Save The name alone made me skeptical when my sister first brought this to a summer potluck. Something about cracking corn sounded odd, but one scoop with a tortilla chip and I was completely converted. Now it is the dip everyone asks me to bring, the bowl that always comes home empty.
I made this for the Super Bowl last year and watched three grown men practically hover over the baking dish as it came out of the oven. The way the cheese bubbles up and turns golden creates this incredible pull that makes people reach in before it even hits the table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Room temperature cream cheese blends seamlessly into the base without any lumps
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and makes the mixture incredibly smooth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the corn
- 1 can whole kernel corn, drained: Provides those satisfying bursts of sweetness and texture
- 1 can cream-style corn: Creates the velvety, creamy base that holds everything together
- ½ cup chopped green onions: Fresh onion flavor brightens the rich dairy base
- ¼–½ cup chopped jalapeños: Fresh peppers bring heat while pickled ones add tang
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Even distribution of savory depth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the fresh green onions with sweetness
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors
- Tortilla chips: Sturdy chips that can scoop up the hearty dip
Instructions
- Build the creamy base:
- Beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until completely smooth, taking time to scrape down the sides.
- Add the corn:
- Fold in both cans of corn gently so you do not break up the kernels too much.
- Season generously:
- Mix in cheddar, green onions, jalapeños, garlic powder, and onion powder until everything is evenly distributed.
- Taste and adjust:
- This is your chance to add more heat or salt before it bakes.
- Choose your serving style:
- Transfer to a serving bowl for cold or a baking dish for warm.
- Bake until bubbly:
- Cook at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top.
- Let it rest:
- Wait 5 minutes so the dip sets up slightly and is not too hot to eat.
- Serve immediately:
- Set out plenty of sturdy tortilla chips and watch it disappear.
Save This dip became a holiday tradition after my aunt accidentally made it for Thanksgiving instead of her usual green bean casserole. The family liked it so much that the green beans have not made an appearance since.
Making It Ahead
Assemble everything up to a day before and refrigerate covered. If baking, let the dish sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before going into the oven so it heats evenly.
Serving Suggestions
While tortilla chips are classic, thick potato chips, pretzel crackers, or even toasted baguette slices work beautifully. For parties, set out small spoons so guests can scoop generously.
Flavor Variations
Half a cup of crumbled cooked bacon transforms this into something smoky and savory. Swap sharp cheddar for pepper jack when you want extra heat or try mozzarella for a milder, more melty version.
- Roasted red peppers add sweetness and color
- Cilantro brings fresh herbal notes
- A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens everything
Save Whether you bake it until bubbly or serve it chilled, this corn dip has a way of bringing people together. Make it once and it will become your most requested recipe too.
Recipe Guide
- → How far in advance can I prepare this dip?
You can easily prepare this dip up to one day ahead of time. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to serve or bake it. This makes it a fantastic option for parties and meal prep.
- → What can I use if I want to adjust the level of spice?
The spiciness primarily comes from the fresh or pickled jalapeños. To reduce the heat, use fewer jalapeños or opt for milder pickled varieties. For more kick, add extra or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- → Are there any substitutions for the cheddar cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Pepper jack will add an extra layer of spice, while mozzarella could offer a milder, stretchier texture when warm. A blend of cheeses can also work beautifully.
- → What are the best accompaniments for this corn dip?
Crispy tortilla chips are the classic pairing, perfect for scooping up all the creamy goodness. You could also serve it with sturdy crackers, pita bread, or even fresh vegetable sticks like bell pepper strips or cucumber slices.