Spicy Jalapeño Corn Dip

Hot and bubbly Spicy Jalapeño Corn Dip served in a white ceramic dish with golden cheese and fresh herbs on a marble countertop. — Spicy Jalapeño Corn Dip – warm, creamy, and ready to scoop with your favorite chips! A cheesy, crowd-pleasing appetizer from FoodForYourGood.com.

Spicy Jalapeño Corn Dip is the kind of bold, cheesy appetizer that disappears faster than you can say “pass the chips.” This crowd-pleasing favorite blends sweet, caramelized corn with fiery jalapeños, smooth cream cheese, and tangy lime juice—all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re entertaining friends, hosting game night, or craving a cozy bite, this dip delivers flavor in every warm, creamy scoop.

Even better, it’s a breeze to prepare. Sauté everything in one skillet, fold in the cheeses, and finish under the broiler until irresistibly melty. What sets this apart? The balance of sweet corn, creamy cheese, and jalapeño heat is addictive, especially with the bright hit of lime and fresh cilantro.

Corn dips like this rose to popularity across Southern kitchens in the early 2000s, becoming staples at potlucks and parties thanks to their comforting, spicy-sweet flavor and ease. This version keeps all the goodness—just with a gourmet twist. It’s spicy, creamy, and seriously scoopable.

Recipe Yield: 6 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sour cream
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus more for topping)
Juice of ½ lime

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Sauté the aromatics:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño; cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the corn and spices:
Toss in the corn, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is slightly golden and caramelized in spots.

3. Stir in the creamy base:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined. Then mix in sour cream and half of the pepper jack cheese until smooth and creamy.

4. Finish with flavor:
Stir in Parmesan, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Broil and serve:
Transfer the dip to a small oven-safe dish. Top with the remaining pepper jack cheese and broil on high for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Sprinkle with extra cilantro before serving warm.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

Char the Corn for Extra Flavor:
Use a cast-iron skillet and let the corn sit undisturbed for 1–2 minutes before stirring to get caramelized, roasted edges.
Adjust the Heat:
For a milder version, swap the jalapeño with a poblano or remove all seeds. For more kick, leave some seeds or add a pinch of cayenne.
Make it Ahead:
This dip reheats beautifully! Prepare and store in the fridge, then broil just before serving to get that cheesy golden top.

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