Frito Pie Dip

Frito Pie Dip is a version of the classic Frito Pie recipe containing corn chips, hearty chili, and melty cheese but transformed into a dip you can scoop into your mouth with reckless abandon!

What is Frito Pie?

You might think that Frito Pie is just a Midwestern dish but think again. Or maybe you have never heard of Frito Pie? If not, let me introduce you.

It is a HUMBLE dish made with corn chips (usually Fritos) and topped with chili and cheese. Simple yet delicious. Once you taste it you think that it can’t get any better, but it can!

Check out all my favorite skillet dips while you are browsing!

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So what is in Frito Pie and how does it differ from the dip?

Ingredients Needed

Cream cheese – Full fat, low fat, or fat free cream cheese works great.

Chili – Use your favorite chili recipe.

Sour cream – Use full fat, low fat, or fat free sour cream.

Cheese – I like to use fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Chips – Fritos Scoops are the best but use your favorite chip.

The addition of the cream cheese gives the dip a smoother and creamier texture while allowing you to keep your corn chips crispy.

Using the scoops as a way to eat the dip instead of layering everything on top and making them soggy. Isn’t that better?!?

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How to make Frito Chili Pie Dip

First: Preheat oven to 375.

Second: Mix the cream cheese and sour cream together. Spread into the bottom of an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.

Third: Cover with chili and spread to the edges. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

Fourth: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Remove and serve with chips!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Where did Frito Pie come from??

Most sources say Texas but it is disputed that it is from New Mexico too.

In the Midwest, it is sometimes called a walking taco because the chili and cheese is served in a bag of fritos corn chips!

What are the best chips to eat with Chili Cheese Dip?

It wouldn’t be Frito pie without the Fritos or corn chips. My recommendation would be their large scoop version for maximum dip retrieval.

Can you make Frito Pie Dip on the grill?

Yes you can! Prepare the dip as usual and instead of baking it in the oven, put it on your grill along with your other foods.

Just be sure to heat all the way through!

Does Frito Pie Dip have beans?

Traditional Frito Pie does have beans (pinto beans) but I prefer dark red kidney beans in my chili so that is what is in the dip.

If you want to get technical, some believe that chili isn’t supposed to have beans in it at all. Make it with or without beans:)

Can I make this in the slow cooker?

Yes, just layer the ingredients and cook on low for 2 hours!

Tapas Tips & Tricks

• Cream Cheese & sour cream: I prefer the regular versions but you can use low fat or fat free versions if you like.
• Chili: Use your favorite chili recipe or just grab a can for convenience. I prefer mine with beans! If you don’t have chili or want to use it, substitute cooked ground beef and onions and some diced tomatoes.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for this recipe. The cheese melts better if you grate/shred your own cheese from a block instead of the pre-shredded bag.
• Chips: It wouldn’t be Frito Pie Dip without the Fritos or corn chips. My recommendation would be their large scoop version for maximum dip retrieval.

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Frito Pie Dip is a bubbling hot skillet of creamy cheese, spicy chili, topped with sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for party appetizers on game day, tailgating, or just gathering with friends and family.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

Feel free to use a large serving spoon or shovel to get your dip out of the skillet, just be sure to crumble your Frito chips on top to get the full Frito Pie Dip experience. Happy tailgating!

When my friend Debi, from the blog Life Currents, asked me to participate in October Tailgating Snacks Month I jumped at the chance.

On the blog as in non-internet life, I take tailgating very seriously and I created a recipe that was humble but tasted amazing.

Check out all the other delicious Tailgating Snacks recipes below from bloggers who took part in Tailgating Snacks Month!

• Skillet Pizza Bombs by Life Currents
• Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs by LeMoine Family Kitchen
• Easy Cheesy Salsa Bean Dip by Bowl me Over
• Spicy Nacho Cheese Pretzels by Hostess at Heart
• Hot Beef & Bean Dip by An Affair from the Heart
• Brown Butter Cinnamon Churro Rice Krispie Treats by Full Belly Sisters
• Curried Beef Roti (Sri Lankan Beef Roti) by The Flavor Bender

{originally published 10/27/16 – photos & recipe updated 08/14/20}

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