Best 5 Chili Cheese Spread Recipes

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When seeking a simple yet delicious snack, appetizer, or addition to a meal, look no further than chili cheese spread. This classic American comfort food harmoniously combines the richness of cream cheese with the tang of chili and the piquant sharpness of cheddar cheese to create a smooth, creamy, and flavorful spread that is sure to tantalize taste buds. From serving as a dip for tortilla chips or crackers to enhancing sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, chili cheese spread is a versatile culinary creation that can elevate any gathering or meal. If you desire a quick and effortless recipe that yields a delightful treat, this article will guide you through the steps of crafting the perfect chili cheese spread that will leave you and your companions craving more.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CRANBERRY-CHILI CHEESE SPREAD



Cranberry-Chili Cheese Spread image

Appetizers just can't get much easier than this ritzy-looking cheese spread with its refreshing hint of lime. I turn to this recipe whenever unexpected guests drop in. -Laurie LaClair, North Richland Hills, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 14 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) whole-berry cranberry sauce
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained
1 green onion, sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • Place cream cheese on a serving plate. In a small bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, green chiles, onion, lime juice and spices. Spoon over cream cheese. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 157 calories, Fat 11g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 200mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

CHILI CHEESE BALL SPREAD



Chili Cheese Ball Spread image

"Easy to make and easy to spread, this spicy cheese ball was my favorite appetizer that Mom made while I was growing up. Now, I enjoy serving it at my own parties and at potlucks." Jerrie Denson - Hobbs, New Mexico

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 1 cheese ball (3 cups).

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound process cheese (Velveeta), shredded
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Chili powder
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the cheeses, pecans and garlic salt. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Shape into a ball. Coat completely with chili powder. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 291mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

CREAM CHEESE CHILI SPREAD



Cream Cheese Chili Spread image

Looking for something wonderful to boost the flavor of your bagel? Spread on the tasty topper concocted by Alice Guzman of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Pepped up with a little chili powder, her pleasant spread adds punch to a warm toasted bagel at breakfast, brunch or snacktime.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 10m

Yield 10 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
1/2 cup diced green pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add the green pepper, onion, chili powder, salt, cumin, garlic powder and pepper; mix well.

Nutrition Facts :

BAKED CHILI CHEESE SPREAD



Baked Chili Cheese Spread image

This spread is a hit! I had it at an office party and I had to have the recipe! It was one of the first things to disappear. I added my own condiments such as black olives and sour cream to make it even better! Great to take for a party, potluck, or outdoor barbecue!

Provided by Little Bee

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 24 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 (24 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 (8 ounce) cans diced green chilies
1 cup sliced green onion, divided (about 8)
1 jar salsa, divided (Mild, or any flavor)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
sliced black olives
sour cream
assorted crackers or sliced baguette

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325° F.
  • Heavily spray bottom and side of 9-inch springform pan with non stick cooking spray.
  • Combine corn meal and chili powder; sprinkle over bottom and side of prepared pan.
  • Beat cream cheese, eggs, garlic powder, and cumin in large mixer bowl until smooth; stir in chiles and 1/2 cup green onion.
  • Pour half of batter into pan.
  • Spoon 1 cup salsa over top of batter; sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese over salsa.
  • Spread remaining batter over top of cheese.
  • Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until edges are set but center still moves slightly.
  • Cool completely in pan on wire rack; remove side of springform pan.
  • Spread remaining salsa over top; sprinkle with remaining cheese and green onion.
  • If desired garnish with black olives and sour cream.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette.

CHILI-CHEESE SPREAD



Chili-Cheese Spread image

From Lynette Clement of Grand Junction, Colorado, this full-of-zip spread's sure to be the star of any New Year's gathering! It can also easily be formed into alternate shapes for serving at other festive times-an egg for Easter, a leaf for fall, etc.-Lynette Clement, Grand Junction, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 20m

Yield about 3-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies, drained
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained, divided
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Crackers

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, beat cheeses and horseradish until smooth. Add chilies. Set aside 1 tablespoon pimientos for garnish; add remainder to cheese mixture and mix well. Chill for 1 hour. Form into a star shape on a serving platter; press pecans onto sides of star. Outline star with pimientos. Cover and chill until serving. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts :

Tips:

  • Use a good quality chili. This is the base of your spread, so make sure it's flavorful and has a good balance of heat and spices. You can use your own homemade chili or a store-bought brand that you like.
  • Add some cheese. Cheese is what makes chili cheese spread so delicious. You can use any type of cheese you like, but cheddar is a classic choice. Other good options include Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or Colby Jack.
  • Cream cheese is your friend. Cream cheese helps to make chili cheese spread smooth and creamy. It also adds a bit of tanginess that balances out the heat of the chili. If you don't have cream cheese on hand, you can use sour cream instead.
  • Season to taste. Every chili cheese spread is different, so be sure to season it to your own taste. You may want to add more chili powder, cumin, or garlic powder. You can also adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.
  • Serve with your favorite dippers. Chili cheese spread is great with tortilla chips, crackers, or bread. You can also use it as a dip for vegetables or fruit.

Conclusion:

Chili cheese spread is a delicious and versatile party food that is sure to be a hit with your guests. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste. Whether you like it spicy or mild, creamy or tangy, there's a chili cheese spread recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give chili cheese spread a try. You won't be disappointed!

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