Creamy Tex Mex Corn Dip

Creamy Tex Mex Corn Dip

This warm veggie dip is an excellent way to highlight the sweet flavour of fresh corn. The corn really shines when paired with cream cheese and all the usual Tex Mex ingredients.

Best of all, this quick appetizer is so easy to whip up. Just a few minutes on top of the stove and you’ll be dipping away to your heart’s content. I love a simple appetizer recipe that’s huge on flavour with little effort!

This corn dip recipe is similar to a queso style dip, or even the Mexican corn dip; Esquites with a few major differences. It contains all the same vegetables as ‘Cowboy Candy’ with the addition of cream cheese and canned cream corn.

That’s right. I said canned cream corn. I find that this ingredient brings up the creaminess factor of the dip without adding a lot of extra calories. Don’t get me wrong, the cream cheese is there to fill in the calorie gap.

You won’t miss the queso fresco, sour cream, and mayonnaise in this dip because this dip is loaded with south west flavours and sweet sweet corn.

Speaking of south west flavours, this homemade Taco Seasoning blend is PERFECT for this dip recipe. Whip up a little extra on your next taco night so you can use it in the dip!

Simple Corn Dip Recipe Ingredients

• Cream Cheese
• Creamed Corn
• Corn
• Milk
• Red Bell Pepper
• Onion
• Jalapeno
• Garlic
• Black Beans
• Chili Powder
• Cayenne Pepper
• Paprika
• Salt and Pepper
• Tortilla Chips

These ingredients are simple and can be found in any grocery store. Chances are you already have most of them stocked in your pantry or refrigerator.

I always recommend refreshing your spices every 1-2 years. Stale spices just do not have the same flavour impact on dishes that fresh spices do. With a recipe that relies on spicy flavours such as this corn dip, fresh spices make all the difference.

Note that this dip recipe requires real garlic and not dried garlic powder. You can totally make it with garlic powder, but there’s nothing that replaces the flavour of real garlic.

If you prefer, you can add a cup or two of shredded cheddar cheese on top and bake it in a 400 F oven for 10-15 minutes.

What Kind of Corn Should I Use in Corn Dip

The short answer is…all of them! You can use either canned or frozen corn but I find that fresh corn on the cob is always the best. It is a bit more work but the sweet flavour of fresh corn is worth it.

The corn should be cooked before you add it to the saucepan, as you are really only reheating the kernels up in the cream cheese mixture. Want to know what the easiest way to cook corn is?

Would you believe you can cook corn in the Instant Pot? It’s true! So quick and easy. Additionally, cooking those kernels quickly seals in all those sweet sugars so you’ll have the best tasting corn.

How to Make Creamy Tex Mex Corn Dip

To make this dip, begin by sautéing the aromatics (finely diced onions, red peppers, and jalapenos) in a medium saucepan with a drizzle of oil. Sauté them together over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and turns translucent.

Next, add the garlic and spices (chili powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper) or Taco Seasoning (if using). Cook for another minute then add the creamed corn to the saucepan.

Finally, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it to the warmed cream corn mixture. Slowly whisk the cream cheese as it melts into the creamed corn.

Once the cream cheese has melted, add the corn kernels and black beans. Allow the mixture to heat up but do not boil. Whisk in a bit of milk or Greek Yogurt if the dip seems too thick.

Tasty Variations

Everyone has their own flavour and ingredient preferences, so feel free to adjust this recipe according to what you like. That’s what makes cooking so fun and unique!

• Love meat? Add in cooked chopped spicy chorizo or crispy bacon bits.
• Like it spicy? Double up on the jalapenos or use the pepper of your choosing. OR add your favourite hot sauce!
• Prefer even more cheese? Melt in your favourite finely shredded cheese such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Fontina.
• Want it baked? Make the dip stovetop then transfer to an oven safe dish. Cover with your choice of cheese and bake in a 400 F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions and Leftovers Storage

Like the photos suggest, the best way to serve this dip is with tortilla chips! The colour doesn’t matter, although red or blue corn chips makes a more eye catching table display than regular white tortilla chips.

You can also serve this Tex Mex Corn Dip with frito scoops (best scooping potential) or even toasted baguette slices or crostini.

If there are any leftovers, cover and refrigerate them immediately after serving. They will keep for up to three days when stored properly. Simply reheat the dip stovetop or in a microwave.