Easy Creamy Corn Dip (aka Crack Corn Dip)

This easy and creamy corn dip (also known as Crack Corn Dip) is a type of dip or spread made with canned Mexican-style corn, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chilies, and green onions. The ingredients are typically mixed together and served cold, though sometimes baked or heated until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dip is often served with corn chips as a snack or appetizer for game day, during holidays, summer potlucks, picnics, or other special events.

Do check out our other delicious corn recipes, like our tried-and-tested Homemade Mexican Street Corn (Elote), this easy Chicken with Creamed Corn dinner recipe perfect for weeknight meals, and our microwave version of our Creamy Corned Dip!

Once a month, we meet with the young couples from our church either at our place or at another family’s residence. It’s called YAMS (Young and Married), and we have a topical discussion of themes and issues that young couples often face. It was in one of our YAMS gatherings that I brought this delicious creamy corn dip! I was pressed for time, and I didn’t want to fuss over something difficult to prepare. This was a winner, and ever since I posted it, it has become one of our most popular recipes, earning 5-star ratings!

Why You Will Love This Creamy Corn Dip Recipe

This creamy corn dip is made by combining canned Mexican-style corn, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chilies, and green onions, and can be served cold or baked until bubbly. The dip improves in flavor and texture when made ahead, as the ingredients fully combine and the mixture thickens overnight in the refrigerator.

This dip can be served with a variety of dippers including tortilla chips, corn chips, vegetables, crackers, bread slices, pretzels, or pita chips. Adding bell peppers and cilantro to the traditional recipe augments both its visual attractiveness and flavor profile. The dip’s consistency and taste can be adjusted by adding ground pepper, salt, or a small amount of sugar to balance and enhance the flavors.

Notes About this Creamy Corn Dip

Mexicorn: A canned corn product that includes diced red and green bell peppers mixed with sweet corn kernels, pre-seasoned for Tex-Mex dishes and commonly found in the canned vegetable aisle.

Rotel: A brand of canned diced tomatoes blended with green chilies, available in original and hot varieties, that adds both acidity and mild heat to dips and casseroles.

Fiesta Corn: Sweet corn kernels mixed with diced peppers and seasonings similar to Mexicorn, often used interchangeably in recipes calling for Mexican-style corn.

Make-Ahead Dip: A cold appetizer prepared hours or days in advance that improves in flavor and texture as ingredients meld together in refrigeration, which makes it ideal for party planning.

Tex-Mex: A regional American cuisine that blends Mexican cooking traditions with American ingredients and tastes, marked by heavy use of cheese, cumin, and canned convenience ingredients popular in Texas and the southwestern United States.

The origin of this creamy corn dip is unclear and likely evolved over time through various cultural influences and individual adaptations. However, dips and spreads made with corn as a base ingredient have been a staple in various cuisines, including Mexican and Tex-Mex, for many years. The addition of cheese and other ingredients to create a creamy texture is a relatively recent development and has become increasingly popular as a snack or appetizer in the United States and beyond. After all, it won’t be called “crack” if it wasn’t delicious, and it truly was!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh corn instead of canned for this dip?
Yes, you can substitute fresh corn, but you’ll need about 3 cups of cooked kernels to replace the three cans. Roast the fresh corn in a skillet with a little butter first to develop deeper flavor and remove excess moisture, as fresh corn contains more water than canned and can make your dip runny. The canned variety offers convenience and consistent seasoning that’s hard to replicate with fresh.

How long does creamy corn dip last in the refrigerator?
This dip will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The texture may become slightly thicker and some liquid separation can occur, but simply stir it before serving. If you notice any off smells or the dairy products appear curdled, it’s time to discard it.

Can I freeze leftover corn dip for later use?
Freezing is not recommended for this dip because mayonnaise and sour cream separate and become grainy when thawed, resulting in an unappetizing texture. The cheese may also become crumbly rather than creamy. It’s better to halve the recipe if you’re concerned about having too much, or plan to serve leftovers within a few days.

What’s the best way to transport this dip to a potluck without it getting messy?
Use a container with a tight-fitting lid and fill it only about ¾ full to prevent spillage during transport. Place the container in a larger bowl or on a flat baking sheet in your car to keep it level. Consider bringing your garnishes (cilantro and bell peppers) separately in a small bag and adding them right before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Can I make a lighter version of this dip without sacrificing too much flavor?
Replace the regular mayonnaise and sour cream with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt versions to cut calories and fat while maintaining creaminess. You can also use reduced-fat cheddar cheese, though the dip won’t be quite as rich. Avoid fat-free versions of all ingredients at once, as the dip will lack the luxurious mouthfeel that makes it so addictive—pick one or two swaps for best results.

What can I serve with this crack corn dip?

• Tortilla chips
• Vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers
• Crackers
• Bread slices or baguette
• Pretzels
• Pita chips

Feel free to get creative and try different dippers to find what you like best!

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR AN EASY CREAMY CORN DIP?

• 3 cans fiesta corn or Mexicorn, drained

• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel (reg or hot), drained

• 1 (6 oz) can diced jalapeno, drained

• 2 cups shredded cheddar,

• 5 green onions (about 1/2 cup), sliced

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped

• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

HOW DO YOU MAKE EASY CREAMY CORN DIP?

• Mix all the ingredients except for the bell peppers and cilantro in a bowl.
• Stir to evenly combine.
• This can be made a day ahead. Simply refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Add the finely chopped bell peppers just before serving. The dip will thicken as it sits in the fridge.
• Season with a little ground pepper, salt, and a touch of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) to further enhance its flavor, if desired.

This creamy corn dip delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect go-to appetizer for any gathering where you want to impress without the stress.

Easy Creamy Corn Dip (aka Crack Corn Dip)

Manila Spoon

This easy and creamy corn dip (also known as Crack Corn Dip) is a type of dip or spread made with canned Mexican-style corn, cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, chilies, and green onions. The ingredients are typically mixed together and served cold though sometimes baked or heated until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dip is often served with corn chips as a snack or appetizer for game day, during holidays, or other special events.

4.49 from 60 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 245 kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• 15 oz each 3 cans fiesta corn or Mexicorn, drained
• 1 10 oz can Rotel (reg or hot), drained
• 1 6 oz can diced jalapeno, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar
• 5 green onions (about 1/2 cup), sliced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 piece red bell pepper, finely chopped
• handful fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

 

• Mix all the ingredients except for the bell peppers and cilantro in a bowl. Stir to evenly combine.
• This easy creamy corn dip can be made a day ahead. Simply refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Add the finely chopped bell peppers just before serving. The dip will thicken as it sits in the fridge.
• Season with a little ground pepper, salt and even a little sugar (1/2 a teaspoon) to further enhance its flavor as needed or desired.

Notes

TIPS AND TRICKS

Other recipes don’t necessarily include bell peppers and cilantro but I added them not only for a nice pop of color but for the flavors they add, too.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 9gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 249mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 538IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 158mgIron: 0.2mg

Keyword easy creamy corn dip, fiesta corn dip, how to make crack corn dip, mexican corn dip, mexicorn dip, what is crack corn dip

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