This warm and creamy corn dip is a real treat! Loaded with sweet corn, cheesy goodness, and crispy bacon, this dip is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes with tortilla chips—just try not to eat it all in one sitting! Trust me, it’s hard to resist! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bacon: The star of this dip! I love using thick-cut bacon for a more robust flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works, too, but it won’t be as crispy.
Cream Cheese: This gives the dip its creamy texture. You can substitute it with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little heat!
Corn: Canned corn is convenient, but fresh or frozen corn tastes great, too! Just make sure to cook it first if using fresh.
Mayo & Sour Cream: Both add creaminess. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan mayo and coconut yogurt instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Dip Is Creamy and Fluffy?
Mixing the ingredients well is key for a smooth dip. Here’s how to achieve that wonderful creaminess:
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature; this helps it blend easily.
- Use a hand mixer or whisk to combine the cream cheese, mayo, and sour cream first—this creates a fluffy base.
- Gradually fold in the other ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make your dip dense.
Following these steps will give your dip the perfect texture everyone will love!
Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 6 slices of bacon
- 1 (15 oz) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can cream-style corn
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying it in roughly 40-45 minutes! Perfect for parties or cozy nights in!
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 all bubbly and delicious.
2. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon slices until they’re nice and crispy. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on some paper towels. Save about a tablespoon of the bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the white parts of the sliced green onions and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté these in the reserved bacon grease until they smell fantastic, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Then, remove from heat.
4. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Add in the drained whole kernel corn, cream-style corn, the sautéed green onion whites, and garlic. Finally, add some freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix it all together until well blended.
5. Add Bacon and Cilantro:
Next, fold in half of your crumbled bacon and half of the chopped cilantro. This will add great flavor and texture to your dip.
6. Prepare to Bake:
Transfer the mixture into a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish. Spread it evenly so it bakes perfectly.
7. Bake the Dip:
Pop your skillet or dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the dip is bubbly and golden on top.
8. Final Touches:
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon, the green parts of the sliced green onions, and any leftover cilantro on top for a fresh pop of flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip warm with tortilla chips for dipping. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and smoky delight with family and friends!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my go-to for flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a bit of spice. Just make sure to shred them for even melting!
Can I Prepare This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to a day in advance. Simply mix everything together and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Use Instead of Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can skip the bacon altogether or swap it out for smoked paprika or liquid smoke to replicate that smoky flavor. You could also use cooked and crumbled veggie bacon for a similar texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the dip looks dry, add a splash of milk to bring back some creaminess!
