Spicy Southern Hot Corn Recipe: The Perfect Party Dip
I first made this Spicy Southern Hot Corn for a holiday get-together, and it was an absolute showstopper! It vanished from the table in minutes. This recipe is now my go-to for parties and potlucks because it’s incredibly simple to make but tastes gourmet.
The combination of creamy cheese, sweet corn, and a little kick of spice is just irresistible. While this is a fantastic side, if you’re looking for a main dish, you might also like our guide to the Chicken Zucchini Poppers Recipe.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even more amazing.
- Sauté the Peppers: I always sauté the fresh jalapeños and red bell peppers in a little butter for a few minutes before adding them. This softens them up and mellows their flavor, which I find blends better with the creamy corn.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, I add a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce or a spoonful of hot green salsa into the mixture before baking. It really elevates the heat without being overwhelming.
- Use a Mix of Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is classic, I sometimes use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or even a little pepper jack cheese for an extra layer of flavor and spice.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the dish in the oven. You want it hot and bubbly, but if you bake it too long, the sauce can become too thick or separate. 20 minutes is usually the sweet spot.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs. You can explore many other dinner recipes on our site as well.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter, cream cheese, and cheddar with your favorite dairy-free alternatives. There are many great vegan cream cheeses and shredded cheeses available that work well.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Diced onions, black beans, or even some roasted poblanos would be delicious additions.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier dish, stir in some cooked, crumbled bacon or chorizo. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet and spicy corn.
- Herbaceous Twist: Add some fresh cilantro or parsley at the end for a fresh, bright flavor. A sprinkle on top just before serving adds a nice touch of color and taste.
Equipment You Need
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this recipe.
- Medium Saucepan: For melting the butter and cream cheese and mixing all the ingredients.
- Casserole Dish: An 8×8 or similar-sized baking dish is perfect for baking the corn dip.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the peppers and any other fresh ingredients.
- Cheese Grater: For grating the cheddar cheese. Freshly grated is always best!
How to Serve Spicy Southern Hot Corn Recipe
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways.
- Serve it hot as a dip with tortilla chips, Fritos, or sturdy crackers.
- It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or tacos.
- For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of paprika. If you’re planning a full dessert spread, this pairs well before enjoying something sweet like an Pink Lemonade Pie.
Calories Count
Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving.
- Calories: 206 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 258mg
How to Store the Recipe
This dish is great for making ahead, and the leftovers are fantastic. Here’s how to store it properly.
Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Due to the dairy content, freezing is not recommended as it can cause the texture to become grainy upon reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are just a few reasons why this Spicy Southern Hot Corn is sure to become a new favorite.
- Incredibly Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavor combination is a guaranteed hit at any party or family dinner.
- Super Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a topping for other meals.
- Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.
Spicy Southern Hot Corn Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a moment to chop your red bell pepper and fresh jalapeños. If you’re using frozen corn, ensure it is fully thawed and drained. For a softer texture, you can briefly sauté the bell peppers and fresh jalapeños before adding them to the sauce.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter and cream cheese. Stir these ingredients frequently as they melt to create a smooth and creamy sauce. This rich base is what gives the corn dish its signature velvety texture, so make sure there are no lumps before moving on to the next step.
- Once your cream cheese and butter have melted into a smooth sauce, add the corn, diced red bell pepper, fresh jalapeños, and pickled jalapeños. Season the mixture with paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Now it’s time for the cheese! Stir in about half to three-quarters of your freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese into the saucepan. Continue to stir until the cheese is completely melted and integrated into the sauce. This step makes the dish extra gooey and delicious.
- Pour the corn mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.