Hot Corn Dip with Monterey Jack and Cheddar
Creamy, cheesy corn dip with roasted kernels, sautéed vegetables, and a kick of cayenne. Fresh corn is seared until golden, combined with mayo, two cheeses, and aromatics, then baked until bubbly. Serve immediately with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 ½ cup corn kernels, fresh, from 4 ears white or yellow corn
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, fresh ground
- 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, chopped, green and white parts
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
- 2 teaspoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise(optional)
- 4 ounce monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounce cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- tortilla chips, for dipping
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- 2
Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add corn, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until kernels turn deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl.
- 4
Melt remaining butter in skillet. Add yellow onion and red bell pepper, cook stirring often until onion is wilted, about 2 minutes.
- 5
Add green onion, jalapeno, and garlic. Cook stirring for 2 minutes until vegetables soften.
- 6
Transfer to bowl with corn.
- 7
Add mayonnaise, half of monterey jack cheese, half of cheddar cheese, and cayenne. Mix well.
- 8
Pour into 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- 9
Bake until bubbly and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes.
- 10
Serve hot with tortilla chips.
Tips
Do not freeze this dip; it does not reheat well after freezing.
Good to Know
Do not freeze. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Assemble dip in baking dish up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while hot and bubbly, directly in the baking dish or transferred to a warm serving bowl.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip searing the corn to golden brown; this develops essential caramelized flavor.
Do not overbake; 12 minutes maximum prevents the cheese from becoming stringy or the dip from drying out.