This Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip is the ultimate party treat! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with crispy bacon and sweet corn. Perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!).
Whenever I make this dip, it’s always a hit! I love serving it with crunchy tortilla chips or fresh veggies to scoop it up. Just be ready for everyone to come back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: This dip is really brought to life by the crispy bacon. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works too. For a vegetarian twist, try sautéed mushrooms for that umami flavor.
Corn: Fresh corn is sweet and delicious, but frozen corn is just as good—just make sure it’s thawed before using. Canned corn is another alternative, but be sure to drain it well. Sweet corn is ideal, but you can also use a mix of corn varieties for more texture.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the dip. If you’re aiming for a lighter version, you could substitute with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. For a non-dairy option, try a vegan cream cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice flavor, but feel free to mix it up with pepper jack for some spice or gouda for a different taste altogether.
Jalapeño: If you prefer less heat, you can omit the jalapeño or use diced bell peppers instead. For extra spice, try using a serrano pepper!
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Consistency?
The key to the creamy texture is properly blending your ingredients. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, which makes mixing much easier. Here’s how to achieve that smooth mix:
- Beat the cream cheese with a mixer or a whisk until it’s fluffy before adding other ingredients.
- Gradually stir in the mayonnaise and shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
- Ensure your corn is evenly distributed, so every bite is packed with flavor.
Don’t skip mixing well—it ensures every dipper gets the same tasty experience! Enjoy making this dip and watch it quickly vanish at your next gathering!
Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (if frozen, thawed)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tortilla chips or crackers, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious dip will take about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, for a total of 35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe you’ll want in your collection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your dip bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden brown top.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it becomes crispy. This should take about 5-8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and drain. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for flavor!
3. Sauté the Corn:
Add the corn kernels to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the corn is slightly cooked and fragrant. Then, remove it from the heat.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped green onions, and the sautéed corn. Mix everything together until it’s well blended, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Bacon and Jalapeño:
Now, fold in about half of the crumbled bacon and half of the jalapeño slices into the mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout.
6. Transfer and Spread:
Transfer this creamy goodness into a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes thoroughly.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the dip is bubbly and golden brown on top.
8. Garnish:
Once baked, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon, jalapeño slices, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this tasty dip warm with tortilla chips or your favorite dippers. Just be prepared; it tends to disappear quickly!
This Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, with a hint of heat from the jalapeño. Perfect for game days, parties, or cozy nights in with friends and family!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Yes! While sharp cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for some spice or gouda for a unique flavor. Just make sure you have a good melting cheese for that creamy consistency!
What If I Don’t Have Bacon?
No problem! You can substitute bacon with cooked turkey bacon, pancetta, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just season it well to enhance the flavor.
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble it in your baking dish and bake when you’re ready to serve. It may need an extra few minutes of baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back some of the creaminess!
