Buzz
Leftover chili isn't unusual. Given the prep time, ingredients, and cooking time, I often make larger batches to last throughout the week. However, by midweek, I tend to get bored with the repetition. To keep things fresh, I get creative. One way to breathe new life into leftover chili is by turning it into a meaty dip. All it takes is one secret ingredient: cream cheese.
When I think of classic chili, I envision beef, red sauce, and beans. (Feel free to disagree, but I enjoy beans in my chili, and so does Brian Baumgartner.) Chili comes in countless variations, from flavors to colors to thickness, which is where cream cheese fits perfectly. This rich yet spreadable cheese has a tangy flavor with a hint of salt, but remains mild enough to pair well with nearly anything. Whether it's beef chili, chicken and white bean, verde, or vegetarian, cream cheese complements all types.
Adding cream cheese not only introduces a pleasing tang but also provides the perfect texture for turning chili into a proper dip. Unlike chili, which can be a bit loose and watery, a dip needs to have more body. Cream cheese adds just the right amount of richness, making it smooth and creamy when hot, while maintaining a thicker, chunkier texture when cooled. It thickens your chili without the need for traditional thickeners like cornstarch or flour.
Transforming your chili into a dip is quick and easy. Begin by placing the cream cheese in a bowl and microwave it for about 30 seconds until it becomes smooth, fluffy, and melted. Add your chili to the bowl and stir everything together. If your chili is cold from the fridge, you might need to microwave it again to heat it thoroughly. Continue stirring until everything is well blended. Top the dip with some shredded cheese and serve it with chips. The recipe I used recently is shared below, but you can adjust the amount of cream cheese based on the chili's consistency. For a loose homemade chili with a lot of tomatoes, you may need a full eight ounces of cream cheese. However, for a thicker, store-bought chili, just four ounces might suffice.
Chili Dip
Ingredients:
6 ounces of cream cheese
2 cups of chili, at room temperature or warmed up
Place the cream cheese in a bowl and microwave it for about 30-40 seconds, stirring halfway through. Once softened, add the chili and mix until fully combined. If necessary, microwave the dip again until it's well heated. Serve it with tortilla chips, veggies, or pita chips.
