Get the party started with this ultra easy vegetarian chili cheese dip! Sketch-Free + Gluten-Free

Easy Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip with NO Velveeta.

Say it with me: NO VELVEETA.

Throw on your party pants and get ready to faceplant into this easy, cheesy, dip without an ounce of sketch, preservatives, shenanigans in the mix. Just good, hearty vegetarian chili, all-natural salsa, and cheese glorious cheese!

YES!!!

Today’s recipe features leftover Lentil Veggie Chili which is the perfect base for big heaping bowl of melty amazingness. Serve it up skillet style (more dipping surface, yo!) with a mountain of toppings and a side of crispy tortilla chips.

Easy Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

Feel free to use whatever chili you have on hand (t-rex or veggie) or make my go-to vegetarian chili with intentions of making this dip with some of the leftovers, which are insanely awesome the next day!

This easy vegetarian chili cheese dip would also taste AMAZING poured over tray of baked french fries, a hearty baked potato, or even your favorite veggie burger. The possibilities are endless!

Easy Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

Get the party started with this ultra easy vegetarian chili cheese dip! Sketch-Free + Gluten-Free

5 from 4 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keyword: Vegetarian Chili Cheese Dip

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Author: Jenn Laughlin – Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

2 cups vegetarian chili
4 TBSP cream cheese
¼ cup salsa
1/8-1/4 tsp chili powder
⅛ tsp cumin
⅛ tsp paprika (try smoked for smoky flavor!)
1 cup grated cheese plus extra to taste (see note below)

TASTY TOPPING OPTIONS

sliced jalapeños
chopped green onion or cilantro
crushed corn chips
fresh tomatoes
pico de gallo
chopped red onion

Instructions

Heat up your chili in a medium pot on the stove until simmering.
Add cream cheese and stir well.
Add salsa and season with chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
Add cheese and stir until melted.
Dive in with a chip to taste test and add any additional seasoning or mix-ins you’d like! You can add extra of the above spices or something extra like green onion, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. Anything goes — let your tastebuds be your guide!
Top with all your favorite toppings and dive in while hot!

Notes

I use a combination of sharp cheddar and creamy pepper jack cheese.

If you can, totally follow suit — It’s PHENOMENAL! The dip will still taste great with any combination of cheeses so don’t fret if you’re going off what you have on hand. However, if you’re going to the store with this dip in mind, do yourself a favor and for sure get the cheddar pepperjack combo in your cart. It’s great with a capital ATE! For real.

I used my go-to recipe for lentil veggie chili but you can 100% use what chili you have on hand! The more beans, veggies, and spices in the chili, the more rockin’ flavor this dip will have! Customize to your heart’s content and have fun with it!

Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal

Did you make this recipe?I want to see! Tag @peasandcrayons on Instagram and Facebook!

Tried it? Leave me a comment or snap a photo and tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram

so. . . how was it?!

INSANE. We love this dip OHSOMUCH! I’ve made it a few times now, squirreling an extra cup or two of my beloved Vegan Lentil Chili and the batch I measured out to share with y’all today is the best one I’ve made yet! Occasionally I’ll toss this dip together sans chili with jarred or fresh salsa and chopped jalapeños in its place but the chili version is our absolute favorite!

I’m seriously SO glad it’s chili season!

Paul raved about the smoky kick of the paprika (I opted for smoked paprika for a chance and it was amazing!) and quickly devoured half the pot. It’s perfect as a party appetizer, game day eats, or as an easy cheesy snack attack while you curl up with your latest Netflix obsession.

Speaking of Netflix, we just finished up OA and started The Fall — LOVE IT! What are y’all watching right now?

Love Your Leftovers - a tasty recipe series at www.peasandcrayons.com

This easy vegetarian chili cheese dip is part of my Love Your Leftovers blog series. A quick dive into the back of your fridge (and into that overflowing crisper drawer!) can provide you with everything you need to create something positively awesome in record time!

past installments include: