If there was ever a party dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!), it’s Roasted Corn Dip. It’s creamy, warm, a little spicy, and bursting with smoky charred corn flavor—a total crowd-pleaser you’ll want at every gathering. One scoop and you’ll see why it disappears fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- That irresistible smoky-sweet flavor: Charring the corn brings out its natural sweetness and adds a layer of delicious, toasty complexity that takes this dip to the next level.
- Ultra creamy and cheesy: Cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and a touch of mayo come together for that luscious, scoopable texture everyone craves.
- Just the right kick: A blend of diced green chiles and pickled jalapeños provides a gentle heat that’s flavorful but won’t overwhelm sensitive tastebuds.
- Easy to make ahead (and reheat!): You can prep everything in advance, pop it in the oven just before guests arrive, and enjoy a piping hot Roasted Corn Dip with zero stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Roasted Corn Dip is that it uses everyday ingredients—each one adding its own unique spark! Here’s a quick look at what makes this dip so delightfully satisfying, from the zesty chiles to the rich cheese.
- Corn kernels: Roasted fresh or frozen corn is the heart of this dip—charring them adds that irresistible smoky depth.
- Cream cheese: Makes everything ultra creamy and helps bind the dip together.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and lightens up the richness for ideal balance.
- Mayonnaise: Just a bit brings both creaminess and subtle umami to the mix.
- Salt: Seasons the dip and brings all the flavors to life.
- Chili powder: Adds gentle warmth and a pop of color.
- Garlic powder: For that classic savory hint, without overpowering the corn.
- Canned diced green chiles: Mild but super flavorful, giving a Southwest flair.
- Pickled jalapeños: Bring just the right amount of zesty heat (and a little tang!).
- Green onions: Fresh, vibrant, and a perfect finishing touch both inside and on top.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully—try a Mexican blend for even more flavor variety.
Variations
Roasted Corn Dip is endlessly customizable—think of the base recipe as a flavor playground! Experiment with different add-ins, spice levels, or even cheeses to match your cravings and any special dietary needs.
- Add bacon: Stir in some crisped, chopped bacon for a savory, smoky boost that makes the whole dip extra decadent.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip any meaty add-ins and try stirring in sautéed bell peppers or black beans for extra color and substance.
- Spice it up: Go bolder with fresh jalapeños, chipotle powder, or even a dash of hot sauce for those who love serious heat.
- Add freshness: Stir in chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving for a zesty, herby finish.
- Use different cheese: Swap in smoked gouda or pepper jack for another dimension of flavor and just a bit more punch.
How to Make Roasted Corn Dip
Step 1: Char the Corn
Start by roasting your fresh or thawed corn kernels under the broiler. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet, then watch as they blister and caramelize—this is where all that signature smoky-sweet flavor happens! Flip or stir occasionally for even charring, and let cool before handling.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
While your corn cools, grab a large bowl and blend together the cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until totally smooth and lump-free. This luscious mix is what gives Roasted Corn Dip its classic scoopable creaminess.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Goodies
To the creamy base, add in your salt, chili powder, garlic powder, diced green chiles, diced pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, and shredded cheese. Stir everything until it looks vibrant and well combined—every bite should have a little of everything!
Step 4: Stir in the Corn and Bake
Gently fold in your beautifully charred corn. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and smooth the top, then pop it in a preheated 375°F oven. Let it bubble away for about 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the top is irresistibly golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with more fresh green onions (or your favorite toppings), set out some sturdy chips or veggies, and watch friends and family dig right in!
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Corn Dip
- Corn Matters Most: For deep, smoky flavor, use fresh summer corn if possible—but frozen works in a pinch. Just be sure to broil until golden spots develop!
- Room Temperature Dairy: Soften your cream cheese ahead for super smooth mixing and a uniformly creamy dip—no lumps allowed.
- Bake in a Shallow Dish: Use a wide, shallow baking dish for even bubbling and plenty of golden brown edges (which are the best part!).
- Make Ahead Friendly: Assemble the dip up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and simply bake before serving—so easy for parties or potlucks.
How to Serve Roasted Corn Dip
Garnishes
Freshly sliced green onions are a classic, but don’t be shy—try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a dusting of crumbled cotija, or a few jalapeño slices for extra flair. Even a squeeze of lime over the top can bring a pop of brightness to each bite of Roasted Corn Dip.
Side Dishes
Tortilla chips are a must and sturdy enough to scoop up all the goodness. For something lighter, set out sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds, or celery sticks. This dip also pairs fabulously with grilled meats, tacos, or as a side with a fresh summer salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Roasted Corn Dip in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm, or spoon piping-hot into individual ramekins as a fun appetizer. For a party, hollow out a bread bowl and fill it with the dip—just slice up the bread “lid” for dunking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chances are, leftovers will be rare! If you do have extra Roasted Corn Dip, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, and it reheats beautifully for snacking the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dip, just know the texture may change a bit due to the dairy. For best results, transfer cooled dip to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your Roasted Corn Dip and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 15–20 minutes should do it. You can also zap smaller portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
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Can I make Roasted Corn Dip completely ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dip (right up to the baking step), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve—add 5 extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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Is Roasted Corn Dip gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—just be sure to pair it with gluten-free dippers like corn tortilla chips or veggie sticks if serving guests with sensitivities.
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Do I have to use fresh corn, or will frozen work?
You can absolutely use frozen corn! Just make sure to thaw and then broil it for a little char. While fresh corn makes the sweetest, smokiest dip, both options are delicious in Roasted Corn Dip.
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Can I double the recipe for a big party?
Yes! Roasted Corn Dip is easy to scale up—just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole or two baking dishes. You might need to extend the bake time by 10–15 minutes if the dip is deeper.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Corn Dip is truly a party champion—cheesy, full of smoky flavor, and ridiculously easy to make ahead. I hope you give it a try soon and share it with folks you love. Trust me, there won’t be a single bite left behind!
PrintRoasted Corn Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 30m
- Total Time: 45m
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Corn Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. With a hint of spice and lots of cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (about 4 ears fresh corn)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, diced
- 3 green onions, finely sliced, plus more for serving
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, grated (or Mexican blend)
Corn Dip:
Instructions
- Prepare Corn: If using fresh corn, char the corn under the broiler, then slice kernels from cobs. If using frozen corn, thaw and char in the oven.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, seasonings, chiles, jalapeños, green onions, cheese, and corn.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, bake until bubbly and golden brown, 30-35 minutes.
- Serve: Top with more green onions and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 50mg