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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!

frito pie dip in a black skillet with limes

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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labeled picture of frito pie dip ingredients

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?!?

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy here.

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.

frito corn chip scooping out dip

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.

overhead shot of chili cheese dip in a black skillet

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!

white bowl of easy frito pie dip in a white bowl with limes in the background

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.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

chili cheese dip being scooped out of a skillet

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!

collage of cream cheese dip with text "frito pie skillet dip"

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!

square pic of a skillet of dip

Frito Pie Dip

The classic Frito Pie dip containing corn chips, chili, and cheese is transformed into a dip you can scoop into your mouth with reckless abandon!
4.59 from 34 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Savory Dips and Spreads
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 314kcal
Author: Jennifer Stewart

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

  • 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.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.001g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 640mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 966IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 230mg | Iron: 3mg

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!

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

©TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Recipe Rating




Kyrie

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

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!

Jennifer Stewart

Thursday 29th of June 2023

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!

Christine

Wednesday 21st of June 2023

This looks really good please send me the website thank you

Easy Ground Beef Recipes - Leftovers Then Breakfast

Monday 26th of October 2020

[…] bake when ready to enjoy at your next gathering. Serve with corn chips for the ultimate party food!Frito Pie Dip by Take Two […]

Virginia L. Fabritz

Friday 10th of April 2020

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.

Jennifer

Monday 13th of April 2020

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.

Jackie

Friday 15th of November 2019

This looks amazing! Can I have recipe?

Jennifer

Monday 18th of November 2019

Sure, you can click on this link and it will take you to it. https://www.taketwotapas.com/frito-pie-dip/