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This simple corn dip comes together super fast and is always gone before you know it at get-togethers. It’s creamy with a little spice and has a nice crunch from fresh veggies that everyone loves.
I stumbled on this one when I needed a quick dish for a surprise party and it quickly became my go-to dish for potlucks. People loved the mix of tastes and how quick it was to toss together.
Ingredients
- Sweet corn: brings natural sweetness and texture either fresh off the cob or drained canned with no salt
- Sour cream and mayo: mix to make a rich, creamy base full fat works best
- Cream cheese: adds smooth texture use block cream cheese instead of spreadable tubs for a better feel
- Shredded cheddar: gives sharp flavor pick a good quality for a punch
- Pepper jack cheese: adds a mild kick and creaminess freshly shredded from the deli is best
- Garlic and onion powder: layer in savory notes fresh spices make a difference
- Smoked paprika: adds mild smokiness pick bright and clump-free
- Chili powder: for gentle heat choose a mild blend so it’s not too spicy
- Salt and black pepper: bring everything together adjust to your taste
- Green onions: add a crisp oniony bite pick fresh green tops only
- Red bell pepper: provides sweet crunch pick firm and vibrant
- Jalapeño: brings heat and flavor remove seeds if you want less spice
- Fresh cilantro: adds bright herbal flavor this is optional but great if you like it
Steps
- Mix The Base:
- Start by preparing the corn kernels—cut off fresh cobs, rinse canned ones, or thaw from frozen so there’s no extra water. In a big bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, and softened cream cheese. Stir gently until smooth and lump-free to get a nice creamy foundation.
- Blend Cheeses And Spices:
- Mix in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack evenly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. No need to toast spices here since chilling will bring out their flavors.
- Add The Fresh Stuff:
- Carefully fold in the corn, chopped green onions, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped jalapeño for a touch of spice. Toss in cilantro now if you’re using it. Don’t overmix to keep the veggies crunchy and pieces separate.
- Chill And Eat:
- Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least half an hour so the flavors get cozy. This dip tastes great chilled or at room temperature with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.
The crunch from red bell pepper and green onions is my favorite part it cuts through the creamy cheese so well. I bring this to family gatherings and people always ask me for the details making it one I keep coming back to.
Storage
Put any leftovers in a sealed container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days to keep it fresh. Give it a good stir before serving since some liquid might separate. Don’t freeze because it messes with the texture and can get watery or grainy.
Swaps
You can swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier base. Use Monterey Jack if you want it mild instead of pepper jack. If you’re not into cilantro try fresh parsley or chives. Roasted corn works well too if you want a smoky twist instead of raw.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy it with tortilla or pita chips or fresh veggie sticks like celery, carrots, and cucumber. Try it dolloped on warm baked potatoes or tacos. It’s also great as a creamy, spicy topping on grilled meat or burgers.
This dip is a winner for quick get-togethers and always wows with its creamy feel and fresh crunch.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Is frozen corn okay to use here?
Totally, frozen corn works fine. Just thaw it and squeeze out extra water so the dip stays creamy.
- → How do I make it less spicy?
Take out the jalapeño seeds if you want it milder. Or keep the seeds and add some cayenne if you like more heat.
- → Do I need both cheddar and pepper jack cheese?
Using both makes it creamy with a little spice. But if you want, just pick one kind of cheese.
- → Can I whip this up beforehand?
For sure. Make it earlier and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days so the flavors get better.
- → What should I eat this dip with?
Try it with chips, crackers, or fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a nice crunch.