Hormel Chili Cream Cheese Dip

Introduction

Hormel Chili Cream Cheese Dip is the ultimate combination of creamy, tangy, and savory goodness—an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. This rich and flavorful dip brings together the creaminess of softened cream cheese, the hearty boldness of Hormel Chili, and the melty perfection of shredded cheese in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, attending a potluck, or simply craving a quick snack, this classic dip is always a winner.

What makes this dip so special is its simplicity and comfort. As it bakes, the chili and cream cheese meld together into a smooth and satisfying mixture, topped with bubbly, golden cheese that’s impossible to resist. It’s a recipe that instantly brings people together, with everyone huddling around the dish for that first warm, gooey bite. I first made this for a casual movie night with friends, and it’s been a staple on our snack table ever since. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast, leaving everyone asking for the recipe.

What’s even better is how versatile it is—you can customize it to suit your taste or elevate it with extra toppings like chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or even fresh veggie sticks for dipping, and watch it become the star of your gathering. Trust me, once you make Hormel Chili Cream Cheese Dip, you’ll have people requesting it at every event—it’s just that good!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Parties or gatherings
Movie night treat
A hearty appetizer
Quick and easy dips

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cook time, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dip in minutes.
Flavorful and Filling: The combination of creamy cheese, savory chili, and melted cheese brings big flavor in every bite.
Perfectly Customizable: Adjust spice levels by using mild or spicy chili, and customize toppings with sour cream or jalapeños.
Party-Ready: This dip is a crowd favorite, perfect for any gathering or event.
Comforting and Hearty: Ideal for satisfying appetites with a warm and indulgent dip.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 20 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6–8 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 200–250 calories

Ingredients

For the Dip:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 oz) Hormel Chili (no pork)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
Jalapeño slices for topping (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Hormel Chili (no pork): The star of this dish—hearty and full of flavor without the addition of pork.
Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy base that makes the dip smooth and velvety.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a cheesy, gooey finish.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream and jalapeño slices add a nice contrast in flavor and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dip:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread Cream Cheese: In a small baking dish (such as an 8×8-inch square pan), spread the softened cream cheese evenly to cover the bottom.
Top with Chili: Pour the Hormel Chili over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chili.
Bake the Dip: Place the dip in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

Optional Toppings: If desired, top the dip with sour cream and jalapeño slices after baking for added flavor.
Serve: Enjoy your dip warm with chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping.

How to Serve

With Chips: Serve with tortilla chips, nacho chips, or any crispy chips of your choice.
With Crackers: Ritz crackers, saltines, or any other crisp crackers are great for scooping.
Veggies for a Lighter Option: Fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, and cucumbers provide a healthier way to dip.
As a Snack: This dip can also work well as a quick, hearty snack.

Additional Tips

Spice it Up: Use spicy Hormel chili or add your favorite hot sauce to make the dip spicy.
Check Consistency: If the dip seems too thick, add a little more sour cream or cream cheese to thin it out.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the dip a day in advance, cover it, and bake it just before serving.
Adjust Cheese Amount: Add more or less cheese to your taste, depending on how cheesy you like your dips.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Make a hearty and satisfying vegetarian version of the dip by using Hormel Chili with beans that contains no meat. This option still provides the same comforting chili base but without any meat, offering a plant-based alternative for those following a vegetarian diet. You can also add extra vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini, for an added burst of texture and flavor.
Spicy Version: For those who love extra heat, spice things up by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the dip before baking. The fresh heat from the jalapeños or the intense kick from chili flakes will infuse the dip with a vibrant spiciness, elevating its flavor and making it the perfect treat for spice lovers. Adjust the level of spice according to your taste to create your own perfect balance.
Cheese Swap: Give the dip a new twist by swapping the usual cheese blend with different cheeses for varied flavor profiles. Use pepper jack for a little heat, Monterey Jack for a smooth, mild melt, or Mexican blend cheeses for a bold, robust taste. Mixing and matching different cheeses allows you to customize the dip to your flavor preferences and experiment with unique textures.
Taco Dip: Transform your chili dip into a southwest-inspired taco dip by adding taco seasoning to the chili base. The taco seasoning will infuse the dip with flavors of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion, giving it that quintessential taco flavor that will appeal to taco lovers. Garnish with taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and olives for a complete taco-inspired experience.
Creamy Mexican Dip: Mix in a tablespoon of salsa and a generous dollop of sour cream for a creamy, zesty twist on the dip. The salsa adds a burst of fresh flavor, while the sour cream brings richness and smoothness, giving the dip a creamy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the spiciness of the chili. This variation adds a tangy, Mexican-inspired flair that’s perfect for anyone craving more creamy dips.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: To enjoy any leftover chili dip later, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, retaining its flavor and texture when stored properly. If the dip is too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of milk, broth, or even a bit of cheese to bring it back to its desired consistency before reheating. Reheat the dip gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
Freezing: While the dip is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, be sure to omit the sour cream before freezing, as dairy-based ingredients can change texture when thawed. Freeze the prepared dip (without sour cream) in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply thaw the dip in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. Once heated, you can stir in fresh sour cream (or your preferred topping) for the perfect finish. This freezing option is great for making a big batch ahead of time and enjoying later!

Special Equipment

Small Baking Dish: A baking dish about 8×8 inches is perfect for this dip.
Spreader/Spatula: For spreading the cream cheese evenly in the pan.
Oven: You’ll need to bake the dip for the final step.

FAQ Section

Can I make this dip in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can layer the cream cheese, chili, and cheese in a slow cooker, then cook on low for 1–2 hours.
Can I use a different brand of chili?
Absolutely! Any canned chili can work, but Hormel Chili is known for its balanced flavor.
Can I make this dip spicier?
Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicier chili variety to turn up the heat.
Is it possible to make this dip without cheese?
While cheese is a key ingredient, you can make a dairy-free version by using a plant-based cheese alternative.
How do I make the dip less greasy?
To avoid excess grease, drain any excess liquid from the chili before spreading it over the cream cheese.

Conclusion

Hormel Chili Cream Cheese Dip is a quick, easy, and satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or a simple snack. Combining the savory goodness of Hormel Chili with the creamy richness of cream cheese, this warm dip delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.

Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh-cut vegetables for a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s a reliable option that requires just a few ingredients and can be made in minutes, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.

Whip it up, watch it disappear, and enjoy the compliments. Share your creation on Instagram and tag me!—I’d love to see how you serve yours!