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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bacon: Use your favorite type—thick-cut bacon works great for extra crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a fine substitute, though it will have a different flavor. You can also skip bacon for a vegetarian version using smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness!

Corn: Fresh corn is lovely, but frozen corn is super convenient and works just as well. Canned corn can be used too; just make sure to drain it properly to avoid extra moisture.

Cream Cheese: For a lighter dip, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese. Neufchâtel cheese is similar but with less fat. Greek yogurt can also substitute for a tangy twist!

Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but feel free to mix it up! Monterrey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a kick. Parmesan adds a nice depth, but you can use Pecorino Romano too.

How Do I Ensure the Dip Stays Creamy?

The creaminess of your dip can be impacted during preparation, so be mindful of a few steps:

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Blend everything together well after adding the cheeses and other ingredients, ensuring a smooth texture before baking.
• Watch the baking time closely. Overbaking can dry it out. It should be bubbly with a lightly golden top, around 20-25 minutes.

Following these tips will help you serve a deliciously creamy and craveable hot corn dip that everyone will love!

Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Dip:

• 6 ounces bacon (about 8-10 slices), cooked and crumbled
• 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels (thawed if frozen)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

• Tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take you approximately 15 minutes to prepare, and then about 20-25 minutes to bake in the oven. It’s a quick and satisfying dip that you can whip up in no time!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your dip bakes evenly and gets bubbly and delicious.

2. Cook the Bacon:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it is nice and crispy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Make sure to reserve about a tablespoon of the bacon fat in the skillet for later use.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, around 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until it’s fragrant but be careful not to let it burn.

4. Mix the Creamy Base:

In a large mixing bowl, gather the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, chili powder (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy; you can use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon.

5. Combine the Ingredients:

Now, stir in the corn kernels along with the sautéed onions and garlic. Mix well, and then fold in most of the crumbled bacon (saving some for the topping) until everything is well combined.

6. Bake the Dip:

Transfer the dip mixture to a cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the top is starting to turn golden.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot with your choice of tortilla chips or toasted baguette slices.

This Bacon Bliss Hot Corn Dip is creamy and cheesily indulgent with crunchy bacon and sweet corn, making it the perfect party snack or game day treat!

Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan work wonderfully, you can substitute them with Monterrey Jack, Pepper Jack for some spice, or even a mix of your favorites. Just make sure they melt well!

Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This way, it can come to room temperature.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

Can I Make This Dip Spicy?

For a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños, or use spicy sausage instead of bacon. Adjust the chili powder to your preferred heat level, and feel free to sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving!