Zesty Southern Corn Dip

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Meet your new party favorite: Zesty Southern Corn Dip. This creamy and slightly spicy dip is perfect for any occasion, bringing a taste of the South to your table with its bold flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients for Zesty Southern Corn Dip

Sweet corn kernels provide a naturally sweet and crunchy base. Feel free to use fresh, canned, or frozen, depending on what’s on hand. Shredded cheddar cheese melts into the dip, adding a rich, savory depth. Mayonnaise and sour cream lend creaminess, balancing out the heat and tang. Chopped cilantro brings a fresh, herby note. Jalapeño gives just the right amount of heat; adjust to your liking. Lime juice adds brightness and zest. Both garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor profile. Finally, a dash of salt, pepper, and paprika ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • For added flavor, consider roasting the corn slightly before mixing it in.
  • If you prefer a smokier taste, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
  • Feel free to adjust the jalapeño quantity based on your spice preference.
  • If the dip is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.

Serving Suggestions

This dip pairs beautifully with tortilla chips, pita bread, or even fresh veggies like bell pepper strips and cucumber slices. For a heartier option, serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a topping for tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
Is there a way to make this dip less spicy?
Sure, simply reduce or omit the jalapeño. You can also remove the seeds to tone down the heat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would work well here too.

Zesty Southern Corn Dip Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, gather all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño. Squeeze in the juice from one lime to add a fresh zing. Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

With a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want it to look like a cohesive mixture with all the ingredients evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This ensures everything cooks uniformly.

Sprinkle a bit of paprika over the top. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses a subtle smokiness. Place the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to become bubbly and turn a lovely golden brown.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the dip set a bit, making it easier to scoop and enjoy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for last-minute gatherings.
  • Packs a punch with a hint of spice from the jalapeño and a tangy kick from lime juice.
  • A versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of dippers.
  • Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor impact.

Ingredients

2 cups of sweet corn kernels
1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 cup of sour cream
1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
1 small jalapeño, diced
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 tsp of garlic powder
1/2 tsp of onion powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/4 tsp of paprika

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the corn, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle paprika on top for color and flavor.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

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