Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly zesty dip that'll make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Southwest Hot Corn Dip is not just another ordinary appetizer – it's a flavor explosion that'll steal the show at any gathering. Packed with sweet corn, melted cheese, and a kick of chili powder, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering crowd-pleaser that'll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure an oven-safe baking dish is ready for preparation.
- If using frozen corn, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels. If using canned corn, drain excess liquid thoroughly to prevent watery dip.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheese, creating a smooth, creamy base.
- Add diced red bell peppers, chopped green onions, corn kernels, chili powder, and salt to the cheese mixture. Mix ingredients until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and edges are slightly bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5-7 minutes to allow the dip to set and prevent burning.
- Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Make sure to thoroughly drain corn and pat it dry to prevent a watery dip. This ensures a creamy, thick consistency that's perfect for dipping.
- Cheese Selection: For maximum flavor, use a blend of cheeses. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack can add extra depth to the classic cream cheese base.
- Customize Your Heat: Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference. For more kick, add a dash of cayenne or some diced jalapeños.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for maximum convenience.
- Serving Suggestions: While tortilla chips are classic, try serving with fresh vegetable sticks, pita chips, or even as a topping for grilled meats for a versatile dish.
- Leftover Love: If you have any leftovers (rare, but possible!), this dip reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
