Corn Dip with Cream Cheese

Mexican Corn Dip with Cream Cheese recipe has a secret weapon, is easy, and is delicious hot or at room temp. Be a Game Day food hero!

Creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and packed with sweet corn flavor, this easy hot corn dip is the kind of recipe people hover around at parties.

Easy Corn Dip with Cream Cheese

Easy to make all year round using canned or frozen corn, but my secret weapon... start with sweet corn on the cob. This Corn Dip with Cream Cheese is especially impressive when you take the extra step to use fresh corn. Your people will taste the extra love in this delicious dip!

No fresh corn? Frozen extra sweet corn works nicely, too.

Other Easy Dips

I'm a sucker for dips. Try one of our other dips for a delicious appetizer recipe that gets your mouth excited. Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip or Cranberry Cheese Ball.

Throw some Pita Chips in the Air Fryer for a fun, easy homemade dipper.

Why This Corn Dip with Cream Cheese Works

This corn dip with cream cheese stands out because it balances creamy texture, sweet corn, and just enough heat to keep every bite interesting.

• Cream cheese melts into a smooth, scoopable base that stays creamy even as it cools.
• Sweet corn adds texture and natural sweetness that balances the spices.
• Cheddar cheese creates that bubbly, golden top everyone digs into first.
• Flexible ingredients mean fresh, frozen, or canned corn all work beautifully.
• Easy to put together

It's the kind of easy hot corn dip that feels homemade but comes together with minimal effort which is exactly why it shows up at so many game days, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Serve Corn Dip with Fritos Hot or Cold

This dip checks all the "best dip" boxes: creamy, cheesy, crunchy, fresh, with a touch of spice.

Corn Dip with Cream Cheese loves Fritos Dippers. But this hot corn dip is also delicious with corn tortilla chips or butter crackers! Use what you have.

I was inspired to create this cooked version by my cold Mexican Street Corn Dip, Crack Corn Dip Recipe. I loved so much about that cold recipe, but I wanted a hot dip I could stir together and throw in the oven for Sunday Game Day or put in the crockpot to take to a party.

Ingredients for Easy Corn Dip

• Corn - Fresh, Frozen or Canned
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese - I use sharp cheddar cheese to get the most flavor out of the cheese
• Sour Cream - full fat or reduced fat works well. You could even substitute Greek yogurt for a lower fat version
• Softened Cream Cheese - full or reduced fat
• Green Onions - I use the green and white part
• Garlic - Fresh is my favorite, but jarlic works, too
• Chili Powder and Cumin - Spice it up a little without being hot
• Lime Juice - the acidity helps to balance the richness. Roll the lime on the countertop before cutting to get the most juice.
• Jalapeno - remove the seeds and the membrane to reduce the heat or include them if you like it hot
• Cilantro - I love the freshness this brings, but one of the baby angels thinks it tastes like dish soap, so I make him his own little dish sans cilantro.
• Pepper Sauce - Crystal Hot Sauce is my favorite, but use any you like
• Frito Scoops, butter crackers, or tortilla chips for dipping

How to Make Corn Dip with Cream Cheese

1. Cut the corn off the cob. I like using a bundt pan to catch the corn. Run your knife down the cob cutting the corn off the cob. Then use the back of the knife to scrape all the corn milk out. That's where the goodness really is!

2. Cook the corn in a saucepan on medium heat with enough water to keep it from burning. Bring the corn to a boil then turn off the heat. Allow the corn to cool. (If you are using canned corn, drain the liquid off completely.)

3. Place your corn kernels in a large mixing bowl. Add shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, green onions, chili powder, cumin, lime juice, jalapeno, and cilantro. Mix by hand.

4. Pour corn dip mixture into a baking dish. I used a glass 9-inch pie pan, but any pan about this size will work.

5. Bake at 375 degrees for 25-35 minutes or until golden browned on top and bubbly. Carefully remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and/or green onions.

6. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired. Trust me, you desire hot sauce on this cheesy corn dip.

Substitutions for Corn Dip

This recipe is pretty flexible and forgiving. Use what you have and make it your own!

Sour Cream - Plain Greek yogurt substitutes for sour cream with no notable differences. You can also make it with mayonnaise, if needed. I prefer the tang of sour cream here.

Jalapeño Peppers - Use fresh or pickled jalapenos. I always keep pickled ones in the fridge for times I don't have a fresh jalapeno or just need a little bit. The pickled ones are pretty mild and most people (even my princess) can handle the "heat" they bring.

Garlic - I used fresh garlic in this dip, but feel free to use garlic powder if that's what you have. Probably, a half teaspoon would be sufficient.

Green onions - There is a local restaurant that has a signature dip where they use diced red onions, and it is yummy. I would use red onions if I were short on green onions.

Cheese - I used extra sharp cheddar cheese, but about any shredded cheese would be great! Consider, pepper jack, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, etc. Personally, I wouldn't use mozzarella or any of the milder cheeses, but you do you!

Equipment

Glass baking pans allow you to cook and serve all in one dish. I love the simplicity of that in this easy appetizer.

I used a 9-inch pie pan to bake mine, but any pan around this size will work.

Metal pans will work just as well.

Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you use shiny pans sometimes items bake a bit faster. It's always best to set your timer for the lowest baking time suggested. Check for desired doneness and add more time, if needed.

FAQ

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