This creamy Corn Dip with cream cheese is a tasty treat for any gathering! It’s loaded with sweet corn, flavorful spices, and a hint of cheese that brings it all together.
I love serving this dip with crunchy tortilla chips. Just don’t be surprised when it vanishes in minutes—everyone goes back for more! 😄
Making it is super easy—just mix everything together and chill. It’s perfect for parties or simply snacking on while binge-watching your favorite show!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the base for this dip, giving it a rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using Neufchâtel cheese instead—it’s similar but has less fat.
Sour Cream: This adds a nice tanginess. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute, offering creaminess with added protein.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, feel free to use medium cheddar, or try pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Corn: Canned corn is convenient, but fresh or frozen corn works beautifully and can enhance the flavor. Just cook and cool it before adding.
Bacon: Chopped cooked bacon adds a smoky note. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for depth without meat.
How Do I Make Sure My Dip is Creamy and Not Lumpy?
To get that perfect creamy consistency, start by ensuring your cream cheese is really soft. Let it sit at room temperature before mixing. Use a hand mixer for a smooth blend with the sour cream.
- Combine the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Add in your cheese and other ingredients and mix gently to keep everything fully incorporated.
- Transfer to a baking dish without over-stirring once all elements are combined.
Baking it until hot and bubbly will help everything meld together beautifully. Enjoy your creamy, smooth corn dip! 🎉
Cream Cheese Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained (or 1 ½ cups fresh/frozen corn)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions, divided
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped cilantro or extra green onions
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake, making a total of roughly 35 minutes from start to delicious finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your dip is mixed.
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Mix them together until the mixture is nice and smooth. You can use a fork or a hand mixer to make it easier!
3. Add the Tasty Ingredients:
To the creamy mixture, add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the drained corn, 3 tablespoons of chopped green onions, the chopped bacon, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), and some salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Transfer to the Baking Dish:
Take the mixture and spread it evenly into a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Make sure to smooth the top so it cooks evenly.
5. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dip. This will create a delicious cheesy crust!
6. Bake:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is nice and bubbly with the top cheese melted and lightly golden.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Once baked, take it out of the oven carefully. Sprinkle any remaining green onions or fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color. Serve it warm with tortilla chips or your favorite crackers for dipping.
Enjoy your creamy, cheesy corn dip as a perfect appetizer or snack at your next gathering! Everyone will love it! 🎉
Can I Use Frozen Corn Instead of Canned?
Yes, absolutely! If using frozen corn, just make sure to cook and cool it before adding it to the mix. This will prevent excess moisture in the dip.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover corn dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. You might want to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option or don’t have bacon on hand, try adding sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for extra flavor. Smoked paprika can also give you that smoky taste without the meat!
