SIMPLE CINCINNATI STYLE SKYLINE CHILI DIP RECIPE

This simple Cincinnati Style Skyline Chili Dip recipe combines the store-bought version of the restaurant’s chili with cream cheese and cheddar cheese for a delicious dip. It’s perfect for Football season & tastes just like what you’d get at the restaurant.

People from Cincinnati take chili seriously, and if you’ve ever tried Cincinnati style chili, you know it’s unlike any other. Skyline is a popular Cincinnati based chili chain restaurant serving their delicious coneys, 3-ways, burritos, chili bowls, and my personal favorite – the chili cheese dip.

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Copycat Skyline Chili Cheese Dip Recipe

I grew up in Eastern Kentucky but a lot of my family relocated to the Cincinnati area years ago. I’ve always spent a good bit of time in Cincinnati and now live in Northern Kentucky just across the river.

I grew up eating both Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili. These are both Cincinnati area faves and in my humble opinion, the two taste very similarly.

Honestly, Cincinnati style chili tastes nothing like any other chili I’ve ever eaten but it is absolutely delicious in its own right.

Slightly spicy, slightly sweet, with no beans. This chili looks more like a sauce than a chili as it’s pretty smooth. Whatever it is, It’s GOOD.

While mostly known for their “3-ways”, aka chili served over spaghetti and topped with cheese, along with their coneys, the chili cheese dip from Skyline is a personal favorite.

You can buy cans of the Skyline chili at the restaurants, online, or in some grocery stores, and it tastes JUST like what you eat in the restaurant.

I love having a can of the chili on hand so that I can whip up this Simple Chili Cheese Dip whenever I want.

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS

Minimal ingredients: With only cream cheese, chili, and shredded cheddar cheese, this dip only requires three simple ingredients. Serve it with your favorite hot sauce if desired and dip tortilla chips in it.

Easy: This recipe truly couldn’t be easier. Add softened cream cheese to a dish, top it with chili and shredded cheese and either bake it or microwave it until warmed through.

Great Copycat: If you’re a Skyline lover, this dish truly tastes JUST like the version you get in the restaurant thanks to using their canned chili.

INGREDIENTS:

Cream Cheese: The base of this dip is softened cream cheese. Feel free to use reduced fat if desired.

Canned Skyline Chili: While you can technically make a cream cheese and chili dip with any brand of chili, the Skyline chili makes this extra special. If you can’t find Skyline or Gold Star brand chili near you, any no bean chili will be good.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: One of the best parts of eating Skyline is their freshly shredded cheddar cheese. It’s always the tiniest shreds and melts so nicely. I like to use my cheese shredder on the smallest setting to mimic their cheese’s texture.

Tortilla Chips for Dipping: Of course, you need a vessel for eating the delicious dip, and tortilla chips are the perfect option. You’ll want to opt for a thicker tortilla chip so you can scoop the cream cheese easily. I like Tostitos Scoops (or a store brand alternative).

HOW TO COOK THIS SKYLINE CHILI CHEESE DIP RECIPE:

Microwave:

1.    Place cream cheese in the bottom of a small oven safe dish

2.    Microwave in 30 second increments until spreadable.

3.    Spread over bottom of pan to fully cover.

4.    Open Skyline Chili and stir well.

5.    Pour over cream cheese.

6.    Top with shredded cheddar cheese.

7.    Microwave for 2 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Oven:

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.    Spread cream cheese along the bottom of a small baking dish.

3.    Pour chili on top of cream cheese.

4.    Shred cheddar cheese and add to top of chili.

5.    Bake until cheese is melted, approximately 15 minutes.

STORAGE

Allow dip to cool to room temperature then store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to four days.

To reheat, simply reheat in the microwave in 30 second increments until warmed through.

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