Nothing beats a dip that comes together faster than you can set the table. This 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip pulls together a block of cream cheese, a can of chili, and sharp cheddar, then melts into one warm, scoopable bowl that everyone loves.

Even better, the whole thing cooks in the microwave, so there’s no stovetop babysitting and barely any cleanup.

Cheesy, hearty, and ready in just a few minutes, this dip is about to become your go-to for game days, parties, or anytime a craving hits.

a picture of a chip being dipped into the cheese

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This dip has earned a permanent spot in my snack rotation when my mother-in-law introduced my family to it nearly 20 years ago because it takes almost zero effort and costs next to nothing to make.

With just three ingredients already melting away in the microwave, you can go from craving to chip-dipping in about three minutes.

Since everything cooks together in one bowl, there’s no juggling pots and pans or watching a pot on the stove. Once the timer goes off, you simply let is cool slightly and begin chowing down!

What really makes this dip shine is how the sharp cheddar and creamy cream cheese balance out the seasoned chili, so every bite tastes rich and creamy without being heavy. Add a bag of tortilla chips, corn chips, or crackers, and you’ve got an appetizer that disappears fast.

Why you’ll love this 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

Unbelievably Easy – With only three ingredients and the dish you heat it up in, there is almost nothing to it.

Budget Friendly – This entire dip comes together for around $5 or less, making it one of the cheapest appetizers you can serve.

Fast – Since it cooks in the microwave, you can have it ready in about three minutes, depending on your microwave’s strength.

Perfect for a Crowd – Whether it’s game day, a potluck, or a last-minute get-together, this dip always disappears quickly.

Supplies You Need to 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

A microwave safe bowl, casserole dish, or pie dish
A spatula for spreading around your cream cheese
Cheese grater – or grab a bag of shredded cheese from the grocery store!

Ingredients

Cream Cheese – A full block of cream cheese forms the smooth, creamy base that goes so well with the can of chili.

Canned Chili – Adds hearty, seasoned flavor without any extra prep or seasoning needed.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese – An 8-ounce block of sharp cheddar melts in for that classic, tangy cheese-dip flavor.

The full recipe, along with the ingredients, can be found below.

How to make 3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

cream cheese spread into the bottom of a glass casserole dish

canned chili into the bottom of a glass casserole dish

First, spread your block of cream cheese to a microwave-safe dish.

Then, pour the can of chili on top.

Next, shred your sharp cheddar and layer it over the chili so it melts evenly as it cooks. You can use a bag of shredded cheese instead of shredding it yourself. Your kitchen, your rules!

From there, place the dish in the microwave and cook for about three minutes, though your exact time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage. Since microwaves vary so much, check it at the two-minute mark and add time in additional time if needed.

Finally, serve it warm alongside tortilla chips, crackers, corn chips, or even veggies, and watch it disappear!

cooked chili cheese dip surrounded by chips and crackers

After that, transfer the dip to a serving bowl and smooth out the top.

Chili cheese dip on a chip showing the cheese pull on a chip

Finally, sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top, and then chill the dip in the fridge until you are ready to serve it cold.

Tips

Use freshly shredded cheddar rather than pre-shredded, since it melts smoother thanks to fewer anti-caking additives.
Swap in a spicier chili if you like extra heat.
Use your favorite canned chili if you prefer one brand over another.
Keep the dip warm in a small slow cooker on low if you’re serving it at a party for longer than an hour.

FAQs

The key ingredients are cream cheese, ja can of chili, and an 8 ounce block of sharp cheddar cheese. Some alternatives are offered in our “Tips” section.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments until fully warmed.

This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, pretzels, corn chips, celery sticks, or crackers for dipping.

Recipe

3 Ingredient Chili Cheese Dip

A cheap, fast appetizer made with cream cheese, canned chili, and sharp cheddar, all melted together in the microwave in about three minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 3

Total Time 5

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

1 block Cream Cheese room temperature
1 can Chili your favorite brand
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded

Instructions

Spread the block of cream cheese to a microwave safe dish – like a glass 9×9 casserole dish or even a glass pie dish.
Pour your can of chili over your cream cheese and spread over the top eveninly.
Layer the sharp cheddar cheese over the chili.
Microwave on high for about 3 minutes, checking around the 2 minute mark since cook times can vary from microwave to microwave.
Serve warm with tortilla chips, corn chips, crackers, or even veggies!

Notes

Cook times vary by microwave wattage, so check early and add time in 30 second increments as needed.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keep warm in a slow cooker for parties.
Use whatever your favorite canned chili is!
Swap out shredding the cheddar cheese yourself and buy a bag of shredded cheese to save time.

Keyword 3 ingredient dip, chili cheese dip, easy appetizer, football dips, game day dips