If you’ve been on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that checks all the boxes—creamy, cheesy, packed with smoky bacon, and bursting with the sweetness of corn—then this Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect combo of comforting flavors and irresistible textures, baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re throwing a party or just craving a delicious snack to cozy up with, this dip will steal the spotlight and have everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together in this recipe, each one playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy base to the crunchy bacon and vibrant veggies, every component enhances the overall deliciousness of the dish.
- Cream cheese (4 ounces, softened): Provides a rich, creamy foundation that melts beautifully when baked.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tanginess and helps keep the dip silky smooth.
- Corn kernels (3 cups, thawed or drained): Brings natural sweetness and a satisfyingly juicy bite.
- Red bell pepper (½ cup, diced): Offers a pop of vibrant color and a mild, sweet crunch.
- Mild diced green chilies (4 ounces, drained): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the dip.
- Bacon (½ cup, cooked and crumbled): Infuses smoky, savory goodness that’s absolutely essential.
- Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the dip with a fresh, herbal note.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers warm, aromatic spice that ties everything together.
- Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle earthiness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): For that irresistible gooey, golden top and cheesy punch inside.
- Garnishes as desired: Think more corn, bacon, or fresh cilantro for beautiful presentation and extra flavor.
How to Make Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to melt and meld all those amazing ingredients. Grease your baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Use a spatula or mixer to blend until completely smooth and creamy, which will serve as the luscious base of your dip.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables, Bacon, and Spices
Next, add the corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, drained green chilies, crumbled bacon, and freshly chopped cilantro to the creamy mixture. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, then stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly combined so every bite packs a flavorful punch.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This even layer ensures the dip cooks uniformly and looks inviting once baked. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, which will melt to form that gorgeous golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and started to brown slightly. The aroma at this point is honestly irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you want to take your presentation up a notch, garnish with extra corn kernels, more crumbled bacon, diced peppers, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving. This final touch adds color and an extra burst of flavor that makes the dip as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Serve Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a handful of extra crisp bacon bits, and additional corn kernels not only amp up the flavor but make the dip visually stunning. These toppings give vibrant colors and added texture, perfect for impressing guests.
Side Dishes
This baked corn dip pairs wonderfully with crunchy tortilla chips, warm pita wedges, or sliced fresh vegetables like crunchy bell peppers and celery sticks. For a more substantial spread, consider serving it alongside other hearty appetizers such as sliders or stuffed jalapeños.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl or small mini cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and cozy at the table. You could also portion it out into individual ramekins for a sophisticated touch that’s perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it a perfect ready-to-go snack or side for the next day.
Freezing
This dip freezes well if you want to save some for later. Freeze it in a sealed container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream cheese might change slightly, but the flavor remains just as delightful.
Reheating
Reheat your Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven helps maintain that nice bubbly texture on the top.
FAQs
Can I make this dip without bacon?
Absolutely! The bacon adds fantastic smoky flavor, but if you prefer to skip it or need a vegetarian option, you can simply omit it or substitute with smoked paprika for a smoky hint.
What type of cheese works best?
Sharp or mild cheddar works beautifully for this dip, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a smoked cheese to give your dip a unique flavor twist.
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes! Frozen corn is a great choice and often tastes fresher. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your dip.
Is this dip spicy?
It has a mild kick from the green chilies and chili powder, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or swapping mild chilies for a hotter variety if you like things fiery.
How long does this dip last once baked?
Once baked, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours. However, if you store it properly in the refrigerator, you can enjoy leftovers over the next 3-4 days with minimal loss in quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, cheesy, hearty dip like this Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe with friends and family. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and the perfect addition to any gathering or cozy night in. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it—trust me, it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation in no time!
Print
Baked Corn Dip with Bacon and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Corn Dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, sweet corn kernels, colorful bell peppers, mild green chilies, and smoky bacon, all seasoned with chili powder and cumin. It’s topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked until bubbly, making a perfect warm appetizer for gatherings and game days.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup sour cream
Main Mix-Ins
- 3 cups corn kernels (thawed or drained)
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 4 ounces mild diced green chilies (drained, 1 can)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Garnish
- Additional corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, cooked bacon, and chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cream the base: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and well combined, forming a creamy base for the dip.
- Add the mix-ins: To the cream mixture, add corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, drained green chilies, cooked and crumbled bacon, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Spread in dish: Transfer the dip mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dip.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish: Once baked, garnish the dip with extra corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, crumbled bacon, and chopped cilantro if desired to add freshness and extra color.
- Serve: Serve the warm corn dip immediately with tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- The dip can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; simply bake before serving.
- For a spicier dip, substitute mild green chilies with hot diced green chilies or add jalapeños.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add extra vegetables or beans.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for best melting results and flavor.
- Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
