Need a quick appetizer that disappears in seconds This easy corn dip with cream cheese is your answer. Whether you’re hosting game day attending a potluck or just craving something warm and cheesy this hot corn dip with cream cheese takes just 10 minutes and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
A corn dip with cream cheese is a creamy crowd-pleasing appetizer that can be served either hot and bubbly straight from the oven or cold and chilled depending on your mood or occasion. It’s highly customizable too—add extra cheeses spices or vegetables to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: This corn dip comes together in just 10 minutes. No complicated steps no waiting around—just mix heat and serve.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy cheesy base with sweet corn and a hint of spice appeals to almost everyone. Kids love it adults can’t resist it and it pairs perfectly with chips.
Minimal Ingredients: You only need 5-6 basic ingredients. No hunting down specialty items or spending a fortune at the grocery store.
Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer snack or even a side dish. It works for game day parties family gatherings holidays or casual movie nights.
Make It Your Own: Easy to customize with different cheeses spice levels or add-ins like bacon jalapeños or green onions.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious cream cheese corn dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar works best for flavor
- 1 can 15 oz sweet corn drained well or 1½ cups frozen corn
- ¼ cup sour cream adds extra creaminess
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for a kick
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish optional
Optional Add-ins: Diced jalapeños cooked bacon bits diced red bell peppers or a squeeze of lime juice for a Mexican twist.
Equipment
- Medium mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe dish or small saucepan
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Serving bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Top Tips
Soften the Cream Cheese: Always use room-temperature cream cheese. It mixes much easier and creates a smoother dip. If you forgot to take it out ahead of time microwave it for 15-20 seconds.
Drain Your Corn Well: Excess liquid makes the dip watery. Pat the corn dry with paper towels after draining for the best consistency.
Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor but you can also use Monterey Jack pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend.
Adjust the Heat: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more if desired. For a milder version skip it entirely. For extra spice add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Keep It Warm: If serving at a party transfer the dip to a small slow cooker on the “warm” setting or use a fondue pot to keep it at the perfect temperature.
Make Ahead: Prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance store it covered in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Instructions Method
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Drain the corn thoroughly and pat dry. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or soften it in the microwave for 20 seconds. Shred your cheddar cheese if using a block.
Step 2: Combine Cream Cheese and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until the butter melts. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Sour Cream
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Step 4: Add Corn and Seasonings
Fold in the drained corn garlic powder onion powder cayenne pepper salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly so the corn is evenly distributed throughout the dip.
Step 5: Heat the Dip
Microwave the mixture for 2-3 minutes stirring every 60 seconds until the cheese is fully melted and the dip is hot throughout. Alternatively heat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat stirring constantly for about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Check Consistency
If the dip seems too thick add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream. If it’s too thin add more shredded cheese and heat for another 30 seconds.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to your serving bowl and garnish with chopped cilantro green onions or a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese. Serve immediately while hot.
Hot Corn Dip with Cream Cheese With Fritos
This dip pairs perfectly with Fritos corn chips—their salty crunchy texture complements the creamy dip beautifully. The slight sweetness of the corn in the dip matches the corn flavor of Fritos creating an addictive combination.
For the ultimate serving experience arrange Fritos around the bowl of hot dip or place the dip in the center of a large platter surrounded by chips. You can also serve it with tortilla chips pita chips crackers or fresh vegetables like bell pepper strips and celery sticks.
Toppings for Corn Dip
Take your dip to the next level with these delicious toppings:
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Sliced green onions or chives
- Crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor
- Diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Shredded cheese melted on top
- Paprika or chili powder for color and flavor
- Fresh lime wedges for squeezing
- Diced tomatoes for freshness
- Hot sauce drizzle for spice lovers
Nutrition
Per Serving based on 8 servings:
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did You Try This Recipe
I’d love to hear how your cream cheese corn dip turned out Did you add any special ingredients or toppings Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. If you loved it please share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for introducing them to their new favorite appetizer
Don’t forget to rate this recipe and tag me on social media with your photos. Your feedback helps other home cooks decide to try this delicious dip
FAQ
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned
Absolutely Use 1½ cups of fresh corn kernels. You can use it raw for crunch or sauté it first for deeper flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat this dip
Microwave in 30-second intervals stirring between each or reheat on the stovetop over low heat stirring frequently.
How can I make this dip spicier
Add diced jalapeños extra cayenne pepper hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
Is this recipe gluten-free
Yes the dip itself is gluten-free. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free chips or crackers.
