This creamy and cheesy corn dip is a real crowd-pleaser! Made with smooth cream cheese, crunchy corn, and zesty spices, it’s perfect for chips or veggies.
Whenever I serve this dip at parties, it gets gobbled up in minutes! Just make sure to have plenty of chips on hand—trust me, you’ll want to double dip! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn offers the best texture and sweetness, but frozen corn works just as well and saves time. If you can’t find either, canned corn is an option; just make sure to drain it well.
Cream Cheese: This is the base for the dip. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead. It still provides creaminess with less fat.
Sour Cream: A tangy ingredient that enhances flavor. Plain yogurt can substitute if you want something lower in calories or for a different tang.
Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a richer flavor, but feel free to use any cheese you enjoy. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick if you’re looking for some spice!
Green Bell Pepper: This is optional. For a sweeter taste, try using red or yellow peppers instead. If you want heat, jalapeños or diced green chiles can also work well.
How Do I Ensure the Right Texture in My Dip?
To make a smooth and creamy dip, start with softened cream cheese—let it sit out for about 30 minutes. This helps it mix easily with the sour cream and mayonnaise.
- Mix the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise together first until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients gradually, mixing thoroughly to prevent lumps. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk can help loosen it.
Baking the dip until bubbly is important; you want all those flavors melded together. Enjoy with tortilla chips or veggies!
How to Make Cream Cheese Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika (plus extra for sprinkling)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cream Cheese Corn Dip takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect dish for parties or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dip will bake evenly and become nice and bubbly.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix these until everything is smooth and creamy. This forms the delicious base of your dip!
3. Add the Flavorful Ingredients:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Add the corn kernels, shredded cheese, diced green bell pepper (if you’re using it), green onions, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated. You want to make sure all those yummy flavors are mixed evenly!
4. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased oven-safe skillet or a baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little extra chili powder or smoked paprika over the top for that beautiful color and added flavor!
5. Bake the Dip:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top has turned a lovely light brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, take the dip out of the oven and let it cool for a minute. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to add a refreshing touch. Serve warm with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh or Frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re using canned corn, just make sure to drain it well to avoid extra moisture in your dip. One can typically holds about 1.5 cups, so you’d need around 2-3 cans for this recipe.
How Can I Make This Dip Spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or using pepper jack cheese in place of regular cheddar. Adjust to your spice preference for the best results!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the baking time if needed.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy it again with chips or fresh veggies!
