Every family gathering, there’s always that one dish that disappears before anyone knows it—mine is this Creamy White Bean Chili Cheese Dip. Picture this: a blend of smooth, creamy beans and zesty chili, all wrapped up in cheesy goodness. Last Thanksgiving, Uncle Joe practically camped out by the bowl, and let’s just say, the dip didn’t stand a chance.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, drained green chiles, minced garlic, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate the shredded chicken, rinsed and drained Great Northern beans, drained sweet corn, diced jalapeno pepper, and 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture. Stir until all components are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into a 10-inch oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and queso fresco.
- Bake the dip in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it becomes hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven. Add garnish by topping with quartered cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and additional jalapeno slices if desired.
- Serve the dip immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (230 g) sour cream
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- Juice from 1 small lime (approximately 1 tablespoon)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (280 g) rotisserie chicken, shredded and diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15.25 ounces) sweet corn, drained
- 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
- 2 ½ cups (282.5 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
- ½ cup (61 g) queso fresco
- Cherry tomatoes, quartered for garnish
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Jalapeno pepper, sliced into rounds (optional for garnish)
FAQ
- Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Dip?
- Absolutely! To increase the spiciness, you can add more jalapenos or swap the mozzarella cheese for pepper jack cheese. Adding a splash of Tabasco sauce can also elevate the heat.
- Is a Skillet Necessary for Making the Dip?
- No, a skillet is not essential. While an oven-safe skillet like cast iron is great for even cooking and presentation, you can use any baking dish that accommodates the dip. Just bake it until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
- How Should I Store Any Leftover Dip?
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Ensure the dip has cooled to room temperature before storing. When ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave. You may also freeze the dip for up to three months.
- Can I Make a Meatless Version of This Dip?
- Yes, you can easily prepare a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.
- What Bean Alternatives Can Be Used in the Recipe?
- Great Northern beans were used in this recipe, but you can substitute them with navy beans or Cannellini beans. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly as these beans are somewhat firmer.
Tips
- For a spicier dip, consider replacing mozzarella cheese with pepper jack cheese or adding a splash of Tabasco sauce for an extra kick.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use any baking dish that can accommodate the dip. Bake until the cheese becomes hot, bubbly, and golden brown.
- To add more color and freshness, garnish the dip with quartered cherry tomatoes and cilantro. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can serve it on the side or skip it altogether.
- To store leftovers, allow the dip to cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave when ready to serve.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron)
- Large mixing bowl
- Citrus juicer (for juicing the lime)
- Cheese grater (if you’re shredding mozzarella yourself)
