BAKED LAYERED TEX-MEX DIP

Baked Layered Tex-Mex Dip image

Provided by Melissa Sperka

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 c chili with beans
2 c four cheese Mexican cheese blend divided
8 oz softened Neufchatel cheese
1/2 c mild/medium/hot salsa
2/3 c tomatilla salsa
tortilla chips for dipping
1/4 c chopped scallions/green onions for garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 2 quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. In a medium size mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese and tomato salsa until the cream cheese is smooth. This usually takes about 2 minutes. The tomato pieces will remain chunky. Next, using a large spoon or spatula, mix in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheese. Mix together just until blended. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the remaining shredded cheese.
2. Spread the tomatilla salsa over the cream cheese, and sprinkle with 1/3 of the remaining shredded cheese.
3. Spread the chili over the tomatilla layer, and sprinkle the last 1/3 of the shredded cheese on top. Place into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped scallions on top for garnish. Serve with tortilla chips. Yield: approximately 1 1/2-2 quarts Cook's note: I had leftover chili in my freezer from a recent batch of my Slow Cooked Southern Style Chili with Beans. I also made my own tomatilla salsa. For a time saver, both can be purchased at the grocery store.