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Frito Chili Cheese Dip 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 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