Skyline Chili is a Cincinnati institution. I don’t live in Cincinnati anymore, but I get random cravings for cheese coneys all the time. I stock up on cans of chili whenever I’m in Ohio, because I just plain can’t replicate the recipe on my own (and believe me, I’ve tried).
Skyline Dip is requisite at holidays, football-watching parties, and other celebratory occasions.
Wait…you’ve never had Skyline Dip?
Whenever you’re feeling good and hungry…
If you’re in Ohio (or a neighboring state, like Kentucky, Indiana, or That State Up North), go to a grocery store and pick up a can (or four) of Skyline chili. If you’re not? Order some online.
Skyline Dip is the easiest, most delicious party dip ever, and even though it might not qualify as haute cuisine, I’m a fan. My little sis, who usually stays far away from her oven, made a batch this weekend. Actually, all of the photos in this post are of her Skyline Dip.
You’ll need: cream cheese, a white onion, Skyline chili, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips for dipping.
Preheat your oven to 350.
Layer #1: the cream cheese.
Squeeze the contents of a 12 oz. package of cream cheese into a glass baking dish. If you’re feeling dangerous (or using a large baking dish), use two packages. Grab a spatula or spoon, and spread the cream cheese so that it coats the bottom of the baking dish.
Layers #2 & #3: onions and Skyline.
Diced onions are the optional second layer. I like onions on my Skyline, so I chopped up a third of a large white onion and sprinkled the onion over the cream cheese. Pour chili over the top of the onions. I like to use at least two cans, but the “official” recipe only calls for one (15 oz). Go big or go home!
Layer #4: cheeeeeese!
Sprinkle as much shredded cheese on top as you can fit in the pan. Slide the baking dish into the oven, and bake until the cheese is melty and gooey. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Place the dip in front of your friends with a big bag of tortilla chips, and watch it disappear.
There’s no photo of the finished dip. It was gone too soon. The best I could do was a pre-oven photo.
The Reckless Chef 
October 27, 2008 at 8:14 pm
yay!! i can add to my recipe book now..something i actually will make :)
October 28, 2008 at 6:09 am
I have “Hang On Sloopy” in my head now. And am having a massive 3-way craving!
October 28, 2008 at 9:53 am
I declare that this is the best food ever for watching football games. I also said “I declare” like Foghorn Leghorn.
October 28, 2008 at 10:04 am
Some friends had authentic Skyline cheese coneys cold-shipped out to Chicago so their caterer at their wedding could serve them as passed hors d’oeuvres. Graeter’s ice cream, too!
It was pretty much phenomenal.
October 28, 2008 at 10:18 am
We were in Cincinatti over the weekend for a wedding…now I’m really sad we didn’t have time to experience the Skylineness. I’ll have to look for the cans while we’re in Cleveland for Thanksgiving…this sounds like something that the Fiance and brother will be unable to resist.
October 31, 2008 at 8:15 am
Wow, I could eat that whole dish in one sitting. Yum.
October 31, 2008 at 8:20 am
I’ve done that before. One time, I ran out of tortilla chips, and ate the dip with a spoon. Sad? Or awesome?
October 31, 2008 at 9:13 am
I’ve made this a million times! It was definitely a favorite growing up. We just called it “bean dip” hehe but we didn’t have the layer of tortilla chips on top; we used tortilla chips for dipping. This dish NEVER makes it through a party!
May 12, 2009 at 8:30 pm
My babysitter used to make this when I was little. Since then, my mom and I have tried the frozen version many times, but it’s just not the same. I think it’s time to set our laziness aside and get our hands dirty.