have everyone reaching for Frito’s Scoops to get their share. Make this delightful dip and watch it disappear in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious dip in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices creates a rich and savory taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a party, game day, or family dinner, this dip suits all gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dish: It’s hard to resist a warm dip topped with crispy turkey bacon and fresh green onions.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with Fritos Scoops or your favorite chips for an easy-to-enjoy snack.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Frito Chili Cheese Dip as smooth as possible, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well and provides even cooking for your dip.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl ensures that all ingredients mix thoroughly without spilling.
- Spatula: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and serving directly from the skillet.
Ingredients
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is full of flavor and super easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Base
- 1 lb. ground chicken hamburger, cooked and drained
- 1 block cream cheese, softened
- 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well (like Rotel)
- 15 oz. can chili starter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1-2 tsp hot sauce (I used Louisiana)
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
For Topping
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 5 strips turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
- Frito’s Scoops for serving
How to Make Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dip Base
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the softened cream cheese with the ground chicken hamburger.
2. Add all remaining base ingredients (diced tomatoes, chili starter, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced onion).
3. Mix well until smooth. Taste your mixture and adjust any seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
- Grease or butter your cast iron skillet.
- Pour the mixed dip into the skillet evenly.
- Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Bake Your Dip
Place your skillet in the preheated oven:
– Bake for 8-10 minutes until hot.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven.
2. Sprinkle chopped turkey bacon on top.
3. Return to oven for another 3-4 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
Step 6: Serve Warm
After baking:
– Finish off by adding diced green onions before serving warm with Frito’s Scoops.
Enjoy your homemade Frito Chili Cheese Dip!
How to Serve Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a crowd-pleaser that can be served in various fun ways. Whether it’s for a game day, a party, or just a cozy night in, here are some enjoyable serving suggestions that will keep everyone coming back for more.
With Crunchy Frito’s Scoops
- Serve the dip with Frito’s Scoops to add crunch and make it easy for guests to enjoy every bite.
As a Layered Dip
- Create a layered presentation by serving the dip in a clear dish, showcasing the layers of cheese and chili mix for an eye-catching effect.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Offer fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers as an alternative to chips, providing a healthier option that pairs well with the dip.
In Mini Bread Bowls
- Hollow out small dinner rolls or mini bread bowls for a fun way to serve individual portions of the dip.
As Part of a Snack Platter
- Include the dip on a snack platter alongside other appetizers like nachos, wings, or stuffed jalapeños for a complete party spread.
Topped with Extra Ingredients
- Enhance the experience by topping your dip with additional ingredients like jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
How to Perfect Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Achieving the perfect Frito Chili Cheese Dip is all about balance and flavor. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Cream Cheese at Room Temperature: This ensures smooth mixing and prevents any lumps in your dip.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adding more spices can enhance the flavor profile based on personal preference.
- Don’t Skip the Turkey Bacon: The crispy texture adds an essential crunch that complements the creamy dip perfectly.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Make sure to bake until you see bubbles around the edges; this indicates it’s heated through properly.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavors.
- Serve Warm: The dip tastes best when served warm; consider keeping it in a small slow cooker if serving over an extended period.
Best Side Dishes for Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Pairing side dishes with your Frito Chili Cheese Dip can make your gathering even more enjoyable. Here are some great options:
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds freshness that complements the hearty chili cheese dip.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Spicy and cheesy stuffed jalapeños provide an excellent contrast with their heat against the rich dip.
- Nachos: Crispy tortilla chips topped with cheese, jalapeños, and olives make a perfect match alongside your dip.
- Vegetable Platter: A colorful assortment of fresh vegetables adds crunch and balance to the rich flavors of the dip.
- Buffalo Wings: Spicy buffalo wings pair excellently with creamy dips, providing an exciting flavor combination.
- Mini Quesadillas: Bite-sized quesadillas filled with cheese and veggies are easy to grab and enjoy without fuss.
- Potato Skins: Crispy potato skins topped with cheese and green onions offer another decadent option for dipping.
- Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served alongside salsa make for a refreshing side that enhances your appetizer experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Frito Chili Cheese Dip, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Using Too Much Cream Cheese: While cream cheese adds creaminess, too much can overwhelm the dip. Stick to one block for balanced flavors.
- Not Draining Ingredients: Diced tomatoes and other canned ingredients should be drained well. Excess moisture can make your dip watery.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your mixture before baking. Adjust seasonings like garlic powder or hot sauce for your desired flavor profile.
- Overbaking the Dip: Keep an eye on your dip while it bakes. Overbaking can lead to a dried-out texture instead of a creamy dip.
- Neglecting Toppings: Toppings like Turkey Bacon and green onions add flavor and texture. Don’t forget to add them just before serving for maximum crunch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Freeze in a well-sealed container or freezer bag.
- Can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Frito Chili Cheese Dip
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and heat until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl; heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frito Chili Cheese Dip?
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a warm appetizer made with ground chicken, cream cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices, topped with cheese and crispy Turkey Bacon.
How do I make my Frito Chili Cheese Dip spicier?
You can add more hot sauce or include diced jalapeños for extra heat. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes! Ground beef is a great substitute and will give the dip a richer flavor while still being delicious.
How long does Frito Chili Cheese Dip last in the fridge?
The dip lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is not just flavorful; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different proteins or toppings to suit your tastes. Whether it’s game day or a cozy night in, this dip will surely be a hit! Give it a try and enjoy every last scoop!
Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Frito Chili Cheese Dip is an irresistible warm appetizer that brings together the creamy richness of cream cheese, savory ground chicken, and zesty spices, all topped with melty cheddar cheese and crispy turkey bacon. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in, this dip pairs beautifully with Frito’s Scoops for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering. Enjoy this hearty dip that will keep your guests coming back for more!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken hamburger
- 1 block cream cheese
- 10 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
- 15 oz can chili starter
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 medium white onion (diced)
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese (shredded, for topping)
- 5 strips turkey bacon (cooked crispy and chopped)
- 2 green onions (diced)
- Frito's Scoops (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ground chicken until smooth. Add diced tomatoes, chili starter, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced onion. Mix well.
- Grease a cast iron skillet and pour the dip mixture evenly into the skillet. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until hot.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped turkey bacon. Return to the oven for another 3-4 minutes until bubbly.
- Before serving warm, garnish with diced green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg