This Creamy Jalapeno Corn Dip With Cream Cheese is a delicious dip, loaded with spices and veggies. It's the ultimate appetizer - perfect for game day or Cinco de Mayo!
You know when you find a recipe that's delicious, easy, and FAST to pull together? This deliciously creamy corn dip is just that my friends. A combination of corn and veggies, a little bit of spice, and a lot of cheese, all with ultimate dip-ability - it's my new favorite appetizer. This corn dip goes perfectly with tortilla chips or veggies, can be served hot or cold (I love it both ways!), and can even be made in the slow cooker.
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Why this recipe works
This dip makes a great appetizer or side dish and is devoured every single time I make it. Here's what I love about it.
- Creamy corn dip. Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the dip, creating a luscious texture.
- No bake! This is a cold corn dip, so no baking is involved. It's a great option when you need a quick recipe and a delicious dip fast! Perfect for those last-minute get-togethers!
- Easy appetizer. Because you just mix everything together for this jalapeno corn dip, this is a super easy dip to make. (Check out this simple cold crab dip for another great option!)
- Customizable. This cheesy dip is easy to customize - make it spicy by amping up the peppers or adding some hot sauce. Or, make it a hot corn dip by baking it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until everything is nice and creamy.
- Great for game day. This is a great party dip recipe and perfect if you're looking for a treat while you watch the big game.
Key Ingredients
This cream cheese corn dip recipe uses simple ingredients. Here's what you'll need.
- Cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream. Provides the creamy base for the dip and adds richness. I used regular cream cheese but feel free to use light cream cheese if you're looking to reduce calories.
- Corn. Whether you use frozen, canned, or fresh corn kernels, they add sweetness and texture to the dip. I like to look for "sweet corn" when buying at the grocery store.
- Jalapenos, green onions, and red bell pepper. The addition of jalapenos, green onions, and red bell pepper adds freshness and crunch to the dip, along with a little bit of heat.
- Lime juice. Adds a tangy brightness to balance out the richness of the cheese.
- Spices. Garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper add depth of flavor and a hint of heat.
- Cheese. Grated Mexican or cheddar cheese adds extra cheesiness and gooey goodness to the dip.
How To Make Corn Dip With Cream Cheese
This delicious Mexican corn dip recipe is incredibly easy to make. Here's how to do it.
- Combine. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, and spices.
- Mix until creamy. Mix until smooth using an electric mixer or a large spoon.
- Add the veggies. Add thawed corn, grated cheese, diced jalapenos, sliced green onions, chopped red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro to the mixture.
- Stir. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Transfer to a serving bowl.
- Serve! Serve cold with tortilla chips.
Variations And Substitutions
This is a great recipe as written, but here are some ways you can mix it up.
- Adjust the heat. For a milder version, omit the jalapenos or reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. Or, if you want to increase the spice, add some hot sauce or a can of green chiles to the mix.
- Lighten up. Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option. Or sub out full-fat cream cheese for a low-fat option.
- Try different types of cheese. I like using a Mexican blend here, which is easily found in the grocery store. But, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, or Monterey Jack, for a unique twist on this Mexican street corn dip.
- Make it hot. You can heat this cheesy dip in the oven to make a hot corn dip. Heating the cheese makes the dip extra creamy.
- Make it smoky! I love smoked corn, and this recipe tastes amazing if you substitute regular corn for smoked corn. Learn how to make smoked corn on the cob here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the dip up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is perfect for game days or parties when you're looking to make some dishes early. (And, I like this dip after it's rested a bit in the refrigerator since it gives the flavors time to meld together.)
Absolutely! This delicious appetizer recipe works beautifully as a hot dip too! Transfer the prepared dip to a crock pot and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbly.
Yes, fresh corn kernels will work in this recipe. Simply boil or grill the corn until tender and use it in place of frozen corn. You can also use canned corn if that's what you have on hand.
Overall, this dip is not too spicy, but it does have a subtle kick of heat. The level of spiciness can be adjusted by reducing the amounts of jalapenos and cayenne pepper you use.
Tortilla chips are the classic choice for dipping, but you can also serve it with corn chips, and crackers, in a bread bowl, or with sliced veggies for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. (The dip may start to get a little watery the longer it sits.)
With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and cheesy goodness, this Creamy Jalapeno Corn Dip With Cream Cheese is sure to become your new go-to appetizer for any occasion.
If you try this cheesy corn dip, let me know what you think in the comments below. And don't forget to tag me @frontrangefedon Instagram so I can see your masterpiece!
Recipe
Creamy Jalapeno Corn Dip With Cream Cheese (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- 6 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ⅓ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups frozen corn (allow it to thaw - you can also use canned corn)
- ¾ cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup fresh jalapenos finely diced
- ¼ cup green onions sliced
- ¼ cup red bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice salt, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Mix with a hand mixture, or a large spoon until everything is smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients (the corn, shredded cheese, jalapenos, green onions, red bell peppers, and cilantro) and stir together until everything is well incorporated into the cheese and sour cream mixture.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with chips, veggies, crackers, or bread.
Notes
- Serve it hot: To make this hot, heat your oven to 350 and place in the oven, covered for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is warm and bubbly.
- Crockpot: Heat the creamy corn dip in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours for an easy hot dip.
- Store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Daniel says
The smoked corn recipe you posted would pair well with a dip... just saying!
Sarah Jenkins says
You are right! It makes a great corn dip when you add some peppers, jalapeno, green onions, mayo, sour cream and a tiny pit of spice. Yum! A great way to enjoy it.
John says
Followed the recipe as is and used canned corn. The combination of cream cheese and spices was spot on. Perfect with tortilla chips!
Sarah Jenkins says
Thanks John!