If you’re searching for the ultimate party starter that strikes just the right balance between creamy, tangy, cheesy, and altogether irresistible, let me introduce you to this Corn Dip. Bursting with golden kernels, a duo of melty cheeses, just enough heat, and that signature coolness from sour cream and mayo, every scoop delivers pure joy. Whether you’re hosting game night, a summer cookout, or just need a reason to gather around the table, this Corn Dip promises to steal the show, leaving everyone circling back for “just one more” bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Corn Dip is so much more than the sum of its parts: each ingredient here plays a role, whether it’s lending a hint of heat, a gooey texture, or a pop of zesty color. With just a handful of market staples and a few fresh touches, every scoop is loaded with flavor and comfort.

Sweet Corn Kernels: The star of the show! Use canned (well-drained) or frozen (thawed) for the ideal pop of sweetness and texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives the dip a rich, classic flavor and that essential gooey melt.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a gentle heat and extra meltiness – perfect for a little kick without being overwhelming.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing; it brings the creamy body that ties it all together.
Sour Cream: Lends tang and lightens the richness so each bite feels just right.
Mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and depth, balancing out all the cheesy goodness.
Green Onions: For a pop of color and a fresh lift that brightens the whole dish.
Fresh Cilantro: Don’t skip it if you love a bit of herbal zing and that unmistakable brightness.
Diced Green Chilies: Choose mild or hot, depending on your taste, for a gentle earthy warmth.
Jalapeño Pepper: Remove the seeds for less heat, or leave a few in for more adventure.
Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a savory back note without overpowering the creamy base.
Smoked Paprika: Just a little brings a subtle smokiness that rounds out every bite.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for waking up all the flavors – taste and adjust as you go.
Tortilla Chips: The one and only vessel for scooping up all that golden, cheesy dip!

How to Make Corn Dip

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Giving it a head start means as soon as your dip is ready to go, so is the oven. This ensures the cheese melts perfectly, and the top turns a gorgeous golden color right on time.

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Grab your largest mixing bowl and pour in the sweet corn kernels, both cheeses, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, cilantro, green chilies, diced jalapeño, garlic powder, smoked paprika, plus a hearty pinch each of salt and black pepper. With a sturdy spoon or spatula, stir until everything looks evenly combined—no streaks of cream cheese left behind, and every kernel is glossy and coated.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Scoop the mixture into a medium baking dish. Go ahead and smooth it into an even layer—this helps it bake up uniformly, so every guest gets that coveted cheesy bit on top and plenty of corn and heat throughout.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly golden with irresistible little brown spots. If you love a crispy finish, pop it under the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes (but keep an eye on it).

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once baked, remove your Corn Dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This short rest ensures the bubbling cheese settles and makes scooping easier. Watch as everyone gathers, chips at the ready—no one can resist!

How to Serve Corn Dip

Garnishes

The right garnish makes your Corn Dip look as good as it tastes! Try sliced green onions, a bit more chopped cilantro, or even extra grated cheese over the top. For color and crunch, a few rounds of fresh or pickled jalapeño never hurt.

Side Dishes

Corn Dip loves company. Surround your dip with bowls of tortilla chips, pita wedges, celery sticks, or even pretzel thins. For a festive meal, pair it with fresh guacamole, salsa, or crunchy coleslaw for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the shallow dish—serve your Corn Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl, small cast iron skillet, or mini ramekins for personal portions. Layer the dip in a clear baking dish to show off its colorful dimensions, or top with a hearty spoonful of pico de gallo for an extra burst of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover Corn Dip into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if you love it even more the second day!

Freezing

If you need to freeze Corn Dip, place it in a freezer-safe, tightly sealed container for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight; just know the texture may be slightly softer after freezing due to the dairy content.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated Corn Dip in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, or cover with foil and warm it gently in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If the mixture thickens too much, a splash of milk or a bit more sour cream will revive its creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I make Corn Dip in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix and assemble the dip up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats so it bakes evenly.

Is it possible to serve Corn Dip cold?

Yes, Corn Dip tastes fantastic even when served chilled, especially on warm days or as a refreshing poolside snack. Just skip the baking and chill the mixed dip before serving with chips or vegetables.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Control the heat by removing seeds from the jalapeño, using mild green chilies, or swapping in bell pepper for zero heat. If you love spicy flavors, add more jalapeño, use hot chilies, or sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the mix.

Are there mix-ins I can add?

This recipe is incredibly flexible! Try mixing in crispy bacon, diced red bell pepper, roasted poblanos, black beans, or even leftover grilled chicken to make it heartier and even more flavor-packed.

What are the best chips for dipping?

Tortilla chips are the classic choice for Corn Dip, but stiffer vegetables like carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or pretzel crisps make excellent sturdy scoopers. Go with your favorites or offer a colorful variety for the ultimate party platter.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family or friends with something easy, crowd-pleasing, and impossible to stop eating, give this Corn Dip a whirl. Trust me—it’ll become your signature “bring this again, please” dish in no time. Happy dipping!

Corn Dip Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This delicious Corn Dip is a creamy and cheesy appetizer perfect for parties or gatherings. Made with sweet corn, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and a hint of spice, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

2 cups canned or frozen sweet corn kernels (drained if canned)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise

Additional Ingredients:

1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn, cheeses, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, cilantro, green chilies, jalapeño, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Transfer and Bake: Spread the mixture in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly and serve warm with tortilla chips.