This Creamy Chipotle Corn Dip is a delightful mix of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and a little kick from chipotle peppers. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying on a cozy night in!
Honestly, it’s hard to stop once you start dipping. Just make sure you have plenty of chips on hand! I love to serve mine with crunchy tortilla chips for extra yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn: Fresh corn on the cob gives the best flavor and texture. If it’s not in season, frozen corn works great too. Just make sure it’s thawed and drained before mixing!
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess. For a healthier twist, you can substitute Greek yogurt. It will still keep that creamy texture with a bit of tang!
Chipotle Peppers: These add a smokiness and spice. If you’re not a fan of heat, use smoked paprika for flavor without the kick. You can also try crushed red pepper flakes.
Cotija Cheese: This cheese adds a nice salty flavor. Feta is a good substitute if you can’t find cotija. You could also skip the cheese for a dairy-free version!
Cilantro: Essential for freshness! If you’re not a fan, parsley works well, or you can use green onions for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Grill Corn Perfectly?
Grilling corn can seem tricky, but it quickly becomes easy with a few tips! Start by removing the husks and silk for a nice char. Then, grilling adds a smoky flavor you can’t get from boiling.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium-high heat.
- Place the corn directly on the grill once hot, turning every few minutes.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes until charred and tender. Let it cool slightly before cutting off the kernels.
Remember, take your time to get that golden-brown color. It’s all about those lovely grill marks! Following this will make your dip pop with flavor.
How to Make Creamy Chipotle Corn Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 4 ears of fresh corn (or 3 cups fresh/frozen corn kernels)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers can)
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. If you’re using fresh corn, roasting or grilling may take an additional 10-12 minutes. Quick, easy, and perfect for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Corn:
If you’re using fresh corn, start by removing the husks and silk from the ears. Grill or roast the corn on high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning it occasionally until it’s nicely charred. Once cooked, let it cool for a few minutes and then cut the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, just thaw and drain it.
2. Mix the Creamy Base:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to blend everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Just a couple of minutes will do the trick!
3. Add Those Kickin’ Flavors:
Now it’s time to spice things up! Stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Fold in the Corn and Cheese:
Gently add the roasted corn kernels and crumbled cotija (or feta) cheese to the creamy mixture. Fold everything together carefully to keep the corn intact, ensuring it’s well combined.
5. Final Touches:
Add the fresh cilantro next, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to combine and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, and sprinkle some extra smoked paprika and chopped cilantro on top for a nice finish. It’s ready to impress!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the dip immediately with tortilla chips for dipping. If you prefer, let it refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld even more. Either way, it’s going to be a hit!
Enjoy your flavorful, creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy Creamy Chipotle Corn Dip!
Can I Use Canned Corn Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Canned corn is a convenient option. Just drain and rinse it before adding to the mix to reduce extra moisture and sodium. Use about 2 cups of canned corn as a substitute for the fresh.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dip, start by adding just one chipotle pepper and taste before adding more. You can also balance the heat with extra sour cream or mayonnaise to tone it down.
How Long Does Leftover Dip Last?
Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as it may thicken slightly when chilled.
Can I Make This Dip Vegan?
Yes! You can use plant-based cream cheese, vegan sour cream, and mayo. For the cheese, opt for vegan feta or nutritional yeast for added flavor. Just ensure your chipotle peppers are also vegan-friendly!