Creamy Hot Corn Dip with Cream Cheese 🌽🧀

This delectable hot corn dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game day, parties, or cozy evenings at home. It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! The combination of sweet corn and zesty spices makes it irresistible, and it pairs perfectly with chips, veggies, or even smothered over grilled meats. Get ready for a dish that will disappear in minutes!

Ingredients

For the dip

• 2 cups of fresh or frozen sweet corn
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or more for a smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish

• Extra shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños for added heat (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic and onion powders. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the goodness: Fold in the sweet corn, cheddar cheese, diced red bell pepper, green onions, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

4. Transfer to a baking dish: Spread the mixture into a greased oven-safe dish and top with a generous sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese.

🥄 For extra creaminess, you can use a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. This adds a tangy flavor and is a bit healthier!

5. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Top with chopped cilantro or parsley, and sliced jalapeños if desired, before serving warm with tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced vegetables.

🥄 If you want a bit of crunch, you can sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top before baking!

Variations

• Spicy: Add diced fresh jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mix for a kick that’ll warm you up! 🔥
• Southwestern: Mix in black beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies for a more robust flavor.
• Cheesy: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese, or add a blend of your favorite cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Vegetarian: Toss in diced zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor while keeping it meat-free!

This hot corn dip is sure to make your gatherings extra special, and trust us, you'll want to stash this recipe away for repeated use! Enjoy! 🎉🌽🧀