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Crack Corn Dip

Crack Corn Dip is a warm, comforting appetizer featuring sweet corn, melted cheeses, and smoky bacon, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups frozen or fresh corn kernels Thawed if frozen
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened Swap with Neufchâtel for a lighter option
  • 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt works for a healthy option
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided Use pepper jack for a spicier twist
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled Omit for vegetarian version; try smoked paprika for depth
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Swap with shallot for mild sweetness
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped Leave seeds for more heat
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin Or substitute smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley For brightness
  • 1 Juice of 1 lime Optional, but lifts the flavors

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 1.5-quart baking dish.
  2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to paper towels and crumble when cool. Reserve about 1 teaspoon of rendered bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté in the bacon fat (or a tablespoon of olive oil) for 4–5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  4. Add the garlic and jalapeno to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the corn and cumin and cook for 3–4 minutes to warm through.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and lime juice if using.
  7. Fold in the warm corn mixture until well combined.
  8. Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top and scatter crumbled bacon across.
Baking
  1. Bake for 12–15 minutes until bubbling at the edges and golden on top.
  2. For a bubbly, browned finish, broil for 1–2 minutes watching closely.
  3. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

This Crack Corn Dip is forgiving — feel free to mix cheeses, adjust heat, or add roasted red pepper for a sweeter note. Serve warm with tortilla chips, toasted baguette slices, or crisp vegetables.