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This gooey bacon jalapeño corn skillet dip turns a popular starter into a cheesy, crowd-pleasing treat. The mix of sweet corn, hot jalapeños, crunchy bacon, and melted cheese creates a perfect flavor combo that'll have everyone fighting for the last scoop.
I whipped this dip up when friends popped over unexpectedly and I needed something fast but impressive. By the end of the night, the empty dish and countless requests for the recipe told me I'd found my new go-to party food.
Ingredients
- Sweet corn: grab it straight off the cob for the best flavor though frozen works great too
- Crispy bacon: brings that smoky punch and nice crunch against the creamy mixture
- Fresh jalapeños: add that clean heat while pickled ones throw in some tang
- Spicy mayo: gives the perfect dippable texture with a touch of warmth
- Cream cheese: makes everything rich and velvety just like traditional jalapeño poppers
- Half and half: thins everything out to the right creaminess without going overboard
- Mozzarella cheese: delivers those long, stretchy pulls that everyone goes crazy for
- Sharp cheddar: packs a flavor punch that doesn't get lost among the other ingredients
- Green onions: add fresh, zippy notes throughout
- Garlic: builds that tasty base that makes everything else pop
- Seasoning blend: this mix of salt sugar pepper paprika and chili powder makes sure every bite tastes amazing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté The Aromatics:
- Drop butter into a skillet over medium heat then toss in green onions and garlic. Let them cook until they smell great, about 2 minutes. This sets up your flavor base, so watch the garlic closely since it'll turn bitter if it browns.
- Add Corn And Seasonings:
- Toss your corn kernels into the pan with all your seasonings including salt pepper paprika and chili powder. Mix everything well so the corn gets coated in that buttery spice mix. Let it cook for 3 minutes until the corn starts to brown a bit.
- Incorporate The Cream Base:
- Put your softened cream cheese in the pan and let it melt into the corn mix for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring so it melts evenly. Once it's mostly melted, add the spicy mayo and stir until everything looks smooth.
- Create The Cheese Sauce:
- Add the half and half with a gentle stir. Slowly mix in both mozzarella and cheddar, stirring non-stop until they've completely melted, making a smooth, gooey sauce that covers all the corn.
- Add Final Toppings:
- When your dip looks just right, sprinkle extra jalapeño slices, green onions, and crumbled bacon on top. Add a few drops of hot sauce if you want more kick. Serve it right away while it's hot and bubbly for the best taste and texture.
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Jalapeños really make this dish special. My grandma taught me that keeping some seeds and the white parts adds just enough heat without drowning out the other flavors. Whenever I bring this to family get-togethers, my brother always grabs the section with the most jalapeños.
Slow Cooker Version
This dip works great in a slow cooker when you want things super easy. Just dump all ingredients except the toppings into your crockpot and cook on low for 2 hours, giving it a stir now and then to help the cheese melt in. Sprinkle the toppings on right before you serve. This way is fantastic for parties since the dip stays warm the whole time.
Ingredient Substitutions
Feel free to play around with what you've got in your kitchen. Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want more kick, or grab a Mexican cheese blend to save time. If you don't eat meat, just skip the bacon or try a veggie version. When corn isn't fresh, try roasted chopped bell peppers instead. I love how this recipe rolls with whatever you throw at it, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Serving Suggestions
This dip goes great with thick tortilla chips but tastes just as good with crusty bread slices or pita chips. For something lighter, try celery sticks, bell pepper slices or cucumber rounds that give a fresh crunch against the rich dip. It fits perfectly on a bigger snack table alongside guacamole, salsa and a meat and cheese board, giving your guests plenty of tasty options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I swap fresh corn for frozen?
Definitely! Just make sure the frozen corn is thawed and well-drained to keep the texture right during cooking.
- → How can I tone down the spice?
Go lighter with the jalapeños, or skip them altogether. You could also substitute with a milder pepper variety to dial it back.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Of course! Assemble everything except the garnish. Warm it up in your skillet or slow cooker just before serving, and pop on the garnish right before eating.
- → What can I use to scoop this?
Thick tortilla chips, baguette slices, or crunchy veggies like celery and bell peppers all work fantastically.
- → Can I add other meats for variety?
Go for it! Stirring in cooked sausage or some shredded chicken adds great flavor and texture for a heartier snack.