I think these days, almost everyone is familiar with Cincinnati Chili. At least I’ve seen it all over so many TV shows about food. But then maybe food isn’t your fave genre when watching television! Regardless, it is a chili that is specific to the Cincinnati area and is a regional specialty. And in this case, I’ve taken that chili and turned it into Cincinnati Chili Dip. I hope you try this – because you’ll be missing out if you don’t.

Cincinnati Chili Dip

This recipe is a bit of a rip off the old Seven Layer Dip that’s been around for ages, but instead uses Cincinnati Chili (and in this case, Skyline Chili) and a few of the accompaniments that might be served if you were to order from one of the Cincinnati Chili Houses.

About Cincinnati Chili Dip:

See, in Cincinnati you’ll find their chili served over spaghetti. That’s a no go, here. But in addition, you can choose to have your Cincinnati Chili topped with onions, kidney beans, cheese, and crackers.

Let’s talk ingredients for the dip, and just how simple this dish is to make! First of all, there’s cream cheese layer on the bottom. Next, a layer of Cincinnati Chili. I just use canned, Skyline Chili, which is local to the Cincinnati area.  Top that with kidney beans, because they are the bean used if you are in Cincinnati. (Don’t tell anyone, I used pintos coz I have an aversion to kidney beans.)

Toss the whole works in the oven till it’s all melty and gooey. Then top with cheese. You can use as little or as much cheese as you’d like.Toss back in the oven for a few minutes, remove and sprinkle with onions, green or white. And dig in. If you’d like to emulate the Cincinnati Chili, use saltines because obs you can’t dip with oyster crackers! Or you could use any chip dipper you’d like. I think Frito scoops are great for something like this. I used tortilla chips.000078

This is one of those recipes that is so riffable, you can pretty much use my recipe as a guide and just put in what you want or like or have on hand. Use more or less of any of the ingredients. Have some fun – make a masterpiece.

What is Cincinnati Chili:

You can read up and even find a recipe (I haven’t tried it) for the Cincinnati Chili at What’s Cooking America? Cincinnati Chili is based on Mediterranean flavors; as a matter of fact, you’ll find more than one Greek recipe that looks a lot like Cincinnati Chili!

Cincinnati Chili is very unique to the American palette, and a lot different from what we think of as a Texas chili. You’ll find spices like cinnamon and allspice in addition to some of the usual chili suspects.

Now, if you can’t get a Cincinnati Chili (Skyline is available all over these days, so check around and there are other brands) and you don’t want to make your own, you could sub in a hot dog topping type chili.

That’s gonna give you a more Southwestern flair. Don’t use chili with beans – the beans should be added on their own, and in the spirit of the recipe…But you are able to disregard my advice, coz after all, this is now your Cincinnati Chili Dip, you will probably want two cans if you sub in Chili with beans.

Storing and Reheating:

Cincinnati Chili Dip is going to be best the first day, mostly because it’s gonna be all ugly if you have leftovers! I mean it will really be looking disgusting, even though it will still taste great.

I suggest paying attention to the amount of time the dip has spent out at room temperature for safety reasons. Then store covered in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat in the microwave, stirring as necessary.

Saving Money:

• Have you SEEN the price of cream cheese lately? I try to stock up around a holiday when it’s often on sale. If not then, I make an effort to buy at a buyers’ club or Aldi or Lidl.
• As far as regular old grocery store cheese to top this little appetizer with, do watch for it on sale. It will go down to half price on a great pre holiday special. It’s best to compare your options between block (you’ll need to grate it) and already shredded. In some areas of the country the price is the same but in other areas it seems shredded is usually higher. If there’s a great special on a large bag of shredded cheese, bring it home, divide it into 2-cup portions in ziplocs, and freeze what you don’t plan to use in the near future. Why 2 cups? That’s about 8 ounces, the size of a standard grocery block or bag. It pays to shop at your buyer’s club or Aldi or Lidl, too.
• I think you’ll find Cincinnati Chili is going to be a bit pricier than most other canned chilis. I don’t know if there’s any other way around this other than shopping a round or making your own Cincinnati Chili.
• Let’s not forget how much chips, crackers and other “junk” food are these days! It’s a little crazy. And it isn’t hard to make tortilla chips, if you have the time. I can’t imagine having a Superbowl party, arranging for it, cleaning for it, cooking for it, and still having time to make tortilla chips, myself, even tho I think homemade are fantastic.

You can always find my lists of what items are expected to be on a deep sale before any holiday on my post, Win at the Grocers. Scroll to the bottom and click on the pics to get to each holiday.

Well, guys, that’s all I got! Make it, eat it, enjoy it whether there’s a game on or not! I gotta warn ya, it’s a little addictive, so take care…I don’t want to hear about any of you wandering the streets collecting change for more of this dip, lol!

Mollie

Cincinnati Chili Dip

Cincinnati Chili Dip

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• Author: mollie kirby

Ingredients

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• 1 1//2 blocks (12 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can of Skyline chili (8 ounces)
• 1 cup beans, preferably kidney, full can if you wish
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese blend
• 1/2 onion, diced or 2 to 3 green onions, sliced for garnish
• Tortilla Chips or Fritos

 

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Add cream cheese to the bottom of a 7 by 9″ or 8 x 10″ casserole. Smooth out. Top with the chili (stir the can well first) then add beans. Heat, uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes, until warmed through. Top with cheese and return to oven until cheese is melted. 3 to 4 more minutes.

Garnish with the onion or green onion.

Serve with strong tortilla chips or Fritos scoops.