Corn Dip

What ingredients are in corn dip?

Before you can serve up a bowl of this ultra-tasty corn dip, you’ll need to gather the following ingredients:

• Corn: The star of the show! Using canned corn simplifies the process, yet you’re welcome to swap in an equivalent amount of corn kernels, freshly cut from the cob, whether they’re raw or pre-cooked/grilled.
• Southwest Corn: It’s all about enhancing the corn with a few additions like chopped red and green bell peppers. If you prefer, substitute with southwestern or fiesta corn blends. While canned Green Giant Mexicorn is a top pick, any southwest corn mix fits well.
• Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: These ingredients create the creamy foundation of the dip.
• Green Onion: Adds a splash of color, a hint of flavor, and a touch of crunch.
• Shredded Cheese: Elevates everything! Cheddar is a safe bet for its broad appeal across mild, medium, and sharp varieties, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blends, such as Mexican or Colby Jack.

Should this dip be served hot or cold?

Whether served chilled or warmed up to gooey, melty goodness, this corn dip is versatile and easy to adjust for whatever style of dip you’re craving.

To Serve Cold

Prepare the dip as directed, then it’s ready to serve with tortilla chips. For a cooler temp, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

To Serve Hot

Choose your preferred method to warm it up:

• Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F. Transfer the dip into a bake-friendly dish, and let it warm up for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired level of cheese meltiness.
• Microwave Method: Opt for a microwaveable bowl and warm the dip in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between. To maintain optimal texture, limit total microwave time to less than 7 minutes.

Pro Tip: When heating this dip, remember it has raw green onions and mayonnaise, which can change in flavor when warmed up. I recommend doing taste tests as you go. Aiming for semi-melted cheese seems to offer the best balance between preserving flavors and a cheesy consistency.

Can You Use Fresh Corn?

If canned corn isn’t your thing, you can opt for fresh or frozen corn. Here’s how:

• For Fresh Corn: Swap in 1.5 cups of fresh corn kernels for the 15-ounce can of regular corn, equating to about 2 medium-sized cobs. You can either use raw corn kernels or roast them first; choose whichever flavor sounds best to you.
• For Frozen Corn: Thaw and thoroughly drain 1.5 cups of frozen corn to replace the 15 ounces of canned corn. Ensuring the corn is well-drained prevents any unwanted wateriness in your dip.

Substituting Southwest Corn

Southwest corn is essentially corn mixed with bell peppers and spices. If you’re having trouble finding the ready-made version of it in stores, you can create your own using the following guidelines:

• Use about 2 cups of corn (can used canned or fresh or frozen, prepared as above).
• Add 1/2 cup of finely diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green works well).
• Optional: A dash of paprika or chili powder for that southwest kick.

Should You Shred Your Own Cheese?

Using pre-shredded cheese is extremely convenient, but it contains some preservatives (such as potato starch) that help keep the shredded cheese separated in the bag. And while this is great for grabbing a quick pinch of shredded cheese, freshly shredded cheese not only offers a more robust flavor but also a smoother melted texture.

This is especially important if you plan on serving this corn dip warm, as the abovementioned preservatives in pre-shredded cheese will impact the texture and creaminess of the dip. So, if you’re after the creamiest possible experience for your heated corn dip, consider shredding a block of your favorite cheese. It’s a bit more work, but the smoother, creamier melted cheese is worth the extra effort.

What can you serve with corn dip?

When it comes to party dips, there are so many options for dipping! Feel free to use any (or many!) from the list below:

• Tortilla Chips: A timeless pick that pairs seamlessly with corn dips.
• Scoop Chips: Their structure is perfect for hearty, chunky dips.
• Pita Chips: Their subtle taste complements without overwhelming the dip.
• Potato Chips: Offer a different crunch for those seeking variety.
• Multigrain Chips: Introduce a deeper flavor and a healthier choice.
• French Bread: Serve it sliced and toasted for a robust dipping experience.
• Baguette Slices: Elegant and crispy, especially when toasted.
• Focaccia: Its olive oil and herb notes harmonize with the dip.
• Sourdough: Its slight sourness contrasts nicely with the dip’s creaminess.
• Ciabatta: Opt for thin, toasted slices for a lighter bread option.
• Celery: Adds a fresh and crunchy dimension.

Can you make this dip in advance?

Absolutely, you can prepare this dip 1-2 days ahead of your event. Just keep it refrigerated in a tightly sealed container until ready to serve.

How long is it good for?

Once made, store the corn dip in a sealed container in the fridge. IIt’ll remain fresh for up to 3-5 days. There’s no requirement to bring it to room temperature or reheat before serving, unless you prefer it that way.

Can you freeze it?

Bad news here, guys. I have to advise against freezing this dip due to its mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is an emulsified ingredient, and the freezing and thawing process can alter the consistency in a way that would make it unappetizing.

For best results, plan on enjoying this dip while it’s still fresh.

How long can you leave out a party dip?

Whenever you serve a dip for your guests to enjoy, you should always keep track of how long it sits at room temperature.

For most foods, the general rule of thumb is that a perishable item should not be in the “danger zone” for more than two hours. And by “danger zone,” this is usually at or just above room temperature.

Once you’re near the recommended time, you can cover the dip and place it back in the refrigerator. If your guests still want more dip, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before bringing it back out again.

Want to dig deeper into food safety? Take a look at the USDA’s Food Safety Basics, especially the part about the above-mentioned “danger zone.”

Step 1 – Add corn, southwest corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, green onions, and cheese (whatever flavor you like) in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2 – Mix it all up!

Step 3 – Serve and enjoy!