Savory Southern corn dip (or fiesta corn dip) is a popular appetizer or side dish in Southern cuisine. It’s a creamy and cheesy dip that features corn as its main ingredient, with gives it an added crunchy texture. In this recipe I’m going to show you how I make it.
Corn on Corn, a Southern Tradition.
Here in the south we love our corn. We use it to make cornbread, muffins, casseroles, and a thousand other delicious main dishes, appetizers, and side dishes.
Today I’m sharing a corn-based recipe you’re going to love. It’s also served with corn chips. So. . .corn on corn. Because, one can never have too much of a good thing, right?
This creamy corn dip is a great appetizer that’s going to keep your guests happy while you finish grilling whatever meat you have on the grill–whether it’s our St. Louis Style Pork Ribs, our Drunken Chicken, or our amazing Breakfast Fatty with Chorizo. What a perfect combination!
They won’t mind waiting for the main course if you offer them this delicious corn dip. There’s a reason some people refer to it as crack corn dip. It’s addicting! So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!
Savory Southern Corn Dip Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a quick look at what you’re going to need. These are simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
- cans of sweet corn (drained)
- chopped green chilies (slightly drained)
- medium heat chopped jalapeno peppers (drained and set liquid aside to use later)
- finely sliced green onions
- finely diced red and green bell peppers
- mayonnaise (our favorite brand is Dukes)
- sour cream
- salt and pepper (add more or less to taste)
- garlic powder (add more or less to taste)
- sharp cheddar cheese (or whatever sharpness you prefer – Mexican cheese blend works great too!)
- corn chips or tortilla chips
How to Make Savory Southern Corn Dip
Dice red bell peppers and green bell peppers and set aside.
Dice your green onion and set aside.
Place all of the ingredients (except the cheese) in a large mixing bowl.
Mix until creamy.
Add the cheese and mix well (add more or less, depending on how thick you want the dip)
For a spicier flavor, add some of the juice from the jalapenos in and stir until desired spiciness is reached.
Refrigerate dip for one to two hours to let thicken
Remove from refrigerator, stir and serve with corn chips.
This dip is best served cold, but you can also serve it at room temperature.
What to Expect from this Savory Southern Corn Dip
This dip is bright and delicious. It’s got a wonderful creamy texture but the canned corn has a crisp crunch to it that you’re really going to enjoy.
It has a slightly spicy flavor but not over-the-top. It’s just right with the salty chips. Like I said before, corn on corn. It’s how we do it here in the Lone Star State.
This cold corn dip is a real crowd pleaser, and it’s in high demand around here, whether it’s a summer party or a simple gathering of family and friends.
It’s the perfect party dip and a great addition to any appetizer spread or game day snack table. I hope you’ll give it a try then leave a comment letting me know your thoughts.
Make it Your Own
This is such a great recipe just as it is. But there are always ways to change things up to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions:
If you prefer a creamier texture, use 1 cup mayo and 1 cup sour cream.
For a spicier dip, use hot jalapenos. You can also add chili powder instead of garlic powder. And you can even use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for even more great flavor!
Add a dash of lime juice, cayenne pepper and/or fresh cilantro to give it that Mexican street corn dip flare.
Instead of sweet corn, you can use canned southwest or chipotle style corn, which will already have bell peppers in it (if you use this, you can go without the fresh chopped red/green bell peppers, if preferred).
If you prefer, you can cook 32oz. of fresh corn and chill before adding to the dip.
Questions People are Asking
Can I make a hot corn dip recipe by cooking these ingredients in my slow cooker (crock pot)?
- I haven’t personally tried this, but there are some great hot corn dip recipes out there. Check out this hot corn dip recipe from cookiesandcups.com.
How do I store this corn dip?
- Store any leftover dip in an airtight container in your refrigerator and eat within 3-4 days.
What are some other popular names for this dip?
- Some call it Southern Corn Dip, others call it Mexican Corn Dip. Still others refer to it as Crack Corn Dip, cream cheese corn dip, or jalapeño corn dip. No matter what you call it, this is one of those easy appetizers that’s sure to be a big hit at your next get-together.
Other Sides to Enjoy
If you enjoy side dishes, you might want to try the following:
Sauteed Cinnamon Apples: We’ve got a delicious recipe for sauteed apples that are perfect with any of our meats, especially pork dishes like our Ultimate Breakfast Fatty and St. Louis style Pork Ribs.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese and Green Chilis: This recipe from Southern Home Express looks absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to give it a try.
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this new dip recipe.
See this recipe at
About the Man Behind the Grill
Zach Morrow was born and raised in Texas and has always had a passion for great barbecue. He’s at home behind the grill and loves to feed his friends and family home-cooked favorites as often as he can. He especially loves trying new things and is excited to produce recipes like this one for Backyard Texas Grill.
Savory Southern Corn Dip
Savory Southern corn dip is a popular appetizer or side dish in Southern cuisine. It's a creamy and cheesy dip that features corn as its main ingredient, with gives it an added crunchy texture. In this recipe I'm going to show you how I make it.
Ingredients
- Three 11oz. cans of sweet corn (drained)
- One 7oz. can of chopped green chilies (slightly drained)
- One 4oz. can of medium heat chopped jalapeno peppers (drained and set liquid aside to use later)
- 1/2 cup finely sliced green onion
- 1/2 cup of finely diced red and green bell Peppers
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (we use Dukes)
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. salt and pepper (add more or less to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder (add more or less to taste)
- One 12 ounce package of cheddar cheese (whatever sharpness you prefer)
- Corn chips
Instructions
- Finely chop green onion and peppers. Set aside.
- Mix all of the ingredients (except the cheese) in a large bowl, stirring until creamy.
- Add the cheese and mix well (add more or less, depending on how thick you want the dip).
- For a spicier flavor, add some of the juice from the jalapenos in and stir until desired spiciness is reached.
- Refrigerate dip for one to two hours to let thicken.
- Remove from refrigerator, stir and serve with corn chips.
- Best served cold.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 252Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 293mgCarbohydrates: 17gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g