Description
Hearty Cowboy Corn Dip delivers southwestern zest with creamy cheese and sweet corn kernels. Spicy jalapeños and crisp bacon create a party-perfect blend you can’t resist scooping up with tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Corn and Cheese:
- 2 cups corn (canned, frozen (thawed), or fresh (grilled for extra flavor))
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend)
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1–2 jalapenos, diced (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) Rotel tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Protein:
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Create a flavor foundation by thoroughly draining corn kernels, ensuring no excess moisture disrupts the dip’s creamy consistency.
- Whisk cream cheese until smooth and velvety, then incorporate sour cream, blending until uniform and free of lumps.
- Fold in shredded cheese, diced jalapeños, and Rotel tomatoes, stirring gently to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
- Integrate corn kernels into the creamy base, mixing carefully to maintain a balanced texture and prevent ingredient clumping.
- Select a suitable baking dish and lightly grease to prevent sticking, then transfer the corn mixture, spreading it into an even layer.
- Position the dish in a preheated 375°F oven, allowing the dip to heat through and develop a golden, bubbling surface for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- While baking completes, crisp bacon until it reaches a perfect crunch and finely chop fresh cilantro and green onions for vibrant garnish.
- Remove the dip from the oven and immediately sprinkle crispy bacon fragments across the surface for textural contrast.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and green onions, then finish with a bright squeeze of lime juice to elevate the flavor profile.
- Serve immediately alongside tortilla chips, crackers, or raw vegetable sticks for a versatile and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Notes
- Drain corn thoroughly to prevent watery dip, ensuring a thick and creamy texture that clings perfectly to chips.
- Opt for room temperature cream cheese to blend smoothly without lumps, creating a silky consistent mixture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity – remove seeds for mild version or add extra for spice lovers.
- Choose low-fat dairy alternatives for a lighter version without compromising rich, tangy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg