Ultimate Game Day Nacho Cheese Dip
Indulge in this Ultimate Game Day Nacho Cheese Dip, a mouthwatering blend of creamy cheese, savory chili, and zesty toppings that is perfect for sharing with friends and family during your next watch party or gathering. This hot and bubbly dip features layers of rich Philadelphia Cream Cheese, hearty chili, and melty cheddar cheese, complemented by savory onions and briny black olives. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility — tweak the ingredients to suit your palate, whether you want to keep it meat-free with salsa or amp up the spice. Get ready to dive into this addictive appetizer that will have everyone reaching for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Philadelphia Cream Cheese
2 packages (8 ounces each) (softened)
Canned Chili
2 cans (15 ounces each) (any kind, with or without beans)
Sliced Black Olives
1 can (4 ounces) (drained)
Onion
1/2 medium (chopped)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2-3 cups (using sharp, taco blend, or preferred)
Cooking Spray
a dash (for greasing the dish)
Garlic Powder
1 dash (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a rectangular glass baking dish, lightly spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
3
Place the two packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese into the bottom of the dish. Microwave on high for about 1 minute to soften them, then use a spatula to spread the cream cheese evenly across the bottom of the dish.
4
Lightly sprinkle garlic powder over the cream cheese layer for an added flavor kick.
5
Open both cans of chili and pour them over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly across.
6
Drain the sliced black olives and sprinkle them over the chili layer, spreading them out evenly.
7
Chop half a medium onion and distribute it evenly over the olives for a touch of crunch and flavor.
8
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, creating an indulgent cheesy layer.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from burning.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling.
11
After the initial baking, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and golden brown.
12
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for the Ultimate Game Day Nacho Cheese Dip?
The main ingredients include Philadelphia Cream Cheese, canned chili, sliced black olives, onion, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and cooking spray.
How many packages of cream cheese are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires two 8-ounce packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the dip?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How do I soften the cream cheese before spreading it?
Place the cream cheese in the baking dish and microwave on high for about 1 minute until softened.
What kind of chili should I use?
You can use any kind of canned chili, whether it has beans or is bean-free.
How many cans of chili are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 15-ounce cans of chili.
Should the black olives be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, one 4-ounce can of sliced black olives should be drained before being added to the dip.
How much onion is required for the dip?
The recipe uses half of a medium onion, chopped.
What type of cheese is best for the top layer?
Shredded cheddar cheese is recommended, but you can also use a sharp cheddar, taco blend, or your own preferred variety.
How much shredded cheese should I sprinkle on top?
Use approximately 2 to 3 cups of shredded cheese for a generous, indulgent layer.
Why is cooking spray used in this recipe?
Cooking spray is applied to the bottom and sides of the glass baking dish to ensure easy cleanup.
When should I add the garlic powder?
Lightly sprinkle a dash of garlic powder over the cream cheese layer before adding the chili.
What is the first layer of the dip?
The first layer consists of the softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese spread evenly across the bottom of the dish.
What is the order of the layers in this cheese dip?
The order is: cream cheese and garlic powder, followed by chili, then black olives, then chopped onions, and finally shredded cheese.
Should the baking dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil initially to prevent the top cheese layer from burning.
How long do I bake the dip while it is covered?
Bake the covered dip for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are bubbling.
Do I need to bake the dip uncovered at any point?
Yes, remove the foil after the initial baking and continue for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know when the dip is completely done?
The dip is ready when the cheese is completely melted and has turned a golden brown color.
What should I serve with this nacho cheese dip?
This dip pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it meat-free by using a vegetarian chili or substituting the chili layer with salsa.
How can I make the dip spicier?
You can increase the spice by using a hot chili variety or adding zesty toppings of your choice.
Is this dip served hot or cold?
This is a hot and bubbly dip intended to be served warm from the oven.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
What kind of baking dish is recommended?
A rectangular glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
Should the dip cool before eating?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dip cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh?
While the recipe calls for half a medium fresh onion, you can use frozen chopped onions as a substitute if needed.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, this dip is designed as an appetizer for watch parties and gatherings with friends and family.
What provides the crunch in this dip?
The chopped onions and the optional addition of fresh veggies for dipping provide a nice textural crunch.
Can I use different brands of cream cheese?
The recipe suggests Philadelphia Cream Cheese, but any high-quality cream cheese will work.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy recipe that involves simple layering and minimal preparation steps.