Description
This creamy, flavorful Corn Dip combines sweet corn kernels, diced bell peppers, green chilies, and crispy bacon with cream cheese, sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s the perfect appetizer or party snack served warm with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 3 cups corn kernels (thawed or drained)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 4 ounces mild diced green chilies (drained, 1 can)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Protein
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Garnish (optional)
- Additional corn kernels
- Diced red bell pepper
- Cooked bacon pieces
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream cheese and sour cream: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined, forming the creamy base of the dip.
- Add vegetables, bacon, and spices: Fold in the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, drained green chilies, crumbled bacon, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Spread into baking dish: Transfer the mixed dip evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top for even cooking.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the spread dip for a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the dip: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top is fully melted and starting to brown slightly.
- Garnish: After baking, garnish the dip with additional corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, bacon pieces, and fresh cilantro if desired for color and extra flavor.
- Serve: Serve the warm corn dip immediately with tortilla chips for dipping, making it perfect for sharing at gatherings.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by using mild or hot diced chilies according to your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding roasted vegetables or beans.
- This dip can be prepared a few hours ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
