Cheesy Corn Dip
This warm cheesy corn dip is creamy, melty, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced with jalapeño and smoked paprika. Baked in a skillet and ready in 25 minutes, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, game day, and holidays.
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal)
- cheese grater
- Sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or drained canned)
- ½ red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds removed for mild heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add corn, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
- Mix in cheddar, pepper jack, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle green onions over the top.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or toasted bread.
Notes
- This dip thickens as it cools. If it seems slightly loose when it comes out of the oven, that’s perfect. it will set into the ideal creamy consistency within a few minutes.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes before adding. This helps it melt faster and more evenly, preventing lumps.
- Taste before baking and adjust seasoning. Different cheeses vary in saltiness, so a quick taste test ensures perfect flavor.
- If using frozen corn, don’t over-thaw. Slightly cold corn actually helps prevent overcooking and keeps the texture firm.
- Use full-fat dairy for best results. Reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream can make the dip thinner and less rich.
- A wider skillet creates more golden edges. Those slightly caramelized cheesy edges add incredible flavor and texture.
- Let the dip rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set slightly and makes scooping easier.
- This dip is even better the next day. The flavors blend and deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.