Chili Cheese Dip: Best Side Dish Pairings

Chili cheese dip is a delicious, easy-to-make snack that's perfect for game day or any party. With just a few simple ingredients, this dip can be made on the stove, in the microwave, or even in a slow cooker. So, what goes well with chili cheese dip? While it's delicious enough to eat with a spoon, this dip is typically served with tortilla chips, Fritos, or potato chips for dipping. For a healthier option, you can also dip baby carrots, celery sticks, or even french fries! If you're feeling creative, you can also use the dip as a mouth-watering taco topping or try it on top of tater tots.

What type of cheese to use

When it comes to cheese, there are endless varieties to choose from, and the "right" cheese for your chili cheese dip will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavours you want to emphasize. Here are some popular options to consider:

Cheddar Cheese:

Cheddar is a versatile and popular choice for chili cheese dip. Its creamy, rich, and slightly sharp flavour can add a robust layer of flavour that harmonizes well with the smoky and spicy nature of chili. Cheddar comes in different varieties, such as mild, medium, or sharp, allowing you to adjust the intensity of the cheese to your taste.

Monterey Jack Cheese:

Monterey Jack is a mild, buttery, and wonderfully meltable cheese. It adds a creamy, buttery texture to your dip without overpowering the other flavours. It is known for its excellent melting capabilities, making it a perfect choice for a smooth and creamy chili cheese dip.

Pepper Jack Cheese:

If you're looking for a bit of spice, Pepper Jack cheese is a great option. It is a semi-soft cheese with small pieces of jalapenos, bell peppers, or habaneros, giving it a spicy kick. The initial taste is mild and creamy, but soon the spiciness of the peppers creeps in, creating a subtle yet noticeable kick.

Cream Cheese:

Cream cheese is a major player in chili cheese dip recipes due to its flavour and consistency. It adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to the dip. Full-fat cream cheese is often preferred, but you can also use reduced-fat cream cheese if desired.

Colby Cheese:

Colby cheese is a softer and creamier alternative to sharper cheeses like Cheddar. It has a mild, sweet flavour and an extremely smooth texture. Colby provides a crowning contrast to a spicy chili dip, creating a unique character that doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

Other Options:

In addition to the cheeses mentioned above, you can also experiment with other varieties such as Parmesan, Mozzarella, Blue Cheese, Gouda, Cotija, Queso Fresco, or even a blend of different cheeses. Each type of cheese will add its unique flavour and texture to your chili cheese dip, so feel free to explore and find the combination that suits your taste preferences.

What to serve with the dip

There are many options for what to serve with your chili cheese dip. Here are some ideas:

Chips

Tortilla chips are a popular choice to serve with chili cheese dip. Fritos or Frito Scoops are also mentioned several times as a great pairing. Potato chips are another option, as are pita chips, especially if they're made in the air fryer.

Bread

Some people prefer to serve chili cheese dip with bread. Bread cubes are one option, or you could try garlic breadsticks. One person even put the dip on top of tater tots!

Vegetables

If you're looking for a healthier option, you could serve the dip with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, or peppers.

Other Dishes

Chili cheese dip is often served at parties or for game-day snacks, so you might want to serve it with other appetizers. Some ideas include taquitos, quesadillas, or even baby carrots and celery sticks. You could also use the dip as a taco topping.

How to make it vegetarian-friendly

To make a vegetarian-friendly chili cheese dip, simply swap out the meat-based chili for a vegetarian option. You can use a store-bought vegetarian chili or make your own. Many recipes for this dip are already vegetarian-friendly, as they use canned chili, which often doesn't contain meat.

• Use a vegetarian chili: This is the key ingredient to making your dip vegetarian-friendly. Look for store-bought options or make your own using ingredients like beans, vegetables, and vegetarian-friendly seasonings.
• Choose the right cheese: While the type of cheese is a matter of personal preference, it's recommended to use full-fat, block cheese and shred it yourself for a smoother melt. Avoid pre-shredded cheese. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, pepper jack, Monterey jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
• Add some spice: If you want to add a spicy kick to your dip, include cayenne pepper, sliced jalapeños, or hot sauce.
• Optional garnishes and toppings: Scallions, finely diced red onions, chopped cilantro, or diced avocados can add flavour and texture to your dip.
• Choose your cooking method: You can make this dip on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even in the microwave. Each method will have slightly different instructions, so be sure to follow a recipe that suits your chosen cooking method.
• Serve with the right sides: This dip goes well with tortilla chips, potato chips, pita chips, or even fresh vegetables like carrots or celery.

By following these tips and using a vegetarian chili, you can easily make a delicious and vegetarian-friendly chili cheese dip that everyone can enjoy.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Storing and reheating your chilli cheese dip is easy. If you have made your dip ahead of time or have leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days. To reheat, simply place your dip back on the stove top or in the slow cooker on a low heat and stir until you reach your desired consistency.

If you want to make your dip ahead of time, you can prepare the dish up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze your chilli cheese dip! Allow the dip to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, defrost and then warm through on the stove top.

It is not recommended to freeze chilli cheese dip as cream cheese does not freeze and thaw well due to its water content. However, as the dip takes very little time to prepare, you can always make it fresh.

Optional add-ins and garnishes

While a good chilli cheese dip is delicious on its own, there are several optional add-ins and garnishes that can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas to consider:

Protein

If you want to add some extra protein to your dip, try including some cooked ground beef or cooked chorizo. These meats can enhance the flavour and heartiness of the dip, making it a more filling option.

Vegetables

Chopped bell peppers, diced green chillies, diced tomatoes, or Rotel can add a fresh and crunchy texture to your dip. They also provide a burst of flavour and colour, making the dip more visually appealing.

Beans

For those who enjoy the taste and texture of beans, adding extra beans to your chilli cheese dip can be a great option. Beans provide fibre and protein, making the dip more nutritious and satisfying.

Spices and Seasonings

Taco seasoning and chilli powder are excellent options for adding a kick of flavour to your dip. They can enhance the overall taste experience and give it a more authentic Mexican or Spanish flair.

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, black olives, and sour cream can be used as garnishes to add flavour, colour, and texture to your dip. These garnishes can be offered on the side or sprinkled on top of the dip before serving.

Hot Sauce

For those who like their food spicy, adding hot sauce to the chilli cheese dip is a great option. It can be drizzled on top of the dip or mixed directly into the dip itself, adding a nice kick of heat.

Frequently asked questions