Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Introduction

Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a hearty, flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual gatherings. Combining ground beef, cheese, and spicy seasonings, this dip is rich, savory, and best enjoyed warm with crunchy Frito Scoops.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground hamburger, cooked and drained
• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well (like Rotel)
• 15 oz. can chili starter (like Bush’s Chili Magic)
• 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 (such as Louisiana)
• 1/2 medium white onion, diced
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
• Frito’s Scoops for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked ground hamburger, diced tomatoes, chili starter, 1 cup shredded cheddar, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, and diced white onion. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Step 3: Grease or butter a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (cast iron works well). Spread the dip mixture evenly in the skillet and sprinkle with 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Step 4: Bake the dip for 8-10 minutes until the cheese begins to melt and the dip is hot.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for another 3-4 minutes until bubbly around the edges.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and garnish with diced green onions. Serve warm with Frito Scoops for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the hot sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap ground hamburger for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• If you prefer a smoother dip, blend the mixture before baking.
• Use tortilla chips instead of Frito Scoops if preferred.
• Add a handful of black beans or corn for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until hot and bubbly or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. This dip is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip mixture ahead and refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the best taste and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have chili starter?

If you don’t have chili starter, try substituting with canned chili or a combination of tomato sauce and chili seasoning to achieve a similar flavor.

Frito Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 134 reviews

This Frito Chili Cheese Dip is a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for game days or casual gatherings. Combining ground hamburger, cream cheese, spicy chili starter, and a blend of spices, it features melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions on top, served warm with crunchy Frito’s Scoops for dipping.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dip Base

• 1 lb. ground hamburger, cooked and drained
• 1 block cream cheese, softened
• 10 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained well (like Rotel)
• 15 oz. can chili starter (like Bush’s Chili Magic)
• 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

Cheese & Toppings

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (mixed in dip base)
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
• 5 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
• 2 green onions, diced (green and white parts)
• Frito’s Scoops for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dip.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked ground hamburger, drained diced tomatoes, chili starter, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, cumin, hot sauce, diced white onion, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
3. Transfer to Skillet: Grease or butter a 10-inch oven-safe skillet, preferably cast iron. Spoon the dip mixture into the skillet evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a cheesy layer.
4. Bake First Phase: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake the dip for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the dip is heated through.
5. Add Bacon and Finish Baking: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon over the melted cheese, then return the skillet to the oven for another 3 to 4 minutes until the dip is bubbly around the edges.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dip from the oven, sprinkle diced green onions evenly on top for freshness and color. Serve warm with Frito’s Scoops for dipping.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Using a cast iron skillet adds a nice crust and even heating, but any oven-safe dish will work.
• For extra creaminess, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: Frito chili cheese dip, game day dip, cheesy chili dip, party appetizer, baked dip, Frito’s Scoops dip