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Creamy Southwest Corn Dip

creamy southwest corn dip - featured image

A quick and easy creamy southwest corn dip that can be served hot or cold, perfect for game nights, parties, or casual snacking. It combines cream cheese, corn, and southwest spices for a bold, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 15 oz (425 g) canned whole kernel corn, drained
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less spice)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if serving hot; skip if serving cold.
  2. Drain canned corn well. Optionally, char corn in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes until lightly charred, then let cool.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeño, and sliced green onions. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Sprinkle in garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Fold in drained (and optionally charred) corn kernels. Add fresh lime juice and mix to brighten flavors.
  7. For hot dip: transfer mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. For cold dip: cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
  9. Serve with tortilla chips, fresh veggies, or warm pita bread.

Notes

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes for smooth mixing. Charring corn adds smoky depth but is optional. For hot dip, do not cover while baking to get a golden crispy top. The dip can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Adjust spice level by adding more jalapeños or cayenne powder. Vegan substitutions include vegan cream cheese, coconut yogurt, vegan cheddar, and avocado mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: corn dip, creamy dip, southwest dip, appetizer, game night snack, easy dip, hot dip, cold dip, spicy dip