Frito Chili Cheese Dip
Chili cheese Frito 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 easily scoop into your mouth!
Frito Pie Definition
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 classic 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!
Well, I have decided to make it into a dip for game day. Just about anything ooey, gooey, and cheesy in a cast iron skillet is delicious. Grab some Scoops!
Check out all my favorite skillet dips while you are browsing! And while we’re talking about appetizers, check out my:
Favorite Game Day Appetizers
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See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Chili – Use your favorite chili recipe or grab a can from the store.
- Cheese – I like to use fresh grated sharp cheddar cheese. Grate your own so it melts better.
- Chips – Fritos Scoops are the best since it is “Frito” dip buy you can also use tortilla chips and even pita chips.
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How To Make Chili Cheese Frito Dip
- Preheat oven to 375. Mix the cream cheese and sour cream together.
- Spread into the bottom of an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Cover with chili and spread to the edges. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- 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.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers, if you have them, in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave, in the oven, or on the stovetop until headed through.
It wouldn’t be Frito Dip without the Fritos or corn chips. My recommendation would be their large scoop version for maximum dip scooping.
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!
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:)
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 Dip without the Fritos or corn chips. My recommendation would be their large scoop version for maximum dip retrieval.
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Frito 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 leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!
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 Chili Cheese Dip experience. Happy tailgating!
Frito Dip with Cream Cheese and Chili
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 16 ounces of sour cream
- 4 cups of chili
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 1 bag of corn chips I like Fritos Scoops
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F
- Mix the sour cream and cream cheese together.
- Spread into the bottom of a skillet.
- Top with chili.
- Cover with cheese.
- Bake at 375F for 25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Serve hot with corn chips!
Video
Notes
- Substitute cooked ground beef and onions and some diced tomatoes if you don’t want to use chili.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting
- I recommend using the large scoop Fritos.
Nutrition
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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Is this dip layered or do you mix it? I didn’t see mention of stirring in the original recipe but did see mention of stirring when preparing in the slow cooker. Thanks for your help!
You can do it either way. I like to mix it all up and then spread into the skillet and layer cheese on top but if you prefer to layer it, it will taste just as good. Enjoy!
This looks really good please send me the website thank you
Can you substitute plain greek yogurt for the sour cream? Also, I need to know if the fritos come in a low sodium version. I know how to cut back the sodium in recipes but I don’t make fritos.
Yes you can substitute yogurt for the sour cream. In terms of low sodium Fritos I’m not sure. But since the Fritos are just for dipping feel free to use any corn chips you like.
This looks amazing! Can I have recipe?
Sure, you can click on this link and it will take you to it. https://www.taketwotapas.com/frito-pie-dip/
I love the idea of large fritos… for MAXIMUM DIP REtRIEVAL! LOL . Super cheesy, just the right spice… Im thinking game night every week for this dip!
I use a 10 inch skillet but if you only have an 8 inch that is okay too. Just make sure to cook it a little longer.
Looks great and easy to make! What size skillet???
do you think this recipe would work in a crockpot for tailgating?
Absolutely! Just keep on low and stir it every so often. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party. Pinned & sharing.
Your Frito Pie Dip looks delicious! Hope you are having a fantastic week and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. We will look forward to seeing you again real soon!
Miz Helen
Yummy Frito pie. Brings back memories when I was young. My mom made tacos with fritos. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.
This looks delicious! Thanks, for sharing!
Yummy Frito pie. Brings back memories when I was young. My mom made tacos with fritos. Thanks for sharing at DI&DI.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful post at #OverTheMoon. I look forward to what you will share next week! Like someone in person today! We hope you’ll come back again next Sunday when we open our doors at 6:00 PM EST. Pinned and tweeted!
This sounds delicious! I have never had Frito pie but I do love Fritos! I will have to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Oh man, I love this twist on a frito chili pie! This would be so great for a gameday tailgate. Pinning this for sure
Oohh – so rich and cheesy!! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up!
I have never had frito pie but when I was a kid I did love fritos. Love how cheesy this dip is!
Stock up baby! You’re going to need a bunch for this dip!
Haha – being English I had no idea what Frito was so felt obliged to investigate. Now I’m properly educated I can fully appreciate this dip. I know my entire household would go wildly nuts if I made it for them
You’ll be hooked for life!
I want to have a party so I can fix this Jennifer! It looks so yummy 🙂 I’d be wanting your venison chili too!
It is so lean that it balances nicely with the cheese:)
I would absolutely love this dip! But, much as I fondly remember the taste of Fritos from my childhood, I’d be using my usual organic non-GMO white corn tortilla chips!
That sounds great too!
Now this is MY kind of snacking!! YUM!
Mine too for sure!
Oh yes, somebody please pass the chips – this dip looks just amazing!
Thanks Debra!
I’ve never had Frito Pie but you have convinced me that i need it ASAP!
It is a moral imperative!
Yummy!
This looks delicious! The perfect treat for tailgating! I love the creamy base and all the yummy flavors you have going on in this cheese skillet dip! Thanks so much for joining in on Tailgating Snacks month!
I had so much fun! Put me down for next year too!
Do you think this would work in a 9×13??
Yes it would!
Oh yea that looks so delicious! I love a good dip and especially the melty ooey gooey ones!
Those are the best!
Parties at your house area always so delicious. Just what we need for the big Michigan vs Michigan State game tomorrow a frito pie dip… oh yes, cheesy and delicious and hot. Sharing and pinning, of course!
Thanks!!
Ok I NEED to make this asap!!! Drooling over here! Besides, I cant resist and cheesy dip!
Me either!