Baked Creamy Corn Jalapeño Dip (Print Version)
Warm, cheesy baked corn and jalapeño dip with a golden crust — a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dairy
01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
02 - 1/2 cup sour cream
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Vegetables
05 - 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, canned and drained, or thawed frozen)
06 - 2 to 3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely diced
07 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
08 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Spices and Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
11 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together using a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until completely smooth and creamy.
03 - Add the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, corn kernels, diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the bowl. Stir until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
04 - Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Fold gently until all seasonings are fully incorporated.
05 - Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into a uniform, even layer.
06 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbling hot throughout.
07 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Top with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast of sweet corn and spicy jalapeños keeps every bite interesting without overwhelming anyone at the party.
- It comes together in ten minutes with nothing more than a bowl and a spoon, which means less stress and more time to enjoy your guests.
02 -
- Undercooking the dip by even five minutes leaves the flavors muted and the texture too loose, so wait for real bubbling around the edges.
- Soggy corn from an improperly drained can will thin out the entire dish, so pat canned kernels dry with a paper towel before adding them.
03 -
- Cold cream cheese will leave you with lumps no matter how hard you stir, so set it on the counter for at least an hour before starting.
- A thin layer of shredded cheese directly on the bottom of the greased dish before adding the filling creates a crispy crust that people will fight over.